Houghton County creates courthouse security subcommittee after consultant urges single point of entry

A security consultant and local judges told the Houghton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 13 that the courthouse lacks a single point of entry and that screening visitors should be a priority.

Judge Fraser Strome said a single point of entry has been his “number one priority since 2019,” and thanked commissioners for past work to improve safety in District Court while noting that the front of the courthouse remains not ADA compliant. Jason Williams, a security specialist from Lansing, told the board there has been “an increase approximately 40% to judiciary judges and staff for threats/violence” and recommended locating screening on the courthouse first floor as a cost-effective solution.

Sheriff Saaranen said he supports “layers of security” and advocated implementing the engineering designs and a single point of entry; he noted the county already has a metal detector and suggested staffing changes to cover screening duties.

Commissioners moved to create a Courthouse Security subcommittee. The motion, made by Commissioner Roy Britz and seconded by Commissioner Gretchen Janssen, assigned Commissioners Joel Keranen and Roy Britz to work with Sheriff Saaranen on the subcommittee. The motion carried by voice vote, 5–0.

Williams told the board he will provide a written recommendation and will look for grant opportunities to help fund security improvements. Chairman Tom Tikkanen suggested the subcommittee return to the board with options, estimated costs, and potential funding sources. No construction or funding decisions were made at the Jan. 13 meeting; the subcommittee is expected to develop options for future board consideration.