Chippewa County Sheriff's Office

09/01/2026

Chippewa County Sheriff's Office booth open for business at the Fair.

Make sure to stop in and see us. We are once again giving stuffed animals to any child that colors us a picture from one of our free coloring books.

Don't forget to register for a free bike.

08/30/2026

***8/30/26 @ 2052 Service Providers have advised that the outage has been restored.***

*** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT***

Our center is aware of an ongoing cell phone disruption. This service outage is not local. We have been advised that representatives from out of state are continually working on fixing the issue.

We have been advised that 911 services are not affected.

The center continues to take 911 calls and is providing emergency services across the tri-county area.

The outage is hit and miss and does not affect the entire service area.

Landlines not connected to the cell service in this area are still operational.

Some tips for ensuring you have 911 access during cell phone outages.

-- If you have working WIFI, make sure you phone is set to use "WIFI Assist Calling." This can allow you to reach 911 even when your phone is in "SOS."

-- Texting 911 by satellite is now an option as well. Most phone companies would no allow access to text 911 via satellite connection. I have pinned a post to the top of our page that shows an example of how to use this option.

-- Low Signal, Call vs Text. It is recommended that even if you can not reach 911 by voice, a text will often go even with degraded services. Our center is set up to receive and send messages back and forth via text.

It is important to remember that this outage is not affecting first responder radio or paging services. Response and notification of emergencies is still intact and unaffected.

Also please know that the Chippewa County Central Dispatch center does not maintain, manage or otherwise control cell phone networks or companies. We have not been advised of an ETA for restoral. We are patiently waiting for the Full Service Bar, just like you are.

If you have additional questions about the outage, we recommend reaching out to your service carrier for comment or concerns.

We will follow up with any pertinent information when we receive it.

08/19/2026

CHIPPEWA YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM ORGANIZES BIKE GIVEAWAY!

The outreach program has been working with Second Chance Counseling and our local Walmart to sponsor this event. A BIG thank you to both of our sponsors for donating.

The below bicycles and helmets will be given away to four children at the Chippewa County Fair. The bicycles will be on display at the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office booth. You can sign up for the giveaway at the Sheriff's Office booth when open.

The drawings will occur on Saturday, 9/5/2026 at 5pm.

If you are interested in donating to the Chippewa Youth Outreach Program, please go to chippewacountycommunityfoundation.org
or use the QR code below.

Thank you, and see you at the FAIR.

08/17/2026

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office will be out looking for those who endanger the citizens of Chippewa County and all those who travel through it. These extra patrols are funded by OHSP.

Please do not drink and drive.

• Impaired driving not only endangers drivers and their passengers, but also other vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Our goal is to save lives on Michigan roads by raising awareness of the risks associated with driving impaired.

• With all the rider-service options available today, there is no reason to drive impaired. Consider rider-service options when planning a safe ride home.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit the OHSP impaired-driving page.

PLEASE MAKE GOOD DECISIONS.

08/14/2026

08/11/2026

We’re excited to share that the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $9,599.94 grant from TC Energy to help replace aging portable radios used by our ORV, Marine, Snowmobile and Search & Rescue Division.

With this funding, we were able to purchase six portable radios, replacing radios that are more than 26 years old and well beyond their intended service life.

These radios are critical, life-safety communication tools that our deputies rely on every day while responding to emergencies across our large and rural county. Having dependable communications is essential, especially when our deputies are working miles away from the nearest roadway or other resources.

We sincerely appreciate TC Energy for investing in our deputies and helping us keep the equipment they rely on up to date.

Thank you, TC Energy, for supporting the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and the communities we serve!

08/10/2026

UNIQUELY ABLE DAY DONATIONS
(Formerly Special Needs Day)

Every year the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office partners with the Chippewa County Fair to put on a cookout for our families with children with special needs.

After the children ride the carnival rides for free (thanks to Skerbeck) the families come to the Sheriff's booth for the cookout.

The last several years we have been lucky enough to get donations for this event (Cookout). This year the event will be on Sept 3rd.

The items we would be looking for are:

- Heavy duty paper plates
- Pre-packaged plastic utensils
- cases of water and/or sports drinks
- Potato salad/coleslaw
- prepackaged deserts (such as cookies and/or rice Krispie treats)
- hot dogs, buns
- boxes of individual potato chips
- Ketchup/Mustard/Relish

Anyone interested in donating please contact me at [email protected]

I will have a list of what is still needed.

Thank you all and see you at the Fair.

Michael D. Bitnar
Chippewa County Sheriff

07/24/2026

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
7/24/2026

It is with a humble heart that I’m officially announcing my retirement from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, effective 1-2-2027.

It is hard to believe that my career began with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office in June of 1991. I have been honored to serve the citizens of Chippewa County for 35 ½ years.

I have worked very hard throughout my career. I’ve worked in Corrections, Law Enforcement (Uniform division), drug team, Detective Sergeant, and Undersheriff. Oct of 2016 I was sworn in as Sheriff for the first time.

It is my recommendation to the appointing committee that Undersheriff Ryan Hering to be appointed to fill my position. He would have my full support, and, with their blessing, I would be able to retire knowing that I am leaving the office in great hands.

The people working for our Office are what makes it so great. We have some of the most dedicated employees here and I will miss them all.

I was always told that you will know when the time is right to retire. Well, the time is right. I plan on spending quality time with family and friends as well as taking some time for myself.

It has been a privilege to be part of such an amazing office, and I thank you all for your support over the years.

Thank you.

Michael D. Bitnar

07/24/2026

Training information for the U.P.

Expect an increased presence of Military Personnel, Military Equipment, Law Enforcement Personnel, and First Responders across the Upper Peninsula during the week of July 26th - 30th.

Please see the Press Release below for additional details.

https://x.com/MSPEighthDist/status/2080386027902918716?s=20

07/24/2026

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLScqWsTqcIfR1koBAT2Cdah4BzSnLxAUcd8Cv88n07essOpAWA%2Fviewform%3Fusp%3Dsharing%26ouid%3D115757543504463772786&h=AUA41XLCa7gQE62lO2wrp1OjzsRLq9oTnV-hgoGzn4UXil-isz9dlczHAqY_eLtH3XUt2psdsP5V_NnLly4LxrMCtmp8qIBDaEFldcmZCMu3BzH_NE4ATONQACd3_0Nq1sgYq7f3j8ErAXJZ&__tn__=q&c[0]=AUCjWlLdu4I-QpjpxDRhttRo8ZItiHe2xAcrJBLMK7T-smA8BtvtRAe4C2DX6LdCl-DCfay3aD2hhLG0Jrz4LVCkD9NYt4TnKKKWFU2eYibyz2crASS0nn2cC0v7hewD2ABAl4erSzxGs9VRkpryJDAFqqyFME8npAo

Please fill out this form to register your child for Uniquely Able Day at the Chippewa County Fair! This free event is specially designed for children and young adults with different abilities. Our goal is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive fair experience for everyone. 🎟️ Please complete onl...