KALKASKA, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – A staff shortage has forced the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office to limit jail operations and send dozens of inmates to nearby counties.

Kalkaska County Sheriff Patrick Whiteford said several retirements and career changes among his staff forced him to develop a plan to keep the jail partially open while also getting new staff trained.

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The decision involves moving 30 jail inmates to nearby counties so four deputies could focus on corrections training.

Sheriff Whiteford said the jail is still able to take in people arrested by the road patrol, Michigan State Police, and the DNR.