About Amherst
The city council is composed of a mayor and six alderpersons, who are elected to two-year terms The alderpersons are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and for voting on matters brought before the council.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Amherst
Amherst Police Department
By utilizing text messaging in a police dispatch center, it offers the community another way to contact the police department with their questions and minor concerns instead of taking the time to call in. The Amherst Police Department answers calls for the utilities department after hours and.
https://www.amherstpolice.net/
Portage County Sheriff's Office
The Portage County Sheriff's Office provides a high level of service and has a proud history of serving the people of Portage County since 1842.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Amherst
Wisconsin State Courts (Official)
Official judiciary website for Wisconsin. Search court records, find court locations, and access official forms and information.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Amherst
Portage County Register of Deeds
Property records for Amherst, Wisconsin are maintained by the Portage County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Portage County, including Amherst.
About Amherst — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
When individuals are arrested in Portage County, they're taken to Portage County jail in Stevens Point, which is the primary detention facility for the area. The booking process follows standard procedures: photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information. Families and attorneys can locate current inmates through Portage County's online portal. Visitation is regulated with specific hours and rules, and anyone wishing to visit must schedule in advance.
Arrest Records
The Portage County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records For people taken into custody throughout Portage County. These records document the details of each arrest, including charges filed and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can submit requests through the Sheriff's Office, typically under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, specific charges, and which agency made the arrest, offering a complete picture of the incident.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Portage County covers a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by different agencies, with the Sheriff's Office and local police departments handling arrest and incident reports. Background checks in Wisconsin can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice also helps with supporting local law enforcement with resources and expertise.
Vital Records
For vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, residents of Amherst can contact the Portage County Register of Deeds. This office is the central repository for these important documents. Individuals can request certified copies of birth and death certificates, as well as marriage licenses, to verify personal information or for legal purposes. The Portage County Register of Deeds ensures the confidentiality and security of these vital records, while providing efficient access to community members in need.
Business & Licensing Records
Amherst City Hall is the central resource for information on local business operations and development. The office handles business licenses, permits, and zoning approvals for commercial activities within city limits. Entrepreneurs and business owners work with City Hall staff to navigate the process of starting, expanding, or relocating a business in the area. The city also keeps detailed records on commercial property usage, building permits, and other business related public information that can prove essential for anyone planning commercial ventures in the community.
Economy & Demographics
Amherst's local economy is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots, with several family-owned farms and small businesses contributing to the city's economic vitality. Key industries in the area include dairy farming, crop production, and food processing. Major employers in Amherst include the Heartland Farms, a prominent dairy operation, and the Amherst Creamery, a local producer of artisanal cheese and dairy products. The city also supports a thriving network of small businesses, ranging from specialty retail shops to professional services, that cater to the needs of both People.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Amherst are administered through the Portage County Clerk's Office, located at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1433, website https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/county-clerk. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin system, which also allows voters to check registration status, find polling places, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballots.
The state permits voter registration up to and including Election Day; online and mail registration must be completed by the third Wednesday before an election, but in-person registration at the polls is allowed on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, or other documents showing current address. The village holds municipal elections each spring during odd-numbered years for positions including Village Board trustees and village president. Wisconsin also conducts spring nonpartisan elections, typically in April, for judicial seats, school board positions, and county board supervisors. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place. Local polling locations are typically at Amherst Elementary School or Village Hall. Public election records in Wisconsin include voter registration lists, available for purchase for election related purposes, campaign finance reports accessible through the Wisconsin Ethics Commission at https://ethics.wi.gov, candidate registration filings, and precinct-level results. Residents may request absentee ballots online through MyVote Wisconsin or by contacting the Village Clerk at Amherst Village Hall. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail, though they must be received by 8 PM on Election Day, or in person. Wisconsin requires voter photo ID for both in-person and absentee voting, with acceptable forms including Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or tribal ID.
Public Records Resources for Amherst, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Amherst, Wisconsin and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Wisconsin Criminal Records and Background ChecksWisconsin online criminal history record check system.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee OfficeFind resources for criminal background checks, criminal records.
- Wisconsin Inmates and Offenders SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections.
- Wisconsin Sex OffendersSearch the WI Dept. of Corrections database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Wisconsin Most WantedSearch the most wanted fugitives and absconders by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
- Wisconsin State PatrolLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- Wisconsin Division of Natural ResourcesLicenses, permits, information and more
- Wisconsin Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- Wisconsin Court Records AccessDirect access to Wisconsin courts access online, from county to Supreme courts.
- Wisconsin Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the WI Dept. of Health Services.
- Wisconsin Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the WI Department of Financial Institutions.
- Wisconsin Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records.
Nearby Cities in Portage County, Wisconsin
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Amherst, Wisconsin?
To register to vote in Amherst, Wisconsin, residents can register online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website, by mail, or in person at the Portage County elections office. Wisconsin requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Amherst, contact the Portage County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Amherst, Wisconsin?
Property records for Amherst, Wisconsin are maintained by the Portage Municipal Assessor's Office and the Portage County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Portage County, including parcels in Amherst. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Portage County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Wisconsin counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Portage County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Amherst, Wisconsin?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Amherst, Wisconsin residents are available through both county and state offices. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records, located in Madison, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Portage County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Portage County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.