About Bon Homme County
Bon Homme County is located in southeastern South Dakota, bordered by the Missouri River to the south and Nebraska to the south. Established in 1862, it is one of the state's original counties, with its name derived from the French term meaning 'good man.' Bon Homme County Seat is Tyndall, situated at 402 East 14th Avenue, which is the administrative hub for Bon Homme County's approximately 7,000 residents spread across 563 square miles. Major communities include Tyndall, Tabor, Avon, and Scotland.
- The Missouri River corridor provides significant recreational opportunities and forms Bon Homme County's southern boundary.
Bon Homme County is known for its distinctive pink Sioux quartzite, which has been quarried near Tyndall for over a century and used in buildings across the United States. Bon Homme Register of Deeds's office, located in Bon Homme County Courthouse in Tyndall, maintains land records and vital statistics. Bon Homme County Clerk of Courts handles judicial records, while the Director of Equalization manages property valuations and tax assessments.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production dominating the scene. Bon Homme County's rich Czech heritage is celebrated annually in Tabor, which hosts one of the largest Czech Days festivals in the Midwest. Bon Homme County offers a blend of rural character, agricultural productivity, and historical significance within South Dakota's political and cultural scene.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Bon Homme County. It manages Bon Homme County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also provides community safety programs and has divisions dedicated to investigations and patrol. The Sheriff's Office is key to coordinating with local police departments to ensure public safety across Bon Homme County.
Police Departments
In addition to Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Bon Homme County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Tyndall Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. These agencies handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and public safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office, located at 300 West 10th Street in Tyndall, South Dakota 57066, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Bon Homme County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains responsibility for county jail operations, civil process service, and patrol duties. Inmate information for Bon Homme County Jail can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly, as Bon Homme County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster.
- To request arrest records, citizens must contact the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours and may be required to submit a written request with specific identifying information.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though they may require a formal public records request and potential copying fees.
- South Dakota law permits reasonable fees for record retrieval and copying as outlined in SDCL § 1-27-35.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from 2-5 business days depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bon Homme County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, maintained by the Sheriff's Office and local police departments. The South Dakota Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks and criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies across the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bon Homme County are maintained by Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. South Dakota's public records law, known as the South Dakota Sunshine Law, governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access.
Jail & Inmate Records
Bon Homme County Jail, located in Tyndall, is the primary detention facility for Bon Homme County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Bon Homme County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on visitation rules and schedules. The bond and bail process follows South Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bon Homme County are taken and retained by Bon Homme County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific South Dakota law for mugshot removal, individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found.
Courts & Case Records
Bon Homme County is served by the South Dakota Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, with Bon Homme County Courthouse located at 300 West 10th Street, Tyndall, SD 57066. The Circuit Court can be reached at and handles all civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters within Bon Homme County. South Dakota operates a unified judicial system, meaning the Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for all case types. The Clerk of Courts office maintains case files, dockets, and court records dating back to Bon Homme County's establishment.
- Basic case information is available free of charge, though certified copies require a fee of $20 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Document copies cost $0.25 per page for uncertified copies.
Court records are accessible under South Dakota Codified Laws § 15-15A-1 through 15-15A-6, which govern public access to judicial records with specific exemptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family law proceedings. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System offers online case searches through odysseypa.sdcourts.gov, where users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Municipal courts in Tyndall and other incorporated communities handle traffic violations and city ordinance violations.
For probate matters, the Circuit Court exercises jurisdiction over estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Bon Homme County Register of Deeds office, located in the County Courthouse at 300 West 10th Street, Tyndall, SD 57066, maintains all property and land records for Bon Homme County. The office can be reached at and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Recording fees are established by South Dakota statute, with standard documents costing $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- The Register of Deeds provides public access to records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- While Bon Homme County does not currently offer a full online property search portal, many records can be accessed in person at the courthouse.
- Plat maps and subdivision records are also available through the Register of Deeds.
- South Dakota law requires all real property transfers to be recorded with Bon Homme County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bon Homme County, South Dakota, are maintained by both county and state offices under South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 34-25. Birth and death certificates occurring in Bon Homme County can be requested from Bon Homme County Register of Deeds at 300 West 10th Street, Tyndall, SD 57066, phone. The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is $40, and there is no waiting period in South Dakota.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at sdvitalrecords.sd.gov, though additional processing fees apply.
The South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office, located at 600 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501, is the central repository for all state vital records and can be contacted through the office’s website. Marriage licenses must be obtained from Bon Homme County Register of Deeds, with both parties present and valid photo identification required. Divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Courts at Bon Homme County Courthouse, phone. Eligibility to obtain vital records is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest as defined by SDCL § 34-25-32.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship when applicable.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bon Homme County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For local business name registrations and assumed name certificates (DBAs), Bon Homme County Register of Deeds office at 300 West 10th Street, Tyndall, SD 57066, handles filings at a cost of $30. Phone inquiries can be made for formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships, the South Dakota Secretary of State maintains the central business registry accessible online at sosenterprise.sd.gov.
- The Secretary of State's business search portal allows free lookup of all registered entities, registered agents, and corporate status information.
Sales tax licenses and permits are issued through the South Dakota Department of Revenue and must be obtained before conducting taxable business in the state. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by their respective state boards. Building permits and zoning information are handled by Bon Homme County Zoning Office, which can be reached through the courthouse for The Tyndall Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible at tyndallchamber.com, provides resources for entrepreneurs and businesses operating in Bon Homme County.
Local business licensing requirements vary by county, with cities like Tyndall and Tabor maintaining their own licensing ordinances for certain business categories. Bon Homme County does not impose a general business license requirement for most commercial activities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bon Homme County are administered by Bon Homme County Auditor's office, located at 300 West 10th Street, Tyndall, SD 57066. Bon Homme County Auditor is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in South Dakota can be completed online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website at sdsos.gov/elections-voting, by mail, or in person at the County Auditor's office. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election. South Dakota offers same-day voter registration at the polls with proper identification.
- Absentee ballots can be requested through the County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before any election, either by mail, in person, or through the state's online absentee ballot portal.
- Citizens can request precinct-level results, ballot totals, and election materials through the County Auditor under standard public records procedures.
Polling place locations can be found on the South Dakota Secretary of State's website or by contacting the County Auditor directly. Bon Homme County typically operates polling locations in Tyndall, Tabor, Avon, and Scotland, with precinct assignments based on residential address. In the November 2024 general election, Bon Homme County recorded approximately 68% voter turnout, consistent with historical patterns for presidential elections in rural South Dakota counties.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per SDCL § 12-4-7.1), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, South Dakota gubernatorial and state legislative contests, and various county offices.
South Dakota does not require an excuse for absentee voting. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the day before the election, though ballots must be returned by election day at 7:00 PM. Transparency in elections is governed by SDCL Chapter 12, which mandates public access to most election records while protecting certain personal voter information.
Economy & Demographics
Bon Homme County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and ranching operations comprising the largest employment sector.The median household income for Bon Homme County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the state average. Bon Homme County unemployment rate typically hovers around 2.5-3.5%, reflecting South Dakota's consistently strong employment picture. Gurney's Seed and Nursery Company in Yankton, while not headquartered in Bon Homme County, provides employment for some county residents in nearby facilities.
- Bon Homme County's proximity to Interstate 29 and Highway 50 provides transportation access for agricultural commodities and manufactured goods.
The quartzite mining industry near Tyndall has historical significance, though operations have scaled down from their peak in the early 20th century. The Lewis and Clark Lake area along the Missouri River drives seasonal tourism and recreation-based employment, supporting marinas, campgrounds, and hospitality businesses. Main Street businesses in Tyndall, Bon Homme County Seat, include agricultural implement dealers, grain elevators, veterinary services, and retail establishments serving the rural population.
Healthcare services provided by Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in nearby Yankton employ numerous county residents. Wind energy development has emerged as a growing economic sector, with several wind farms operating or under development in southeastern South Dakota. Economic development initiatives focus on retaining young families, supporting agricultural innovation, and expanding broadband internet access to rural areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person Recommended | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online (Voter Info) | Overall Score: 6/10, Bon Homme County provides moderate access to public records with state-level online resources complementing limited local digital infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Bon Homme County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Bon Homme County, South Dakota.