Burnett County

Burnett County is located in northwestern Wisconsin, bordered by Minnesota to the west and forming part of the scenic lake country of the upper Midwest. The county seat is Grantsburg, situated approximately 90 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Established in 1856 and named after Thomas P. Burnett, a delegate to the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature, the county encompasses approximately 842 square miles of land and water. As of recent census estimates, Burnett County has a population of approximately 16,000 residents.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Burnett County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as a K-9 unit and a drug task force. The office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and emergencies.

Police Departments

In addition to the Burnett County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Siren Police Department and the Grantsburg Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective municipalities, handling local crime and traffic enforcement. The sheriff's office and municipal police departments collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety throughout Burnett County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Burnett County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 7410 County Road K, #120, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2121), serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides county-wide services including jail operations, civil process, and patrol. The Sheriff's Office operates the Burnett County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.

• Inmate information can typically be obtained by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office main number or visiting the county website for current roster information if available online.
• Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.32, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records and can be requested from the custodial law enforcement agency.
• Requests should be made in writing to the specific agency that made the arrest, identifying the individual and approximate date of arrest.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically maintained as part of arrest records and jail intake procedures; availability varies by agency and some may require in-person requests or formal open records requests.
• Processing fees may apply for copying and staff time.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Burnett County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Burnett County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation. Residents can request background checks for employment or personal reasons, with records detailing convictions, arrests, and ongoing cases.

• The sex offender registry is accessible to the public, providing information on registered offenders residing in the county.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Burnett County are maintained by the Burnett County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office, and requests are processed in accordance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records provide valuable information for legal proceedings and background checks, and the sheriff's office ensures that these records are accessible to the public while complying with privacy regulations.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Burnett County Jail, located in Siren, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

• The bond process in Wisconsin allows for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman, and recently arrested individuals can be located by contacting the jail directly.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Burnett County are taken and retained by the Burnett County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office. While Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals seeking to remove or restrict access to their mugshots may need to pursue legal avenues. Mugshots can be searched through official channels, such as the sheriff's website, or by requesting access to arrest records.

Burnett County is served by the Burnett County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's Tenth Judicial Circuit, located at 7410 County Road K, #160, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2147). The Circuit Court has broad jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Burnett County. Wisconsin Circuit Courts handle felonies, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorces, paternity actions, probate and estate matters, juvenile delinquency and children in need of protection services (CHIPS), and appeals from municipal courts.

• CCAP provides access to case summaries, parties, filing dates, judgments, and certain documents in civil and criminal cases.
• Requests for court records can be made in person at the Clerk's office or in writing.

The Burnett County Register of Deeds, located at 7410 County Road K, Suite 150, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2173), maintains and records land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property titles in Burnett County. Wisconsin law requires most real estate conveyances to be recorded to provide constructive notice and establish priority of interests.

• The Register of Deeds office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to the county's formation in the 1850s.
• The Burnett County Land Records website provides access to property information, although some services may require subscription or per-document fees.
• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $3.00 certification fee.
• Requests for land records should specify the property by parcel identification number, legal description, or owner name to facilitate efficient retrieval.

Vital records for events occurring in Burnett County, Wisconsin are maintained by the Burnett County Register of Deeds office at 7410 County Road K, Suite 150, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2173), which serves as the local vital records registrar. Birth certificates can be obtained from the county for births that occurred within Burnett County; requesters must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as defined by Wisconsin Statutes Section 69.20-69.24.

• The fee for a certified birth certificate copy is typically $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates for deaths occurring in Burnett County are similarly available from the Register of Deeds office at the same fee structure.
• Processing time for in-person requests is often immediate if records are readily accessible; mail requests typically require 5-10 business days.
• Certified marriage certificate copies are available after the license is returned and recorded, at a fee of $20.
• Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309 or online through VitalChek for expedited processing with additional service fees.

Business licensing and registration in Burnett County, Wisconsin involves multiple jurisdictions and record-keeping offices. The Burnett County Clerk's office at 7410 County Road K, Suite 130, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2165) handles certain local business filings including trade name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) and maintains records of some county-issued licenses. However, most formal business entity formation and registration occurs at the state level through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

• This database includes business name, registration date, registered agent, principal office address, status (active, dissolved, etc.), and annual report filing history.

Elections in Burnett County, Wisconsin are administered by the Burnett County Clerk's office, located at 7410 County Road K, Suite 130, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 (phone 715-349-2165). The County Clerk serves as the chief election official, coordinating voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, recruiting and training poll workers, certifying election results, and providing support to municipal clerks who conduct elections at the local level.

• Burnett County's voter turnout in the November 2024 general election approximated 72-78% of registered voters, consistent with typical Wisconsin turnout in presidential election years.
• Wisconsin voters may request absentee ballots for any reason through the MyVote Wisconsin portal, by submitting a written request to their municipal clerk, or in person at the clerk's office.

Burnett County's economy reflects its northwestern Wisconsin location, natural resource base, and proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Historically dependent on logging, timber products, and agriculture—particularly dairy farming—the county has diversified while maintaining its rural character. Tourism and recreation constitute significant economic drivers, capitalizing on the county's abundant lakes, the St.

• According to recent estimates, Burnett County's median household income approximates $53,000-$58,000, somewhat below Wisconsin's state median, reflecting the rural nature and seasonal employment patterns.
• Manufacturing operations include wood products, metal fabrication, and food processing on a smaller scale.
• The county's location approximately 90 minutes from the Twin Cities provides access to metropolitan markets while preserving the quiet, lake-country lifestyle that defines the region.

Court Records: ✅ Online (CCAP) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Burnett County provides good access to court and property records online; arrest logs require direct contact; vital records need in-person or mail requests.

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Burnett County, Wisconsin.