Burt County

Burt County is a rural county located in northeastern Nebraska, bordered by the Missouri River to the east, which forms the boundary with Iowa. Established in 1854 and organized in 1857, the county was named after Francis Burt, the first governor of the Nebraska Territory. The county seat is Tekamah, a small community that serves as the administrative and commercial center. Burt County encompasses approximately 494 square miles of primarily agricultural land, with a population of around 6,700 residents according to recent census estimates.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Burt County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the Burt County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and crime prevention. A notable division within the office is the patrol unit, which ensures the safety of residents by conducting regular patrols and responding to emergencies.

Police Departments

In addition to the Burt County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Tekamah Police Department, Lyons Police Department, and Oakland Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits and often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies. The coordination between these departments ensures comprehensive coverage and response to criminal activities across Burt County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement services in Burt County are primarily provided by the Burt County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 111 North 13th Street in Tekamah, Nebraska 68061. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (402) 374-2900 and is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county detention facility. The Burt County Jail, located adjacent to the courthouse in Tekamah, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.

• Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are maintained by the arresting agency and the jail facility; these may be obtained through a formal public records request, though some agencies may charge copying fees.
• Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Burt County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Burt County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, providing information necessary for background checks. The Nebraska Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive criminal background checks. This bureau provides statewide criminal history reports, which include records from Burt County, ensuring a thorough review of an individual's criminal past.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Burt County are maintained by the Burt County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Nebraska Public Records Law. An arrest record in Burt County typically contains the date of arrest, the arresting agency, and the charges. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible to the public, subject to certain privacy restrictions.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Burt County Jail, located in Tekamah, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process at the jail involves photographing and fingerprinting detainees, who are then held until they post bail or appear in court. Inmate information can be accessed through the Burt County Sheriff's Office, which provides details on charges, bond amounts, and court dates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

• The bond process in Nebraska allows for cash or surety bonds, and individuals can contact the jail for assistance in locating recently arrested persons.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Burt County are taken and retained by the Burt 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. Residents seeking mugshots can inquire directly with the office or check online databases if available. Nebraska does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement or dismissal of charges.

Burt County is served by the Nebraska District Court system, with the Burt County District Court located in the Burt County Courthouse at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, Nebraska 68061. The court can be reached at (402) 374-2955. The District Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $57,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from county court.

• Online case access is generally free for basic searches, though certified copies of court documents require a fee of $1.50 per page plus certification fees.
• In-person requests can be made at the Clerk of the District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Property and land records for Burt County are maintained by the Burt County Register of Deeds, located in the Burt County Courthouse at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, Nebraska 68061. The office can be contacted at (402) 374-2955. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, mechanic's liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision records.

• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee of $1.50 per page with an additional $1.00 certification fee.
• Requesters seeking bulk data or extensive searches should contact the relevant office directly to discuss fees and turnaround times.

Vital records services in Burt County are divided between county and state offices depending on the type of record and date of occurrence. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Burt County can be requested from the Burt County Clerk's office at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, Nebraska 68061, phone (402) 374-2955. However, the primary repository for certified vital records in Nebraska is the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Section, located at 1033 O Street, Suite 130, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

• Birth certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $14 for additional copies ordered at the same time.
• Death certificates cost $16 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.
• Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through the Nebraska VitalChek system for an additional convenience fee.
• Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility; Nebraska Revised Statute § 71-601 et seq.

Business and licensing records in Burt County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Burt County Clerk's office at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, Nebraska 68061, phone (402) 374-2955, maintains records of fictitious name registrations (DBA – Doing Business As) filed at the county level. However, formal business entity formation and registration in Nebraska is handled by the Nebraska Secretary of State, Business Services Division.

• The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.nebraska.gov where users can look up corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities.
• The database provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
• There is no fee to search the database online.
• The Tekamah Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Burt County, provides business resources and networking opportunities and can be contacted for local business information.
• Liquor licenses for establishments in unincorporated areas are processed through the Burt County Clerk in coordination with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.

Election administration in Burt County is managed by the Burt County Clerk/Election Commissioner, located at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, Nebraska 68061, phone (402) 374-2955. The office is responsible for voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place operations, early voting, absentee ballot processing, and election results canvassing. Nebraska residents can register to vote if they are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, and residents of Nebraska.

• Nebraska law requires most election records to be available for public inspection under Nebraska Revised Statute § 32-202, promoting transparency in the electoral process.

Burt County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and ranching forming the backbone of local economic activity. The county's fertile Missouri River valley soils support extensive production of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and wheat, while livestock operations include cattle feeding, hog production, and some dairy farming. According to recent economic data, agriculture accounts for approximately 35-40% of the county's economic output and employment.

• The median household income in Burt County is estimated at approximately $58,000, slightly below the Nebraska state average.
• The Decatur area features some industrial activity related to agricultural processing.
• The county's proximity to the Omaha metropolitan area provides some residents with access to urban employment opportunities while maintaining rural lifestyles.

Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Primarily | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Good Access | Overall Score: 6/10 — Burt County provides standard access to public records through in-person requests and phone contact, with state-level online systems supplementing local services for court and business records.

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Burt County, Nebraska.