About Butterfield

Butterfield, Minnesota is a community in Watonwan County, Minnesota. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Butterfield, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Butterfield

Butterfield is located in Watonwan County, Minnesota and had a recorded population of approximately 486 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Watonwan County are the primary source for most government records affecting Butterfield residents.

Law enforcement in Butterfield is served by Butterfield Police Department and Watonwan County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Watonwan County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Minnesota Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Butterfield residents are issued through the Minnesota Department of Health (Office of Vital Records), with local copies often available through the Watonwan County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Recorder and the county Assessor.

Most government records held by Minnesota agencies are accessible under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which sets a response window of a reasonable time and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Butterfield

Butterfield Police Department

https://www.usa.gov/business

Watonwan County Sheriff's Office

As the chief law enforcement authority in the county, the sheriff is charged with the duty to "keep and preserve the peace of his county, for which purpose he may call to his aid such persons or power of his county as he deems necessary." To fulfill this responsibility, the sheriff’s office renders many services to the residents of Watonwan County.

https://www.watonwancountymn.gov/200/Sheriff

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Butterfield

Court Records / Minnesota State Law Library - MN.gov

The public can also access court documents from public access computer terminals at any Minnesota district (county) courthouse or at the Minnesota State Law Library. The availability of court records is governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.

🔗 https://mn.gov/law-library/how-do-i-find/court-records.jsp

🏠 Property & Public Records in Butterfield

Butterfield, MN 56120 | Reonomy

Unlock full property sales, debt, and owner records on Butterfield, MN 56120 and other Butterfield public properties. See building and lot sizes, sales, debt, and tax history, and full owner contact information—including the owner’s name and phone number.

🔗 https://www.reonomy.com/properties/public-property/us/minnesota/butterfield/butterfield/618ff3df-53b1-5c38-81f9-8787ad47a7c5

Public Records & Services in Butterfield

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Butterfield, Watonwan County, Minnesota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Minnesota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Butterfield, Watonwan County, Minnesota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Butterfield Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Watonwan County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Butterfield, Minnesota residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Watonwan County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.

About Butterfield — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The primary detention facility for those arrested in the area is the Watonwan County Jail, located in St. James. Once someone is booked, the process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details. The county maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides information on current detainees. Visitors must schedule appointments ahead of time according to facility-specific rules. Bond and bail procedures follow Minnesota state guidelines, which allow for pretrial release under specified conditions.

Arrest Records

The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office keeps detailed arrest records that include the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about those detained. Residents and attorneys seeking access to these records can contact the Sheriff's Office directly. Requests are handled under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which establishes public access to government information. Typical records contain the arrest date, specific charges, and the name of the arresting agency.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Watonwan County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are crucial for employers, landlords, and individuals seeking background checks.

Vital Records

Minnesota Office of Vital Records in St. James is responsible for maintaining and issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates for residents of Butterfield. Individuals can request copies of these records by submitting an application form and providing the necessary identification and payment. The office's website (https://www.co.watonwan.mn.us/187/Vital Records) provides detailed instructions and contact information.

Business & Licensing Records

Business records for the community are maintained by the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. Residents and businesses can search the state's business registry at https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/ to find information on registered companies, including their legal name, registered agent, and filing history. The Watonwan County Assessor's office also maintains records on commercial properties and their assessed values.

Economy & Demographics

The economy of Butterfield, Minnesota is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses. The Watonwan County Assessor's office maintains records on property values and land use, which can provide insight into the local economy.

Elections & Voter Records

The Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office handles all election administration for Butterfield voters. Located at 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, the office manages voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, and election results. Residents can reach the office at (507) 375-3267 or access information through the county portal at www.co.watonwan.mn.us. Minnesota's same-day voter registration allows eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence.
Online registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us is available up until 21 days before an election. After that deadline, registration must be completed in person during early voting or on Election Day. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Minnesota driver's license with current address, a utility bill, or having a registered voter from the same precinct vouch for the applicant's residence. Municipal elections for mayor and city council members typically align with the Minnesota state general election in even-numbered years, held in November. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and city election results can be obtained from the Butterfield City Clerk at City Hall, (507) 956-2525, or from the Watonwan County elections office. Local voters cast ballots for city offices along with county, state legislative, statewide constitutional offices, and federal positions. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Polling Place Finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us, or by contacting the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The city typically votes at a single polling location within city limits, often at a community center or city building. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, and any voter in line at 8:00 PM is permitted to vote. Minnesota provides extensive public access to election related records. Voter registration lists are public data available for purchase for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are publicly searchable through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board at www.cfb.mn.gov. Candidate filings, including affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions, are public records available through the filing office, whether city, county, or state depending on the office sought.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Butterfield voters are published by the Minnesota Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/). The community falls within a Minnesota House and Senate district that will be contested. County-level races in 2026 will include Watonwan County Commissioner seats (some districts), County Attorney, Sheriff, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder positions depending on the election cycle. City council seats and potentially the mayor position will also appear on the ballot. Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may vote by mail without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is one week before Election Day, though in-person absentee voting is available up until the day before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day at 8:00 PM to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Minnesota also offers early in-person voting beginning 46 days before any election at the Watonwan County Auditor's office.

Public Records Resources for Butterfield, Minnesota

Official government websites for Butterfield, Minnesota 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.

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StateMinnesota
CountyWatonwan
Population486
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Butterfield, Minnesota, residents can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Watonwan County elections office. Minnesota 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 Minnesota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Butterfield, contact the Watonwan County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Butterfield, Minnesota are maintained by the Watonwan County Assessor's Office and the Watonwan County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Watonwan County, including parcels in Butterfield. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Watonwan County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Minnesota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Watonwan County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Butterfield, Minnesota residents are available through both county and state offices. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located in Saint Paul, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Minnesota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Watonwan County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Watonwan 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.