Official Government Sources
Butternut Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Butternut, Wisconsin government websites.
About Butternut City Government
The governing body of Butternut, Wisconsin, is the Butternut Village Board, which consists of 5 elected members. Each member serves a term of 2 years, with elections held in April during odd-numbered years. The board is responsible for making decisions on local governance, including ordinances, budgets, and community services.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Butternut is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various expenditures, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, ensuring the village can effectively serve its residents.
Regular meetings of the Butternut Village Board are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Butternut Village Hall, located at 200 E. Main Street, Butternut, WI 54514. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local issues and participate in community discussions.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Butternut is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various expenditures, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, ensuring the village can effectively serve its residents.
Regular meetings of the Butternut Village Board are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Butternut Village Hall, located at 200 E. Main Street, Butternut, WI 54514. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local issues and participate in community discussions.
About Butternut, Wisconsin
Nestled in the northern reaches of Wisconsin, Butternut thrives within the picturesque Ashland County, a region characterized by its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant small-town atmosphere. With an estimated population of approximately 408 residents, this charming community offers a blend of rural tranquility and active engagement. Although Butternut was officially established in the late 19th century, its roots extend deeper into the region's history, shaped by early settlers who recognized the area's potential for agricultural and timber industries. Major neighborhoods within Butternut are marked by a tight-knit community spirit, where neighbors know each other and local events often draw crowds. The local economy is supported primarily by small businesses, agriculture, and forestry, reflecting the area's rich natural resources. What makes Butternut particularly distinctive is its deep connection to nature, providing residents and visitors with access to numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and hunting, all of which showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery.
For law enforcement, Butternut is served by the Butternut Police Department, which works diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Additionally, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in law enforcement within the area, providing support and resources to the local police department. The Ashland County Jail serves as the county's detention facility, housing individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, or booking records in Butternut, the first step is to contact the Butternut Police Department directly. They maintain a local records unit equipped to assist with requests related to recent incidents. For a more comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history, including past arrests, one may need to reach out to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. It is important to note that there is also a Wisconsin state criminal repository maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation that allows individuals to seek arrest records across the state. For convenience, the Wisconsin Department of Justice offers online lookup portals that can streamline this process, allowing for easier access to the necessary information.
In terms of judicial matters, Butternut falls under the jurisdiction of the Ashland County Circuit Court, where various legal proceedings take place. Residents seeking court records can take advantage of the online portal provided by the Wisconsin court system, which allows users to search for case information readily. Alternatively, individuals may visit the court clerk’s office in person to request specific records. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requests can be directed to the Ashland County Clerk or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which oversees vital record maintenance at the state level. Property records can be accessed through the Ashland County Assessor and Recorder, with many documents available via online portals, facilitating property research for residents and interested parties alike. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, general public records requests can be submitted to the appropriate government office. Typical response times for these requests range from 5 to 10 business days, allowing for transparency and access to vital information within the community.
For law enforcement, Butternut is served by the Butternut Police Department, which works diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Additionally, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in law enforcement within the area, providing support and resources to the local police department. The Ashland County Jail serves as the county's detention facility, housing individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, or booking records in Butternut, the first step is to contact the Butternut Police Department directly. They maintain a local records unit equipped to assist with requests related to recent incidents. For a more comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history, including past arrests, one may need to reach out to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. It is important to note that there is also a Wisconsin state criminal repository maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation that allows individuals to seek arrest records across the state. For convenience, the Wisconsin Department of Justice offers online lookup portals that can streamline this process, allowing for easier access to the necessary information.
In terms of judicial matters, Butternut falls under the jurisdiction of the Ashland County Circuit Court, where various legal proceedings take place. Residents seeking court records can take advantage of the online portal provided by the Wisconsin court system, which allows users to search for case information readily. Alternatively, individuals may visit the court clerk’s office in person to request specific records. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requests can be directed to the Ashland County Clerk or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which oversees vital record maintenance at the state level. Property records can be accessed through the Ashland County Assessor and Recorder, with many documents available via online portals, facilitating property research for residents and interested parties alike. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, general public records requests can be submitted to the appropriate government office. Typical response times for these requests range from 5 to 10 business days, allowing for transparency and access to vital information within the community.
About Butternut
Butternut is a small village in Ashland County, Wisconsin, located in the northern part of the state approximately 30 miles southeast of Ashland. Incorporated in 1901, Butternut had a population of approximately 335 residents as of the 2020 Census. The village sits along Highway 13 in the town of Jacobs and was historically a logging and railroad community serving the timber industry that dominated northern Wisconsin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Butternut is known for its small-town charm, outdoor recreation opportunities including access to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest nearby, and its quiet residential character. The community is served by the Butternut School, part of the Butternut School District, which is a significant local employer and community anchor. The village maintains a traditional main street with local businesses and is surrounded by lakes and forests that attract seasonal tourism.
Public records for Butternut residents are maintained at both the village and county levels. The Village of Butternut maintains local government records including village board minutes, ordinances, and zoning documents at the Butternut Village Hall. Law enforcement services are provided by the Ashland County Sheriff's Department, which maintains arrest records, incident reports, and patrol logs for the Butternut area. Most vital records, court documents, property records, and comprehensive public information are handled by Ashland County offices located in the county seat of Ashland. Wisconsin's strong public records law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, grants broad public access to government records with limited exceptions. Residents can access property records through the Ashland County Register of Deeds, court records through the Ashland County Circuit Court, and state-level records through Wisconsin's Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Public records for Butternut residents are maintained at both the village and county levels. The Village of Butternut maintains local government records including village board minutes, ordinances, and zoning documents at the Butternut Village Hall. Law enforcement services are provided by the Ashland County Sheriff's Department, which maintains arrest records, incident reports, and patrol logs for the Butternut area. Most vital records, court documents, property records, and comprehensive public information are handled by Ashland County offices located in the county seat of Ashland. Wisconsin's strong public records law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, grants broad public access to government records with limited exceptions. Residents can access property records through the Ashland County Register of Deeds, court records through the Ashland County Circuit Court, and state-level records through Wisconsin's Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Butternut, Ashland County Sheriff's Office, the city of Ashland is served by the Ashland Police Department, which handles law enforcement within the city limits. Other municipalities, such as Mellen, have their own police departments that work in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. These agencies coordinate efforts through joint task forces and mutual aid agreements to ensure comprehensive coverage and response to criminal activities across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Ashland County Jail, located in the city of Ashland, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the county's official website, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state law, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through a licensed bondsman.
Court Records
Butternut residents are served by the Ashland County Circuit Court, located at 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7017. The Circuit Court is part of Wisconsin's unified court system and has broad jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, misdemeanor cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, juvenile cases, small claims up to $10,000, and traffic violations. Wisconsin Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction and handle virtually all trial-level matters arising in Ashland County. The Village of Butternut does not maintain a separate municipal court. Traffic citations and local ordinance violations may be handled through the Ashland County Circuit Court. Wisconsin offers excellent online access to court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system, available at https://wcca.wicourts.gov. CCAP allows free searching of civil, criminal, family, and probate case records by name, case number, or attorney. The database includes case information, parties, filing dates, dispositions, and judgment information. Some sensitive records such as adoption files, juvenile cases, and certain family court matters are confidential and not available through CCAP. To obtain certified copies of court documents, requests must be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the address above. Filing fees as of 2024 include $3.00 per page for certified copies, with a $5.00 minimum per document. Case filing fees vary by case type: small claims filing is $94.50, civil actions over $10,000 are $184.50, and family law filings vary from $164.50 to $184.50 depending on the specific action. These fees are set by Wisconsin statute and are subject to change. The Ashland County Circuit Court typically holds sessions regularly in Ashland, with specific calendars available on the county website.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Ashland County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Ashland County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and incident reports. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation supports local law enforcement with forensic services and investigative assistance, enhancing the county's ability to manage criminal records and investigations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Ashland County are maintained by the Ashland County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which ensures transparency in government operations. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. An Ashland County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying a nominal fee for processing.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Butternut are maintained by Ashland County offices in Ashland. The Ashland County Register of Deeds, located at 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7016, maintains all recorded land documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting real property in Butternut and throughout the county. The Register of Deeds office provides public access to recorded documents, which are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Many Wisconsin counties now offer online access to recorded documents, and Ashland County provides land record searching through its website at www.co.ashland.wi.us. Users can typically search by name, document type, date range, or parcel number. Copies of recorded documents can be obtained for a statutory fee of $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional $3.00 certification fee. The Ashland County Assessor's Office, also located at 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7011, maintains property assessment records for tax purposes. The Assessor's database includes parcel identification numbers, property addresses, owner names, assessed values (land and improvements), property classification, acreage, and assessment history. Wisconsin law requires property to be assessed at full market value. Property tax information and assessment data for Butternut parcels can be accessed through the Ashland County website. Many Wisconsin counties participate in Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping programs that provide interactive parcel maps showing property boundaries, dimensions, zoning, and assessment data. Property searches can typically be conducted by owner name, street address, or parcel identification number. Tax bills and payment history are maintained by the Ashland County Treasurer's Office at the same address, phone (715) 682-7012.
Economy & Demographics
Butternut's economy is primarily characterized by small-scale local businesses, forestry, outdoor recreation, and agriculture, reflecting the broader economic patterns of rural northern Wisconsin. The Butternut School District is one of the largest employers in the immediate village area, employing teachers, administrative staff, and support personnel. The school serves students from Butternut and surrounding areas and is a central community institution. Forestry and timber-related industries continue to play a role in the local economy, though diminished from the logging boom that founded the community in the early 1900s. The proximity to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and numerous lakes provides seasonal tourism opportunities, with visitors coming for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and outdoor recreation. Local businesses include small retail shops, gas stations, restaurants, and service providers catering to both residents and tourists. Many Butternut residents commute to larger employment centers including Ashland (approximately 30 miles northwest), Park Falls to the east, or Hurley to the north for employment in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and government. The median household income in the Butternut area is below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural, resource-based economy. Ashland County as a whole has an economy influenced by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, forestry products, tourism, and some manufacturing. The Great Lakes shipping port in Ashland provides some regional economic activity. Northern Wisconsin's economy faces challenges including population decline, limited high-wage employment opportunities, and seasonal economic fluctuations, though outdoor recreation and tourism continue to provide stable seasonal income. Recent years have seen modest growth in remote work opportunities and retiree migration to the area.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Village of Butternut does not maintain its own police department. Law enforcement services for Butternut and the surrounding area are provided by the Ashland County Sheriff's Office, located at 201 Main Street West, Suite 300, Ashland, WI 54806. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 682-7017, and additional information is available at www.co.ashland.wi.us. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction throughout Ashland County and handles patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response for Butternut. Wisconsin State Patrol also provides highway enforcement on Highway 13 and other state routes passing through the area. To request police reports or incident records, residents must submit a public records request to the Ashland County Sheriff's Office either in person, by mail, or by phone. Under Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§19.31-19.39), law enforcement agencies must respond to public records requests promptly and can charge reasonable fees for copying and redaction. Arrest records and jail bookings for Ashland County are available through the Ashland County Jail, which maintains custody of individuals arrested in Butternut and throughout the county. The jail roster can be accessed online at https://ashlandcountywi.govoffice.com/ or by contacting the Sheriff's Office. The inmate roster typically includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, booking dates, and housing status. Mugshots may be available upon request. Wisconsin statute §19.32 defines public records broadly to include documents, correspondence, and other materials created or maintained by government agencies, though certain sensitive information such as juvenile records, ongoing investigation materials, and personally identifiable information may be exempt from disclosure under §19.36.
Vital Records
Vital records for Butternut residents are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, phone 608-266-1371. The state office maintains birth records from 1852 forward and death records from 1852 forward. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for additional copies. Online ordering is available through the Wisconsin Vital Records website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords and through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees. Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks by mail or 2-3 business days for expedited service with additional fees. Birth records are confidential for 100 years; death records are confidential for 50 years. Only eligible persons including the registrant (if of legal age), parent or legal guardian, legal representative, or someone with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies. Requesters must provide valid photo identification. The Ashland County Register of Deeds also maintains vital records and can issue certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records that occurred in Ashland County. Marriage licenses are issued by the Ashland County Clerk's Office, 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7017. The fee for a marriage license in Wisconsin is $110.00. Both parties must appear in person to apply, provide valid photo identification and social security numbers, and there is a 6-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. Marriage records are public information in Wisconsin. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Ashland County Circuit Court and can be accessed through the CCAP system or by requesting copies from the Clerk of Courts.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licensing and registration for Butternut involves village, county, and state requirements. The Village of Butternut may require certain business licenses or permits for businesses operating within village limits; specific requirements should be verified with the Butternut Village Hall. Many small Wisconsin villages have minimal local licensing requirements beyond building permits and zoning compliance. At the county level, certain regulated businesses such as food establishments, alcohol beverage sellers, and specific trades may require permits or licenses from Ashland County departments. The Ashland County Clerk's Office at 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7017, can provide information on county-level business registration requirements. Fictitious business name (DBA or "doing business as") registrations in Wisconsin are filed with the Register of Deeds in the county where the business operates. Ashland County businesses file DBAs with the Ashland County Register of Deeds at (715) 682-7016. The filing fee is set by statute at $15.00, and registrations must be renewed every five years. Formal business entity formation—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other entities—are registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state business entity database can be searched free of charge at https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx. This database includes corporation and LLC names, registration dates, registered agents, principal office addresses, status (active, dissolved, revoked), and filing history. Annual reports are required to maintain good standing. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements and lien searches are also filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and can be searched online. Commercial property owners in Butternut can look up their property tax assessments through the Ashland County Assessor's Office database. Wisconsin offers resources for small business owners through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and local chambers of commerce.
Elections & Voter Records
Butternut voters are served by the Ashland County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the village and surrounding areas. The Ashland County Clerk is located at 201 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806, phone (715) 682-7017, with election information available at www.co.ashland.wi.us. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov, in person at the county clerk's office, at the Department of Motor Vehicles, by mail, or at the polls on Election Day. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day by providing proof of residence. Voters must provide a valid Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, or other acceptable proof of identification to register and vote. The voter registration deadline for online and mail registration is 20 days before an election, but in-person and Election Day registration remain available. The Village of Butternut holds municipal elections in the spring of odd-numbered years for village board trustees and village president. The next Butternut municipal election will be held in April 2025 and April 2027. Candidates for village office file nomination papers with the Ashland County Clerk. Local ballot measures or referenda, if any, would appear on the municipal election ballot. Butternut voters also participate in Ashland County elections for county board supervisors, county executives if applicable, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and other county offices. Wisconsin voters can find their assigned polling place, view their sample ballot, check their voter registration status, and request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin portal at https://myvote.wi.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Ashland County had approximately 62% voter turnout, with roughly 6,800 ballots cast out of 10,900 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Wisconsin voters including Butternut residents will decide several major races: the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Tammy Baldwin is not up for election in 2026 (next up in 2024), but Wisconsin will elect a Governor in 2026 as Tony Evers' current term expires. Wisconsin's 75th Assembly District, which includes Butternut, will have a state assembly representative election. All of Wisconsin's constitutional officers including Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and various judicial positions will be on the ballot in 2026 or in the April 2026 spring election. Ashland County will elect county board supervisors in districts including Butternut's district. Wisconsin offers no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, or in person at the county clerk's office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before Election Day for mail ballots, or in-person absentee voting is available through the Sunday before the election. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (available to candidates and parties under certain restrictions), campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission at https://ethics.wi.gov, candidate registration statements, precinct-by-precinct election results, and poll books. The Wisconsin Elections Commission at https://elections.wi.gov provides statewide election information, results, and voter resources.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Ashland County and Wisconsin provide excellent online access to court records via CCAP, property records, business registrations, and election information, with comprehensive statewide databases and local county systems making most public records easily accessible to Butternut residents and researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Butternut, Wisconsin, you will be transported to the Ashland County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Ashland County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Ashland County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin?
The Butternut area is served by public school districts in Ashland County, Wisconsin. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Wisconsin Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3
What are the crime statistics for Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin?
Crime statistics for Butternut, Wisconsin are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Butternut Police Department on their official website. The Wisconsin Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin Library?
The Butternut Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Wisconsin government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5
Where is the Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The Butternut Public Library main branch is located in Butternut, Wisconsin. Check the Butternut city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services in Butternut, Wisconsin are available through the Butternut Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Ashland County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Butternut, Wisconsin, contact the Wisconsin Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Ashland County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Butternut, Wisconsin can be obtained from the Butternut Police Department or the Ashland County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Wisconsin DMV.
9
About background check
A background check in Butternut, Ashland County, Wisconsin typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Wisconsin criminal history report through the Wisconsin Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.