About Calumet County
Calumet County is located in east-central Wisconsin, positioned along the western shore of Lake Winnebago and bordered by the Fox River. Calumet County Seat is Chilton, a city of approximately 4,000 residents that is the governmental and administrative center. Calumet County was established in 1836 and named after the French word for 'peace pipe,' reflecting Calumet County's Native American heritage. Calumet County includes approximately 320 square miles and has a population of around 52,000 residents as of recent census estimates.
- Calumet County Courthouse, located at 206 Court Street in Chilton, houses most county administrative offices including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Municipal Assessor.
- The Register of Deeds maintains official land records and property documents, while the County Clerk oversees vital records, elections, and business filings.
Major communities include Appleton (partially), New Holstein, Brillion, and Stockbridge-Munsee. The scene is characterized by rolling farmland, glacial formations, and scenic lake frontages. Calumet County's economy historically centered on dairy farming and agriculture, with significant German and Irish immigrant settlement shaping its cultural identity.
The Assessor's Office, located in the Government Center at 206 Court Street, manages property valuations and tax assessment records. Calumet County is known for its agricultural heritage, historic architecture in Chilton and New Holstein, and proximity to Lake Winnebago recreation. The Stockbridge-Munsee Community, a federally recognized Native American tribe, maintains reservation land in the western portion of Calumet County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Calumet County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Calumet County. It operates Calumet County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and offers community programs meant to enhancing public safety. The sheriff's office is known for its commitment to community policing and engagement, working closely with residents to address local concerns and improve safety.
Police Departments
In addition to Calumet County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve Calumet County, including the Chilton Police Department, New Holstein Police Department, and Brillion Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crime and traffic enforcement. They coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional issues, making sure of full coverage and support across Calumet County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Calumet County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 206 Court Street in Chilton, Wisconsin 53014, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including jail operations, civil process, and emergency response. Calumet County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same Chilton address, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- To request arrest records, individuals should submit a written public records request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, specifying the date and nature of the incident.
- Processing times and fees vary by department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of arrest records and may be accessible through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
Inmate information and jail rosters are typically available by calling the jail directly at or through the Sheriff's Office main line. Municipal police departments serving cities and villages within Calumet County include the Chilton Police Department, New Holstein Police Department, Brillion Police Department, and portions of Appleton served by the Appleton Police Department. Arrest records and incident reports are considered public records under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which grants citizens the right to inspect and copy governmental records.
Some recent booking information may be available through the jail's public information line. The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Police provide law enforcement services on tribal lands within Calumet County under tribal jurisdiction.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Calumet County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which offers access to a full database of criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Calumet County are maintained by Calumet County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the guidelines set by Wisconsin's public records law, known as the Wisconsin Open Records Law. These records provide transparency and accountability, making sure of public access to information about law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Calumet County Jail, located in Chilton, is the primary detention facility for Calumet County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and inmates can be searched through Calumet County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. In Wisconsin, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the sheriff's office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Calumet County are taken and retained by Calumet County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. Individuals seeking to view or obtain mugshots can do so through the sheriff's office, either in person or via their official website, if available. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found.
Courts & Case Records
Calumet County Circuit Court, located at 206 Court Street, Chilton, Wisconsin 53014, is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Wisconsin's circuit courts are part of a unified state court system divided into judicial administrative districts, with Calumet County courts operating under the Fourth Judicial Administrative District. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains case files, court records, and dockets, and processes filings for all circuit court cases.
- Copies of court documents are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court for statutory fees, typically $1.25 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- In-person record requests can be made during regular business hours at the courthouse.
Wisconsin's Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) provides free online access to circuit court case records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website at wcca.wicourts.gov, allowing the public to search cases by name, case number, or party. This online system includes criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases, with some sensitive cases redacted or sealed by court order. Municipal courts in cities like Chilton, New Holstein, and Brillion handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other municipal matters, with each municipal court maintaining its own records and fee schedules.
Access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapter 70, which establishes public access policies while protecting confidential information such as certain juvenile records and sealed documents.
Property & Public Records
Calumet County Register of Deeds, located at 206 Court Street, Chilton, Wisconsin 53014, maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens, land contracts, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title. The office can be reached at and operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday. The Register of Deeds provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Calumet County's establishment, with indexes organized chronologically and by grantor/grantee names.
- Some basic searching is available at no cost, though document imaging and certified copies require fees.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds for a statutory fee of $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as established under Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43.
- Document recording fees vary by instrument type and number of pages.
Calumet County offers online property record searching through a web-based system accessible via Calumet County website at calumetcounty.org, allowing users to search land records by name, document type, legal description, or recording date. Calumet County Land Information Office maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) with an online parcel viewer providing property boundaries, tax parcel numbers, acreage, and assessment information. Property tax records are administered by Calumet County Treasurer's Office at the Government Center, with tax bills, payment history, and assessment data available to the public.
Calumet Municipal Assessor's Office maintains property valuation records and assessment rolls.
Vital Records
Vital records for Calumet County, Wisconsin, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Calumet County Register of Deeds, located at 206 Court Street, Chilton, Wisconsin 53014, maintains birth and death records occurring in Calumet County from October 1907 onward, as well as marriage records.
- Birth certificates for recent births and all older records can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification, proof of relationship, and payment of the statutory fee of $20 for the first copy.
- Death certificates are available to qualified applicants under Wisconsin Statutes § 69.21 for a fee of $20 for the first copy, with processing typically taking several business days to two weeks depending on volume.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Calumet County Clerk's Office at the Government Center, with couples required to apply in person with valid identification and pay the marriage license fee.
- Processing times for state-level requests typically range from two to four weeks.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Calumet County, Wisconsin, involves multiple levels of government oversight. Calumet County Clerk's Office, located at 206 Court Street, Chilton, Wisconsin 53014, maintains records of trade names (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations filed at Calumet County level under Wisconsin Statutes § 134.50. These filings are public records available for inspection during regular business hours.
- This free searchable database provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status for all entities registered with the state.
- Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts are registered through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the statewide business entity database accessible online at the Wisconsin Business Entity Search portal at corporatew.dfi.wi.gov. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and other regulated professions are issued by state-level agencies and boards, with information available through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Local business licensing requirements vary by county, with cities like Chilton, New Holstein, and Brillion maintaining their own licensing requirements for certain business activities.
Building permits and zoning approvals are handled by Calumet County Planning and Zoning Department, which administers land use regulations and construction permits in unincorporated areas. Calumet County Economic Development Corporation promotes business growth and provides resources for entrepreneurs and existing businesses, while local chambers of commerce such as the Chilton Area Chamber of Commerce provide networking and business support services.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Calumet County, Wisconsin, are administered by Calumet County Clerk's Office, located at 206 Court Street, Chilton, Wisconsin 53014. Calumet County Clerk is the chief election official and can be reached, with election information available through Calumet County website at calumetcounty.org. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk offices, or at the polls on Election Day with proof of residence.
- The registration deadline for registering by mail or online is 20 days before an election, though in-person and Election Day registration remain available.
- Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, check registration status, and access absentee ballot request forms through the MyVote Wisconsin portal by entering their name and date of birth.
Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement showing current address. Calumet County typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 55% to 75% in presidential election years and 40% to 55% in midterm elections, with the November 2024 general election seeing turnout consistent with statewide patterns around 70%. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring US House and Senate midterm races along with Wisconsin state offices including Governor, Attorney General, and State Legislature seats.
Absentee ballots can be requested online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office for your county of residence, with applications accepted beginning 60 days before an election and deadline at 5:00 PM on the Thursday before Election Day for regular absentee requests. Public election records maintained by the County Clerk include voter registration lists (available for inspection with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed by county-level candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers, and certified election results by ward and county. Wisconsin Statutes §§ 5-12 govern election administration and public access to election records, for public access while protecting voter privacy.
Precinct-level election results are posted on Calumet County website following canvassing and certification, typically within two weeks of Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Calumet County's economy is anchored by agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare services, reflecting the broader economic patterns of Wisconsin's Fox River Valley region. Dairy farming and crop agriculture remain significant economic drivers, with hundreds of family farms producing milk, cheese, corn, soybeans, and other agricultural products. Calumet County's agricultural sector benefits from rich glacial soils and proximity to major processing facilities.
- Sargento Foods, with facilities in Calumet County, represents Calumet County's food processing strength in cheese production.
- The median household income in Calumet County is approximately $68,000 to $72,000 according to recent American Community Survey estimates, above the statewide median.
- Manufacturing employment spans metal fabrication, machinery production, plastics, and food processing sectors.
Major employers include Ariens Company in Brillion, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment including snow blowers and lawn mowers, which employs over 1,000 workers. Healthcare employment is concentrated at facilities including Calumet Medical Center in Chilton and other regional healthcare providers. The unemployment rate in Calumet County typically runs below state and national averages, ranging from 2.5% to 3.5% in recent years, reflecting tight labor markets common in Wisconsin's Fox Valley region.
Tourism and recreation related to Lake Winnebago fishing, boating, and ice fishing contribute seasonal economic activity. The Stockbridge-Munsee Community operates the North Star Mohican Casino Resort in Bowler, providing employment and economic development for tribal members and surrounding communities. Recent economic development has focused on attracting advanced manufacturing, supporting agricultural diversification, and promoting downtown revitalization in Chilton and New Holstein.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CCAP) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Calumet County provides good digital access to property and court records with state-level election tools, though some law enforcement and vital records require traditional requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Calumet County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Calumet County, Wisconsin.