About Cass County
Cass County, Indiana, is located in north-central Indiana, covering approximately 413 square miles. Established in 1829 and named after Lewis Cass, a Michigan territorial governor and U.S. Senator, the county seat is Logansport, situated at the confluence of the Wabash and Eel Rivers. As of the 2020 Census, Cass County had a population of approximately 37,870 residents. The county is characterized by rich agricultural land, historic river towns, and a blend of manufacturing and service industries.
Major landmarks include the Cass County Carousel, a hand-carved carousel located in Riverside Park in Logansport, and the France Park, a popular recreational area featuring a flooded limestone quarry for scuba diving and swimming. The county's history is deeply tied to transportation—first as a river hub, then as a railroad center in the 19th century. The Cass County Government Complex is located at 200 Court Street in Logansport, housing key offices including the Cass County Recorder, Cass County Clerk, and Cass County Assessor.
The Recorder's office maintains land records and property documents, the Clerk's office handles court records and marriage licenses, and the Assessor's office manages property tax assessments. Cass County's economy has transitioned from heavy manufacturing to a more diversified base including healthcare, education, and agriculture. The area retains its small-town character while serving as a regional hub for north-central Indiana communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Cass County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing the Cass County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also offers community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notably, the office includes divisions such as the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and disaster response.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Cass County is provided by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Logansport Police Department serves the city of Logansport, focusing on urban policing and community safety. Other municipal departments include the Galveston Police Department and the Walton Police Department, each responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively manage crime across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Cass County Sheriff's Office, located at 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Cass County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (574) 753-7800 and operates the Cass County Jail, which houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate lookup services are typically available through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly; online rosters often include booking date, charges, bond amount, and expected release dates.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, though some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and may be available through in-person requests or online jail rosters.
- Processing times for record requests vary but agencies must respond within a reasonable time frame as specified under IC 5-14-3-9.
Municipal police departments within Cass County include the Logansport Police Department, serving the county seat, and the Walton Police Department for the town of Walton. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), arrest records are generally considered public information unless sealed by court order or involving juvenile offenders. Some arrest information may also be accessible through the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS), though direct public access is limited.
It's important to note that arrest records indicate charges, not convictions, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Cass County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Cass County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Indiana State Police provide statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Indiana State Police's online portal, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing and understanding criminal records within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cass County, Indiana are maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request and sometimes a nominal fee. The information on a Cass County arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cass County Jail, located in Logansport, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules at the Cass County Jail require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and permissible items.
- The bond and bail process in Indiana allows for the posting of bail through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds, with specific procedures outlined by the county's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cass County are taken and retained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While Indiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove their mugshots from public view may need to pursue legal avenues, such as expungement of their arrest record, to achieve this.
Courts & Case Records
Cass County's judicial system includes the Cass Circuit Court and Cass Superior Court, both located at the Cass County Courthouse, 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947. The Circuit Court handles a broad range of civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters. The Superior Court shares concurrent jurisdiction over many case types. Court offices can be reached at (574) 753-7740.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Cass County Clerk's office for a fee, typically $1 per page plus a certification fee.
- Fees for filing civil cases vary by case type, with small claims filings generally costing under $100 and more complex civil litigation requiring higher filing fees.
Case lookup services are available through the Indiana Judicial System's mycase.in.gov portal, a statewide online database providing free public access to case information, dockets, judgments, and filings in Indiana trial courts. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to find both civil and criminal cases. Under Indiana Access to Court Records rules (Indiana Administrative Rule 9) and Indiana Code 5-14-3, most court records are presumed open to the public unless specifically exempted for reasons such as privacy, safety, or ongoing investigations.
The Clerk's office maintains original court records, marriage licenses, and other vital court documents. For probate matters, including wills, estate administrations, and guardianships, filings are made with the Clerk and heard in either the Circuit or Superior Court depending on case assignment. Traffic violations and small claims matters are also handled by these courts.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Cass County, Indiana, are maintained by the Cass County Recorder's Office, located at 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947. The Recorder can be reached at (574) 753-7810. This office is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other land-related instruments.
- Fees for certified copies typically include a per-page charge plus a certification fee as established by Indiana statute.
- Many Indiana counties participate in the statewide Beacon and GIS systems, which allow free public access to property tax records, assessment data, parcel maps, and ownership information.
Under Indiana Code 36-2-11, the Recorder must maintain an accurate index of all recorded documents, organized by grantor, grantee, and property description. Many Indiana counties, including Cass County, provide online access to recorded documents through third-party vendors or county-maintained databases. The Cass County Recorder's website or the county's main website may offer a searchable database of recorded instruments, though some records may require in-person access or payment for document retrieval.
Property tax information is managed by the Cass County Assessor's Office and Cass County Treasurer's Office, both located in the County Government Complex. The Assessor's office determines property values for taxation purposes, while the Treasurer collects property taxes. Users can search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view current and historical assessment data, tax amounts, payment history, and property characteristics.
Online GIS mapping tools often provide aerial photography, zoning information, and neighboring parcel data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cass County, Indiana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the local and state levels. The Cass County Health Department, located at 321 East Market Street, Logansport, IN 46947, phone (574) 753-4278, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within the county. Birth certificates for births occurring in Cass County can be requested from the local health department or from the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Division, located in Indianapolis.
- Current fees for certified copies are typically $12 for birth certificates and $10 for death certificates when ordered from the state, though local health department fees may vary slightly.
- Processing times range from one to three weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available for additional fees.
- Online ordering is available through the Indiana State Department of Health's VitalChek service, though convenience fees apply.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth certificates), immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the applicable fee.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under Indiana Code 16-37-1. Marriage licenses are issued by the Cass County Clerk's Office at 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947, phone (574) 753-7740. There is typically a waiting period before the license becomes valid.
Certified copies of marriage records can also be obtained from the County Clerk. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage) are court records maintained by the Cass County Clerk as part of the court filing system and can be accessed through the Clerk's office or the mycase.in.gov portal.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cass County, Indiana, are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Cass County Clerk's Office at 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947, maintains records of assumed business names (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations filed at the county level. Businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name must register with the County Clerk under Indiana Code 23-15-1.
- The INBiz portal (inbiz.in.gov) provides free online access to search registered business entities, view business formation documents, check entity status, and access annual reports.
- This database includes information on registered agents, business addresses, and filing history.
- Building permits for commercial construction or renovation are issued by the Cass County Building Department, typically requiring plan submission, fee payment, and compliance with Indiana Building Code standards.
For broader business entity information, the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the statewide database of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities. Professional licenses such as those for healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and cosmetologists are regulated by various Indiana state licensing boards rather than at the county level. The Cass County Area Plan Commission handles zoning matters and may require specific permits for businesses depending on location and use.
Sales tax permits and employer tax registrations are handled through the Indiana Department of Revenue. The Logansport/Cass County Chamber of Commerce, serving the region's business community, can be reached for information about local business climate, networking, and economic development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Cass County, Indiana, is managed by the Cass County Clerk's Office, which serves as the county's election board. Located at 200 Court Street, Logansport, IN 46947, the Clerk's office can be reached at (574) 753-7740 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Indiana can be completed online through the Indiana Voter Registration portal at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a voter registration application.
- The deadline to register to vote in Indiana is 29 days before any election.
- Cass County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 65-68% of registered voters, consistent with typical Indiana county participation rates in presidential election years.
Indiana requires voters to present a valid photo ID issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government that shows the voter's name and photo, with an expiration date that is current or expired within the past few years. Voters can find their polling place by visiting indianavoters.in.gov or by contacting the Cass County Clerk's office.
Public election records in Indiana include voter registration lists, which are available for purchase by qualified individuals under Indiana Code 3-7-26; campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees; candidate filings and declarations; and precinct-level election results. The Indiana Secretary of State maintains statewide election results and campaign finance databases online at in.gov/sos. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Indiana state offices, and local county positions. Absentee voting in Indiana is available to voters who meet specific criteria under Indiana Code 3-11-10, including those who will be absent from the county on election day, have a disability, are 65 or older, have work obligations during poll hours, are serving as election workers, or are confined due to illness or injury.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through indianavoters.in.gov, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office. The deadline for mail-in absentee ballot applications is 11 days before the election, while in-person absentee voting at the Clerk's office ends at noon the day before the election. Indiana law provides significant transparency in election administration, allowing citizens to observe vote counting, request precinct-level data, and access detailed election reports through the County Clerk and Secretary of State.
Economy & Demographics
Cass County, Indiana's economy reflects a blend of traditional manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and service industries. Historically, Logansport and Cass County were major railroad hubs, and while that industry has diminished, manufacturing remains significant. Major employers in the county include Logansport Memorial Hospital (now part of a regional healthcare system), Tyson Foods (poultry processing), and several automotive parts suppliers and metal fabrication companies.
- The median household income in Cass County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the Indiana state average, reflecting the county's rural character and manufacturing base.
- Highway 24 and State Road 25 provides transportation access, though it lacks direct interstate highway access, which has influenced economic development patterns.
Agriculture continues to play an important role, with corn and soybeans as primary crops, along with livestock operations. The county's location along U.S. Unemployment rates in Cass County have generally tracked state and national trends, with periods of higher unemployment during manufacturing downturns.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on diversifying the employment base, supporting small business growth, and leveraging the county's recreational assets like France Park and the riverfront areas in Logansport. The Logansport/Cass County Economic Development Foundation works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers. Retail and service sector employment is concentrated in Logansport, which serves as the commercial center for the county and surrounding rural communities.
The education sector, including Logansport Community School Corporation and other school districts, also represents significant employment. Tourism related to outdoor recreation, the historic carousel, and heritage attractions contributes to the local economy, particularly during summer months.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via mycase.in.gov | Property: ✅ Online Assessor/Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person for Detailed Records | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ Online via INBiz | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Cass County provides good digital access to court and property records, with vital records and detailed law enforcement records requiring more direct contact.
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Cities & Towns in Cass County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Cass County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
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