Clintonville, Wisconsin Public Records

Law enforcement in Waupaca County is provided by both the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Waupaca Police Department, New London Police Department, and Clintonville Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its respective jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office primarily handles rural and unincorporated areas, while city police departments focus on urban centers. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

The Waupaca County Jail, located in the city of Waupaca, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the detainee. Inmate information, including current custody status, can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with visitors subject to security screening. The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial, provided they meet the necessary conditions.

Clintonville residents are served by the Waupaca County Circuit Court, located at the Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6400). The Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases, misdemeanors, civil matters including small claims (up to $10,000), family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases for Waupaca County residents. The Clintonville Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and other municipal code enforcement matters; contact Clintonville City Hall at (715) 823-7645 for municipal court information and schedules. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), available at wcca.wicourts.gov, provides free online access to search court records statewide by name, case number, or other criteria. The system displays case information, parties involved, charges or claims, hearing dates, and case dispositions for both criminal and civil matters. Court records are public under Wisconsin's open courts rule, though certain sensitive records (juvenile, mental health, certain family court matters) are restricted. To obtain certified copies of court documents, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office at the Waupaca County Courthouse; fees are typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies, with standard photocopies at $0.50 per page. Case file copies and certification services are also available by mail with payment by check or money order. The Circuit Court website (co.waupaca.wi.us/courts) provides information on filing procedures, forms, and court calendars.

The criminal records system in Waupaca County encompasses a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history. These records are crucial for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and personal inquiries.

Arrest records in Waupaca County are maintained by the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest and are accessible to the public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. A typical arrest record in Waupaca County includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Property and land records for Clintonville are maintained by Waupaca County offices in Waupaca. The Waupaca County Assessor's Office, located at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6315), maintains property assessment records including parcel numbers, property classifications, assessed values, property characteristics, and ownership information. The county provides a free online property search tool through the Waupaca County GIS/Land Records portal at gis.co.waupaca.wi.us, where residents can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view assessment data, property maps, and tax information. The Waupaca County Register of Deeds, also located at 811 Harding Street (phone: 715-258-6205), records and maintains all official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, plats, and other documents affecting title to real property. Wisconsin law requires that most real estate documents be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to provide public notice and establish priority of interests. The Register of Deeds office offers free online access to recorded documents through the Waupaca County Land Records system (wilandrecords.org for Waupaca County), where users can search by name, document type, or date range and view digitized images of recorded instruments dating back several decades. Some historical records may require in-person research. Recording fees vary by document type but typically start at approximately $30 for the first page plus additional fees for subsequent pages. The GIS mapping system provides interactive parcel maps, aerial photography, zoning information, and property boundaries, making it a valuable tool for property research, real estate transactions, and land use planning.

Clintonville's economy has historically been anchored by manufacturing, particularly related to its automotive heritage. While the FWD Corporation (Four Wheel Drive) was once the city's dominant employer for over a century, the facility ceased manufacturing operations in Clintonville in recent years, representing a significant economic transition for the community. Seagrave Fire Apparatus, a manufacturer of custom fire trucks and emergency vehicles, operates in Clintonville and remains an important employer in the precision manufacturing sector. Agriculture continues to play a vital role in the local economy, with dairy farming, crop production, and agricultural services supporting both direct employment and related businesses. The Clintonville Area School District is a major public sector employer, along with city government services. Retail and service businesses concentrated in the downtown area serve both city residents and the surrounding rural communities in northern Waupaca County. Healthcare services, construction, and professional services also contribute to the employment base. The median household income in Clintonville is estimated at approximately $50,000-$55,000, somewhat below the Wisconsin state median. The city faces economic development challenges common to small Wisconsin manufacturing communities, including population stability, workforce attraction and retention, and diversification beyond traditional industries. Clintonville's location along Highway 45 provides regional transportation access, and the city has worked to attract new businesses and support entrepreneurship through local economic development initiatives. The broader Waupaca County economy includes tourism (particularly around the Chain O' Lakes area to the south), agriculture, and manufacturing, with Clintonville serving as a northern anchor community within the county's economic landscape.

The Clintonville Police Department serves the city of Clintonville and is located at 50 10th Street, Clintonville, WI 54929. The department can be reached at (715) 823-7150. Residents can request police reports, incident records, and accident reports by visiting the police department in person or by submitting a written request under Wisconsin's Public Records Law. The department maintains records of calls for service, arrests, and citations within city limits. The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-4466), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Waupaca County and assists Clintonville police with major incidents. The Sheriff's Office website (co.waupaca.wi.us) provides information on county-wide law enforcement activities. For arrest and jail booking records, the Waupaca County Jail maintains an inmate roster that can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or by contacting the jail directly at (715) 258-4457. The jail roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots when available. All public records requests for law enforcement records in Wisconsin are governed by Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the state's Public Records Law, which presumes that all governmental records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted. Requests should be specific and reasonable, and agencies may charge fees for copying costs. Law enforcement agencies may redact information related to ongoing investigations or that would compromise privacy rights, but most arrest records, incident reports, and booking information are publicly accessible once cases are filed or closed.

Vital records for Clintonville residents are primarily managed at the state and county levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703 (phone: 608-266-1371). Birth certificates cost $20 per certified copy, and death certificates cost $20 per certified copy. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record (immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with legal authority). Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, though additional service fees apply. Processing times are typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders with expedited shipping. Wisconsin birth records are available from 1852 to the present, and death records from 1852 to the present, though record completeness varies for older entries. Marriage licenses are obtained through the Waupaca County Register of Deeds, 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6205). Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers; there is a 6-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. The marriage license fee is approximately $110. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Waupaca County Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse address (phone: 715-258-6400). Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk of Court for the standard court document fees. Wisconsin law requires requesters of vital records to have a direct and tangible interest, and photo identification must be presented for in-person requests. Historical vital records prior to statewide registration may be found in county records or church records.

Business operations in Clintonville are regulated at city, county, and state levels. The City of Clintonville requires business licenses for certain operations within city limits; contact Clintonville City Hall at 50 10th Street, Clintonville, WI 54929 (phone: 715-823-7645) for specific licensing requirements, fees, and application procedures. The city clerk can provide information on local business regulations, zoning requirements, and building permits for commercial operations. Certain businesses such as restaurants, bars, and other establishments serving food or alcohol require additional licenses and inspections. Waupaca County may require separate permits or licenses for businesses operating in unincorporated areas or for specific activities like septic system installation or land use permits; contact the Waupaca County Zoning Department at (715) 258-6491. Wisconsin does not use the DBA (doing business as) terminology but instead registers trade names. Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a free online business entity search at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or registration number to verify corporate status, view officers and directors, check good standing status, and access formation documents. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches for secured transactions are also conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions UCC search portal. For property tax information on commercial properties in Clintonville, use the Waupaca County Assessor's online database at gis.co.waupaca.wi.us to search by business address or parcel number to view assessed values and tax records. Business personal property is also subject to assessment and taxation in Wisconsin.

Election administration for Clintonville voters is managed by the Waupaca County Clerk's Office, located at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6350). The County Clerk oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, coordinates polling places, certifies election results, and provides election information for all county residents including those in Clintonville. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the state's centralized voter information portal, up to 20 days before an election; voters can also register in person at their municipal clerk's office or at the polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other official document showing the voter's current name and address. Clintonville holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members in the spring election cycle (April) in odd-numbered years; the next Clintonville municipal election is scheduled for April 2025, with mayor and council seats on the ballot. To find candidates for local offices, sample ballots, and information on local ballot questions, residents can contact the Clintonville City Clerk at (715) 823-7645 or visit the city hall at 50 10th Street. Voters can find their assigned polling place by entering their address at myvote.wi.gov or by contacting the Waupaca County Clerk. In November 2024, Waupaca County reported voter turnout of approximately 76-78% of registered voters for the presidential election, consistent with Wisconsin's historically high participation rates. On November 3, 2026, Clintonville and Waupaca County voters will decide several important races: Wisconsin does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, but voters will elect a Governor (Governor Tony Evers' term expires in 2026), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and state legislators for both the Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate districts serving Clintonville. County-level offices including Waupaca County Board supervisors and possibly county executive or other county constitutional officers may also be on the ballot. Voters should check myvote.wi.gov closer to the election for a complete sample ballot specific to their address. Wisconsin allows absentee voting by mail for any reason; voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, by contacting their municipal clerk (Clintonville City Clerk at 715-823-7645), or through the County Clerk's office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election, and completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Wisconsin election records that are public include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under Wisconsin Statutes §6.36), campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission (accessible at ethics.wi.gov), candidate registration and filings, and precinct-level election results published by the Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov.