Craig Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Craig, Nebraska government websites.

About Craig

Craig is a small village in Burt County, Nebraska, located in the northeastern part of the state approximately 15 miles northwest of Tekamah, the county seat. Situated along U.S. Highway 75 near the Missouri River valley, Craig had a population of approximately 218 residents as of the 2020 Census. The village was founded in the 1880s during the railroad expansion era and was named after a railroad official. Craig's economy has historically been anchored in agriculture, with corn and soybean farming dominating the surrounding landscape.
The community is served by the Craig-Decatur School system and maintains a quiet, rural character typical of small Nebraska farm towns. The village has a simple main street with a few local businesses, a post office, and community center that serves as a gathering place for residents. Public records for Craig residents are maintained by a combination of village, county, and state agencies. The Village of Craig maintains basic municipal records at its village office, though many services are handled at the county level. Burt County offices in Tekamah manage the majority of public records including property deeds, marriage licenses, court filings, and recorded documents through the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Assessor's offices located in the Burt County Courthouse at 111 North 13th Street. Law enforcement records are primarily handled by the Burt County Sheriff's Office, which provides policing services to Craig and other unincorporated areas. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in Lincoln, while court records flow through the Burt County District Court. Nebraska's public records laws, governed primarily by Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09, provide broad public access to government documents with limited exceptions for privacy and ongoing investigations.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Craig, Burt County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Tekamah Police Department, Lyons Police Department, and Oakland Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits and often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies. The coordination between these departments ensures comprehensive coverage and response to criminal activities across Burt County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Burt County Jail, located in Tekamah, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process at the jail involves photographing and fingerprinting detainees, who are then held until they post bail or appear in court. Inmate information can be accessed through the Burt County Sheriff's Office, which provides details on charges, bond amounts, and court dates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

Court Records

Craig, Nebraska does not operate its own municipal court. Residents of Craig are served by the Burt County District Court, located in the Burt County Courthouse at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, NE 68061, phone (402) 374-2955. The District Court handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases over $57,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate proceedings, juvenile matters, and appeals from County Court.
The Burt County Court, also located in the same courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $57,000, small claims up to $3,900, protection orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The County Court phone number is (402) 374-2955. Nebraska offers online court record access through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online case search system available at https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/. This system allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney for cases filed in Burt County and throughout Nebraska. Not all historical records are digitized, and some sealed or confidential cases (such as juvenile matters or certain family court proceedings) are not publicly accessible. For records not available online, residents must visit the Clerk of the District Court office in person or submit a written request. Filing fees and record copy fees are set by Nebraska statute. As of 2024, certified copies of court documents cost $1.50 per page. Case filing fees vary by case type: civil actions require a $158 filing fee, small claims cost $48, probate estates require $151, and divorce filings cost $158. Money order, cash, or check are typically accepted. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Burt County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Burt County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, providing information necessary for background checks. The Nebraska Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive criminal background checks. This bureau provides statewide criminal history reports, which include records from Burt County, ensuring a thorough review of an individual's criminal past.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Burt County are maintained by the Burt County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Nebraska Public Records Law. An arrest record in Burt County typically contains the date of arrest, the arresting agency, and the charges. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible to the public, subject to certain privacy restrictions.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Craig, Nebraska are maintained by two primary Burt County offices located in Tekamah. The Burt County Assessor's Office, located in the Burt County Courthouse at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, NE 68061, phone (402) 374-2020, maintains property assessment records including valuations, property characteristics, ownership information, and tax assessment data for all parcels in Craig.
The Assessor's website (accessible through www.burtcounty.ne.gov) provides online property search capabilities where residents can look up parcels by owner name, address, or parcel number. Search results typically display current assessed values, property dimensions, building characteristics, agricultural classifications, and assessment history. The Burt County Register of Deeds, also located in the courthouse at 111 North 13th Street, phone (402) 374-2955, is responsible for recording and maintaining all land transfer documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, releases, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting real property title. Nebraska law requires that all real property transfers be recorded with the County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice and establish priority of interests. Recording fees are established by state statute and typically range from $14 to $28 depending on document type and page count. While some Nebraska counties offer online access to recorded documents, Burt County primarily requires in-person visits or written requests for copies of recorded instruments, though basic indexing information may be searchable. For property searches, residents can begin with the Assessor's online database to identify parcel numbers and ownership, then request copies of recorded deeds and mortgages from the Register of Deeds. Title searches for real estate transactions typically require examining the chain of title through Register of Deeds records. Burt County does not currently offer a comprehensive GIS parcel viewer with aerial photography, though basic parcel mapping may be available through the Assessor's office upon request.

Economy & Demographics

Craig's economy is fundamentally agricultural, reflecting the broader economic character of Burt County and northeastern Nebraska. The village and surrounding area are dominated by family farms producing corn, soybeans, and wheat, with some cattle operations. Major employers in the immediate Craig area include the Craig-Decatur School, which provides education for pre-K through 12th grade and serves as one of the largest employers in the village. The school district employs teachers, administrators, support staff, and transportation personnel.
Local grain elevators and agricultural service providers offer seasonal and full-time employment related to crop production and storage. Many Craig residents commute to larger employment centers including Tekamah (15 miles southeast), Blair (approximately 45 miles south), and Sioux City, Iowa (approximately 30 miles north). Tekamah, the county seat, offers employment in county government, healthcare at Tekamah Community Hospital, and retail. Manufacturing and processing facilities in the region provide additional employment opportunities. The median household income in Craig is estimated to be lower than the Nebraska state median, reflecting the rural agricultural economy and smaller population base. Burt County's economy has faced challenges common to rural Nebraska including population decline, farm consolidation, and young adult out-migration seeking urban employment opportunities. However, the region benefits from productive agricultural land, proximity to the Missouri River, and reasonable access to Interstate 29 across the river in Iowa. Recent years have seen some diversification with ethanol production facilities in the region and increased value-added agricultural processing. Craig maintains its character as a small farm community with strong ties to the land and agricultural traditions that have defined the area for over 130 years.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Craig, Nebraska does not maintain its own police department; law enforcement services for the village and surrounding area are provided by the Burt County Sheriff's Office, located at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, NE 68061, phone (402) 374-2900. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Burt County and provides patrol, investigation, and emergency response services to Craig residents. To request police reports, incident records, or accident reports involving Craig addresses, residents should contact the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours or submit a written public records request. The Nebraska State Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state highways and can be reached at (402) 471-4545 for records related to highway incidents.

Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Burt County can be accessed through the Burt County Sheriff's Office. While Burt County does not maintain a dedicated detention facility for long-term incarceration, individuals arrested in Craig are typically processed and either released or transported to regional facilities. Booking information including names, charges, arrest dates, and bond amounts is considered public record under Nebraska law. For inmate searches of individuals who may have been transferred to state facilities, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services provides an online offender search at https://www.nebraska.gov/correctional-services/.

Public records requests in Nebraska are governed by the Nebraska Public Records Statutes, specifically Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 84-712 through 84-712.09. These statutes grant citizens the right to examine and copy public records except those specifically exempted by law for privacy, security, or ongoing investigation reasons. Requests should be made in writing to the custodian of records (in Craig's case, typically the Burt County Sheriff or County Clerk), and agencies must respond within four business days either providing the records or explaining any denial. Fees may be charged for copying and staff time for extensive requests.

Vital Records

Vital records for Craig, Nebraska residents are managed primarily at the state level by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records Section, located at 1033 O Street, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE 68508. Birth certificates for individuals born in Nebraska can be requested by mail, in person, or online through the VitalChek service at https://www.nebraska.gov/dhhs/vitalrecords/. Certified copies cost $17 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Eligible requestors include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives. Birth records are confidential for 50 years from the date of birth under Nebraska law. Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees through VitalChek. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Burt County follow the same process through the Nebraska DHHS Vital Records office. Certified death certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies. Death records less than 50 years old are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct tangible interest. Online ordering is available through VitalChek for recent deaths once the record has been filed and processed by the state. Marriage licenses for Craig residents are issued by the Burt County Clerk, located at 111 North 13th Street, Tekamah, NE 68061, phone (402) 374-2955. Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification and pay a fee of $15. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for one year from issuance. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $17 from the state Vital Records office or $7 from the County Clerk. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Burt County District Court and can be accessed through the Clerk of the District Court. Divorce decrees are part of the court file and are public record unless specifically sealed. Historical vital records dating back to the 1880s are available through the Nebraska State Historical Society for genealogical research, with some restrictions on recent records.

Business & Licensing Records

The Village of Craig does not maintain a separate municipal business license requirement due to its small size. Businesses operating within Craig village limits may need to register with Burt County or comply with county zoning and health regulations depending on the business type. For specific local requirements, contact the Village Clerk or Burt County Clerk at (402) 374-2955. Certain business types such as food service, alcohol sales, and childcare require state-level licensing through respective Nebraska state agencies regardless of location.
Burt County does not maintain a separate fictitious business name (DBA) registry. Nebraska businesses operating under a trade name or DBA must register at the state level. The Nebraska Secretary of State, Corporation Division, located at 1445 K Street, Suite 2300, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402) 471-4079, maintains all business entity records including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and trade names. The Secretary of State provides a free online business search database at https://www.nebraska.gov/sos/corp/ where anyone can search for business entities by name, registered agent, or filing number. Search results display the entity status (active, dissolved, withdrawn), registration date, registered agent and office address, and officers or members for LLCs. Articles of incorporation, amendments, and annual reports are available for download or purchase. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which establish security interests in personal property and business assets, are also filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State. UCC searches can be conducted online through the Secretary of State's website for a fee. These searches are commonly used by lenders and creditors to identify existing liens on business equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. Business owners in Craig must also comply with property tax requirements for commercial real estate and business personal property. The Burt County Assessor's Office at (402) 374-2020 assesses all commercial properties and business personal property such as equipment, fixtures, and inventory. Business owners must file annual personal property returns listing taxable assets. Commercial property assessments are public record and can be researched through the Assessor's office to determine tax obligations and compare valuations.

Elections & Voter Records

Craig, Nebraska voters are served by the Burt County Clerk/Election Commissioner, located at 111 North 13th Street, Suite 5, Tekamah, NE 68061, phone (402) 374-2955. The County Clerk administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections for Craig residents and maintains voter registration records for the village. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Nebraska voter registration information and online registration are available through the Nebraska Secretary of State website at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/voter-registration/. Eligible Nebraska residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the election date, and residents of Nebraska. The voter registration deadline is 6:00 PM on the second Friday preceding any election (or postmarked 10 days before if mailing). Online registration requires a valid Nebraska driver's license or state ID.

Craig operates under a village board system with a Village Board Chairman and board members elected on nonpartisan ballots. Village elections are typically held in conjunction with the statewide primary election in May of odd-numbered years. The next village election cycle would be in May 2025. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures specific to Craig can be obtained from the Burt County Clerk or the Village Clerk. Voter turnout in Craig tends to be higher in presidential election years compared to odd-year local elections.

Craig residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Burt County Clerk or using the online polling place lookup tool at the Nebraska Secretary of State website (https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/). Craig typically has one or two polling locations within the village for Election Day voting, usually at a school or community building. Polls are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time on Election Day in Nebraska.

Nebraska public records law makes certain election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists (including names and addresses but not full birthdates or driver's license numbers) are public and can be purchased from county election offices. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and searchable at https://nadc.nebraska.gov/. Candidate filings, nomination petitions, and precinct-level election results are public records maintained by the County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Burt County reported approximately 62% voter turnout, with rural precincts like Craig showing strong participation.

Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Craig and Burt County voters will decide several important races. Nebraska's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Deb Fischer is not up for election in 2026 (next in 2024). The Nebraska Governor's race is scheduled for 2026, with the primary in May and general election in November. All of Nebraska's unicameral legislature (the Nebraska Legislature) members serve four-year terms, and District 19 (which includes Burt County) will be on the ballot depending on the districting schedule following 2020 redistricting. County offices including Sheriff, County Attorney, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and County Commissioners (depending on district rotation) will appear on the 2026 ballot. Depending on the cycle, Craig's village board positions may also be contested in the May 2027 municipal election.

Nebraska offers early voting by mail through the absentee/early voting process. Any registered voter may request an early voting ballot without providing an excuse. Requests can be made online through the Nebraska Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office beginning approximately 120 days before an election. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is the second Friday before Election Day by 6:00 PM. Completed ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by the County Clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Craig residents can also vote early in person at the Burt County Clerk's office beginning approximately 30 days before any election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online (Assessor online, Recorder in-person) | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online (Sheriff's office contact required, no real-time online roster) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (through VitalChek) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.2/10 — Burt County provides good access to court records through Nebraska's statewide system and business records through the state, but property records require in-person visits for recorded documents, and law enforcement records lack online public access.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Craig, Burt County, Nebraska to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Craig, Nebraska, you will be transported to the Burt 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 Burt County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Burt County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Craig area is served by public school districts in Burt County, Nebraska. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Nebraska Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Craig, Nebraska 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 Craig Police Department on their official website. The Nebraska Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Craig Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Nebraska government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Craig Public Library main branch is located in Craig, Nebraska. Check the Craig city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Craig, Nebraska are available through the Craig 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 Burt County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Craig, Nebraska, contact the Nebraska Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Burt 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.
Police reports from Craig, Nebraska can be obtained from the Craig Police Department or the Burt County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Nebraska Public Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Nebraska DMV.
A background check in Craig, Burt County, Nebraska 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 Nebraska criminal history report through the Nebraska Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.