Official Government Sources
Custer Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Custer, Wisconsin government websites.
About Custer City Government
The governing body of Custer, Wisconsin, is the Custer Village Board, which consists of 5 elected members. Board members are elected at-large for a term length of 2 years. Elections occur in April, aligning with the statewide spring election schedule.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Custer is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Custer Village Board holds regular meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings take place at the Custer Village Hall, located at 1300 Main Street, Custer, WI 54423. These sessions are open to the public, providing residents an opportunity to engage with their local government and stay informed about community matters.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Custer is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Custer Village Board holds regular meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings take place at the Custer Village Hall, located at 1300 Main Street, Custer, WI 54423. These sessions are open to the public, providing residents an opportunity to engage with their local government and stay informed about community matters.
About Custer, Wisconsin
Nestled in the serene landscape of Portage County, the village of Custer boasts a tight-knit community with a population of approximately 1,024 residents. Established in the mid-1800s, Custer has developed a rich history and a distinctive small-town charm that continues to attract both visitors and new residents. The village is characterized by its family-friendly atmosphere, with several neighborhoods that foster a sense of belonging and community engagement. Local economic activity is primarily driven by small businesses, agriculture, and light manufacturing, with several key employers contributing to the village's steady growth. Custer's unique identity is further enhanced by its picturesque surroundings, including nearby parks and recreational areas that offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities. This quaint village exemplifies the spirit of rural Wisconsin, where community ties and local pride are palpable.
Law enforcement in Custer is primarily managed by the Custer Police Department, which is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the village's residents. Additionally, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in providing law enforcement services throughout the county, including Custer. In cases where individuals seek to obtain criminal records, arrest records, mugshots, or booking information, the process involves several key steps. First, residents may contact the local police department’s records unit directly to request pertinent information. For records related to incidents that may involve county jurisdiction or more serious offenses, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office can be approached. Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a state criminal repository where comprehensive criminal history can be accessed. For convenience, many of these records may also be available through online lookup portals that streamline the request process, making it easier for individuals to obtain the information they need.
The Portage County Circuit Court serves as the primary judicial body for Custer, handling various civil and criminal matters that arise within the community. Residents seeking court records can access these documents through the online portal provided by the Wisconsin Court System, which allows for convenient searches and requests. For those needing vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, the Portage County Clerk-Recorder's office is the designated authority, with applications available both in-person and through their online services. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, who also provide online access to pertinent data related to property ownership and assessments. Additionally, residents have the right to request public records under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which ensures transparency within local government. Typically, requests for public records are responded to within 5 to 10 business days, allowing residents to stay informed about community affairs and government activities.
Law enforcement in Custer is primarily managed by the Custer Police Department, which is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the village's residents. Additionally, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in providing law enforcement services throughout the county, including Custer. In cases where individuals seek to obtain criminal records, arrest records, mugshots, or booking information, the process involves several key steps. First, residents may contact the local police department’s records unit directly to request pertinent information. For records related to incidents that may involve county jurisdiction or more serious offenses, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office can be approached. Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a state criminal repository where comprehensive criminal history can be accessed. For convenience, many of these records may also be available through online lookup portals that streamline the request process, making it easier for individuals to obtain the information they need.
The Portage County Circuit Court serves as the primary judicial body for Custer, handling various civil and criminal matters that arise within the community. Residents seeking court records can access these documents through the online portal provided by the Wisconsin Court System, which allows for convenient searches and requests. For those needing vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, the Portage County Clerk-Recorder's office is the designated authority, with applications available both in-person and through their online services. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, who also provide online access to pertinent data related to property ownership and assessments. Additionally, residents have the right to request public records under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which ensures transparency within local government. Typically, requests for public records are responded to within 5 to 10 business days, allowing residents to stay informed about community affairs and government activities.
About Custer
Custer is an unincorporated community located in the Town of Linwood in Portage County, Wisconsin. Situated in the central part of the state, Custer is a small rural community approximately 10 miles northeast of Stevens Point, the county seat and largest city in Portage County. The area is characterized by agricultural land, forests, and scattered residential properties typical of Wisconsin's central sand plains region. While Custer does not have formal incorporation as a city or village, it serves as a recognized community within Portage County, which has a total county population of approximately 70,000 residents. The community's history is rooted in Wisconsin's farming and logging heritage, and today it remains primarily residential and agricultural in character, with many residents commuting to Stevens Point or other nearby communities for employment.
As an unincorporated community, Custer residents access public records through Portage County government offices and Wisconsin state systems. The Portage County Courthouse in Stevens Point houses most county departments that maintain public records, including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Circuit Court. Law enforcement records are maintained by the Portage County Sheriff's Department, which provides primary police services to unincorporated areas like Custer. Property records, including tax assessments and land deeds, are available through the Portage County Land Information Office and Register of Deeds. Court records for civil and criminal cases are handled by the Portage County Circuit Court. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by both the Portage County Register of Deeds and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Wisconsin's strong public records tradition, codified in Wisconsin Statutes §§19.31-19.39, ensures that most government records are accessible to the public with limited exceptions, making it relatively straightforward for Custer residents to obtain documentation for legal, property, and personal matters.
As an unincorporated community, Custer residents access public records through Portage County government offices and Wisconsin state systems. The Portage County Courthouse in Stevens Point houses most county departments that maintain public records, including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Circuit Court. Law enforcement records are maintained by the Portage County Sheriff's Department, which provides primary police services to unincorporated areas like Custer. Property records, including tax assessments and land deeds, are available through the Portage County Land Information Office and Register of Deeds. Court records for civil and criminal cases are handled by the Portage County Circuit Court. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by both the Portage County Register of Deeds and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Wisconsin's strong public records tradition, codified in Wisconsin Statutes §§19.31-19.39, ensures that most government records are accessible to the public with limited exceptions, making it relatively straightforward for Custer residents to obtain documentation for legal, property, and personal matters.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Custer, Portage County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Stevens Point Police Department, Plover Police Department, and Amherst Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes and community policing efforts. These agencies often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Portage County Jail, located in Stevens Point, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through the county's online portal, allowing family and attorneys to find information on current inmates. Visitation at the jail is regulated, with specific hours and rules that must be adhered to, including scheduling visits in advance. The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Court Records
Custer residents are served by the Portage County Circuit Court, located at the Portage County Courthouse, 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1351. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction and handles all criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil cases including contract disputes and personal injury claims, family law matters (divorce, custody, child support), probate and estate proceedings, small claims cases (disputes up to $10,000), guardianships, and mental health commitments. Wisconsin's unified court system means that circuit courts serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction for all case types. For traffic citations and ordinance violations in unincorporated areas, cases are typically handled through the circuit court system as well, as Custer does not have a municipal court. The Portage County Circuit Court has multiple branches with several judges handling the caseload.
Wisconsin offers robust online access to court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal at https://wcca.wicourts.gov. This free, statewide system allows the public to search case records by party name, case number, or attorney name across all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Portage County. The WCCA system displays case information including parties involved, charges or claims, filing dates, hearing schedules, dispositions, and judgments. However, certain sensitive cases such as juvenile matters, some family law cases, and mental health proceedings have restricted access. For certified copies of court documents, the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court charges $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee. In-person searches and document requests can be made at the Clerk of Courts office at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Wisconsin offers robust online access to court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal at https://wcca.wicourts.gov. This free, statewide system allows the public to search case records by party name, case number, or attorney name across all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Portage County. The WCCA system displays case information including parties involved, charges or claims, filing dates, hearing schedules, dispositions, and judgments. However, certain sensitive cases such as juvenile matters, some family law cases, and mental health proceedings have restricted access. For certified copies of court documents, the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court charges $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee. In-person searches and document requests can be made at the Clerk of Courts office at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Portage County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by different agencies, with the Sheriff's Office and local police departments handling arrest and incident reports. Background checks in Wisconsin can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in supporting local law enforcement with resources and expertise.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Portage County are maintained by the Portage 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 through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. An arrest record in Portage County will generally include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing a comprehensive overview of the incident.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Custer and all of Portage County are maintained by multiple county offices in Stevens Point. The Portage County Land Information Office, located at 1516 Church Street, Room 270, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1349, manages the county's Geographic Information System (GIS) and provides public access to property assessment data. Their website at https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/land-information offers a comprehensive online parcel viewer and property search system. Residents can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view detailed information including assessed values, property classifications, acreage, building characteristics, tax bills, and aerial imagery. This system is free to access and provides historical assessment data as well.
The Portage County Register of Deeds, located at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334, website https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/register-of-deeds, is responsible for recording and maintaining all land records documents. This office records property deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, land contracts, easements, liens (including mechanics liens and judgment liens), plats, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property. Wisconsin law requires that these documents be recorded to provide public notice of property ownership and encumbrances. The Register of Deeds office provides free online access to recorded documents through their website, allowing users to search and view scanned images of recorded instruments dating back many years. The online system can be searched by grantor/grantee names, document type, recording date, or parcel number. While viewing documents online is free, certified copies are available for a fee. The recording fee structure is set by Wisconsin statutes, with typical fees being $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for most documents. The Portage County GIS system integrates with the Register of Deeds database to provide comprehensive property information to residents, researchers, real estate professionals, and title companies.
The Portage County Register of Deeds, located at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334, website https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/register-of-deeds, is responsible for recording and maintaining all land records documents. This office records property deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, land contracts, easements, liens (including mechanics liens and judgment liens), plats, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property. Wisconsin law requires that these documents be recorded to provide public notice of property ownership and encumbrances. The Register of Deeds office provides free online access to recorded documents through their website, allowing users to search and view scanned images of recorded instruments dating back many years. The online system can be searched by grantor/grantee names, document type, recording date, or parcel number. While viewing documents online is free, certified copies are available for a fee. The recording fee structure is set by Wisconsin statutes, with typical fees being $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for most documents. The Portage County GIS system integrates with the Register of Deeds database to provide comprehensive property information to residents, researchers, real estate professionals, and title companies.
Economy & Demographics
Custer's economy is primarily residential and agricultural, reflecting its character as a small rural community in central Wisconsin. The area's economic activity is closely tied to the broader Portage County economy, which is anchored by Stevens Point, approximately 10 miles to the southwest. Many Custer area residents commute to Stevens Point for employment, where major employers include the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (a significant educational institution employing over 800 faculty and staff), Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital (a regional healthcare provider with hundreds of employees), Sentry Insurance (a major property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Stevens Point with over 4,000 employees making it one of the largest employers in the region), and Delta Dental of Wisconsin. The Stevens Point Area Public School District is also a major employer in the region.
Agriculture remains important to Custer's local economy, with the surrounding area featuring dairy farms, crop production (particularly potatoes, vegetables, and corn), and some livestock operations. Portage County is part of Wisconsin's Central Sands agricultural region, known for irrigation-based vegetable production. The forestry and paper industries, historically significant to central Wisconsin, continue to have some presence in the broader regional economy. Median household income for rural areas of Portage County is estimated to be in the range of $50,000-$60,000, somewhat lower than the county average of approximately $55,000 but reflective of the area's rural, agricultural character. The Town of Linwood, where Custer is located, has seen modest residential development in recent decades as some residents seek rural living while working in Stevens Point or other area communities. The economy is stable and benefits from the diversification provided by education, healthcare, insurance, and agriculture sectors. Tourism and recreation also contribute to the regional economy, with the area's lakes, trails, and outdoor amenities drawing visitors, though this is less pronounced in Custer itself compared to other parts of Portage County.
Agriculture remains important to Custer's local economy, with the surrounding area featuring dairy farms, crop production (particularly potatoes, vegetables, and corn), and some livestock operations. Portage County is part of Wisconsin's Central Sands agricultural region, known for irrigation-based vegetable production. The forestry and paper industries, historically significant to central Wisconsin, continue to have some presence in the broader regional economy. Median household income for rural areas of Portage County is estimated to be in the range of $50,000-$60,000, somewhat lower than the county average of approximately $55,000 but reflective of the area's rural, agricultural character. The Town of Linwood, where Custer is located, has seen modest residential development in recent decades as some residents seek rural living while working in Stevens Point or other area communities. The economy is stable and benefits from the diversification provided by education, healthcare, insurance, and agriculture sectors. Tourism and recreation also contribute to the regional economy, with the area's lakes, trails, and outdoor amenities drawing visitors, though this is less pronounced in Custer itself compared to other parts of Portage County.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
Custer, as an unincorporated community in the Town of Linwood, does not have its own municipal police department. Law enforcement services are provided by the Portage County Sheriff's Office, located at 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 346-1400, and their website is https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/sheriff. The Sheriff's Office handles all police responses, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and public safety matters in Custer and other unincorporated areas of Portage County. To request police reports or incident records, residents should contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division directly at the above address or phone number. Wisconsin's public records law requires law enforcement agencies to provide access to incident reports, accident reports, and arrest records upon request, though certain ongoing investigation materials may be temporarily restricted.
The Portage County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, maintains an online inmate roster that allows the public to search for current detainees. The inmate search can be accessed through the Portage County Sheriff's website and typically displays booking photos (mugshots), full names, booking dates, charges filed, bond amounts, and housing locations within the facility. This system is updated regularly and provides transparency regarding arrests and detentions in the county. To request arrest records or booking histories, residents can submit requests under Wisconsin's public records law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes §19.32, which establishes that any requester has a right to inspect public records during normal business hours and to receive copies upon payment of reproduction costs. Wisconsin Statute §19.35 outlines the procedures for requesting records, requiring agencies to respond as soon as practicable and no later than required timelines. Most non-confidential law enforcement records, including incident reports, accident reports, and booking information, are available to any member of the public regardless of their reason for requesting them.
The Portage County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, maintains an online inmate roster that allows the public to search for current detainees. The inmate search can be accessed through the Portage County Sheriff's website and typically displays booking photos (mugshots), full names, booking dates, charges filed, bond amounts, and housing locations within the facility. This system is updated regularly and provides transparency regarding arrests and detentions in the county. To request arrest records or booking histories, residents can submit requests under Wisconsin's public records law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes §19.32, which establishes that any requester has a right to inspect public records during normal business hours and to receive copies upon payment of reproduction costs. Wisconsin Statute §19.35 outlines the procedures for requesting records, requiring agencies to respond as soon as practicable and no later than required timelines. Most non-confidential law enforcement records, including incident reports, accident reports, and booking information, are available to any member of the public regardless of their reason for requesting them.
Vital Records
Vital records for Custer residents are managed at both the county and state levels depending on the type of record and date. Birth and death certificates in Wisconsin are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703, phone 608-266-1371, website https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords. Birth certificates can be ordered online through the VitalChek service for a fee of $20 per certified copy plus processing fees, with expedited service available for additional cost. Standard processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks, while expedited service takes about 1 week. Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Wisconsin law restricts access to birth records for 100 years and death records for 50 years to authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest.
The Portage County Register of Deeds, at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334, also maintains copies of vital records and can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates that occurred in Portage County. Marriage licenses are issued by the Portage County Clerk's Office at the Portage County Courthouse, 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1433. The marriage license fee in Wisconsin is set by state law at $110. Couples must apply together in person, and there is no waiting period in Wisconsin, though the license is valid for 30 days from issuance. Marriage records are public information in Wisconsin and can be searched through the Register of Deeds office. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse address, phone (715) 346-1351. Divorce decrees and related documents are accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system online, though financial and custody details may have limited access. Certified copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court for the standard fee of $5 for the first page and $1 for additional pages plus certification fees. Wisconsin has increasingly digitized vital records, with many counties' records available online or through state databases going back to the early 1900s.
The Portage County Register of Deeds, at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334, also maintains copies of vital records and can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates that occurred in Portage County. Marriage licenses are issued by the Portage County Clerk's Office at the Portage County Courthouse, 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1433. The marriage license fee in Wisconsin is set by state law at $110. Couples must apply together in person, and there is no waiting period in Wisconsin, though the license is valid for 30 days from issuance. Marriage records are public information in Wisconsin and can be searched through the Register of Deeds office. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse address, phone (715) 346-1351. Divorce decrees and related documents are accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system online, though financial and custody details may have limited access. Certified copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court for the standard fee of $5 for the first page and $1 for additional pages plus certification fees. Wisconsin has increasingly digitized vital records, with many counties' records available online or through state databases going back to the early 1900s.
Business & Licensing Records
Custer, as an unincorporated community, does not issue its own business licenses. Businesses operating in the Custer area may need to comply with Portage County and Wisconsin state requirements depending on the nature of the business. Some business types require county-level permits or licenses, which are handled by various Portage County departments at the Portage County Courthouse, 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481. The Portage County Zoning Department, phone (715) 346-1384, handles land use permits and zoning compliance, which may be required for home-based businesses or commercial operations. Certain business categories such as food establishments, alcohol sales, and contractors require specific state licenses from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services or other state agencies.
Fictitious business name registrations ("doing business as" or DBA filings) in Wisconsin are filed with the Portage County Register of Deeds at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334. The fee for registering a business name is approximately $30, and registrations must be renewed. The Register of Deeds maintains searchable records of DBAs filed in Portage County. For formal business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered organizations, Wisconsin requires registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a free, searchable online database at https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where anyone can look up business entities registered in Wisconsin. The database shows entity names, registration dates, status (active, dissolved, etc.), registered agents, registered office addresses, and in some cases, officers and directors. This is an essential tool for verifying business legitimacy and finding contact information for registered businesses.
UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, which are used to establish security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and can be searched online through their UCC search portal. Business owners in Custer who own commercial property can look up their property tax assessments through the Portage County Land Information Office's online parcel viewer at https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/land-information, which shows assessed values for all properties including commercial and industrial classifications. Property tax rates in Wisconsin are determined by multiple overlapping jurisdictions including the county, school district, and technical college district.
Fictitious business name registrations ("doing business as" or DBA filings) in Wisconsin are filed with the Portage County Register of Deeds at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1334. The fee for registering a business name is approximately $30, and registrations must be renewed. The Register of Deeds maintains searchable records of DBAs filed in Portage County. For formal business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered organizations, Wisconsin requires registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a free, searchable online database at https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where anyone can look up business entities registered in Wisconsin. The database shows entity names, registration dates, status (active, dissolved, etc.), registered agents, registered office addresses, and in some cases, officers and directors. This is an essential tool for verifying business legitimacy and finding contact information for registered businesses.
UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, which are used to establish security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and can be searched online through their UCC search portal. Business owners in Custer who own commercial property can look up their property tax assessments through the Portage County Land Information Office's online parcel viewer at https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/land-information, which shows assessed values for all properties including commercial and industrial classifications. Property tax rates in Wisconsin are determined by multiple overlapping jurisdictions including the county, school district, and technical college district.
Elections & Voter Records
Custer residents participate in elections administered by the Portage County Clerk's Office, located at the Portage County Courthouse, 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone (715) 346-1433, website https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/county-clerk. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official for Portage County and manages voter registration, absentee voting, ballot preparation, and election results for all county, state, and federal elections. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin website at https://myvote.wi.gov, which is operated by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Voters can register online up to 20 days before an election, or they can register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Wisconsin requires voters to provide photo identification when voting, with acceptable IDs including Wisconsin driver's licenses, state ID cards, military IDs, passports, or certain tribal IDs.
As an unincorporated community, Custer does not hold separate municipal elections for local offices. Residents vote in Town of Linwood elections for town board supervisors, town clerk, and town treasurer, typically held during Wisconsin's spring elections in April of odd-numbered years. The next Town of Linwood elections will be in April 2025 and April 2027. Custer residents can find their assigned polling location using the MyVote Wisconsin website's polling place lookup tool at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/FindMyPollingPlace. Polling places for the Town of Linwood are typically located at the town hall or a nearby community center. In the November 2024 presidential election, Portage County saw voter turnout of approximately 78%, with roughly 45,000 ballots cast out of approximately 58,000 registered voters, reflecting Wisconsin's traditionally high voter participation rates.
Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Custer and Portage County voters will decide several important races. Wisconsin will hold elections for Governor (the gubernatorial election in Wisconsin is held in midterm years), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, one U.S. Senate seat (depending on the cycle), Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District U.S. House seat (which includes Portage County), Wisconsin State Senate and State Assembly seats for their respective districts, and various county offices including Portage County Board supervisors, county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, sheriff, and district attorney. Some judicial positions may also appear on the ballot. Voters can access sample ballots, candidate information, and local ballot measures through the MyVote Wisconsin website prior to elections.
Wisconsin offers robust absentee voting options. Custer residents can request an absentee ballot online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, by email, or in person at the Portage County Clerk's Office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting, though in-person absentee voting at the clerk's office is available until the Sunday before Election Day. Wisconsin's public records law makes most election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are available for inspection, though personal information is protected. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are public and searchable through the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System at https://cfis.wi.gov. Candidate registration filings, nomination papers, and financial disclosures are maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission and county clerks. Detailed precinct-by-precinct election results are published by the County Clerk and are available on the Portage County website following each election, providing transparency in vote counting and tabulation.
As an unincorporated community, Custer does not hold separate municipal elections for local offices. Residents vote in Town of Linwood elections for town board supervisors, town clerk, and town treasurer, typically held during Wisconsin's spring elections in April of odd-numbered years. The next Town of Linwood elections will be in April 2025 and April 2027. Custer residents can find their assigned polling location using the MyVote Wisconsin website's polling place lookup tool at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/FindMyPollingPlace. Polling places for the Town of Linwood are typically located at the town hall or a nearby community center. In the November 2024 presidential election, Portage County saw voter turnout of approximately 78%, with roughly 45,000 ballots cast out of approximately 58,000 registered voters, reflecting Wisconsin's traditionally high voter participation rates.
Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Custer and Portage County voters will decide several important races. Wisconsin will hold elections for Governor (the gubernatorial election in Wisconsin is held in midterm years), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, one U.S. Senate seat (depending on the cycle), Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District U.S. House seat (which includes Portage County), Wisconsin State Senate and State Assembly seats for their respective districts, and various county offices including Portage County Board supervisors, county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, sheriff, and district attorney. Some judicial positions may also appear on the ballot. Voters can access sample ballots, candidate information, and local ballot measures through the MyVote Wisconsin website prior to elections.
Wisconsin offers robust absentee voting options. Custer residents can request an absentee ballot online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, by email, or in person at the Portage County Clerk's Office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting, though in-person absentee voting at the clerk's office is available until the Sunday before Election Day. Wisconsin's public records law makes most election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are available for inspection, though personal information is protected. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are public and searchable through the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System at https://cfis.wi.gov. Candidate registration filings, nomination papers, and financial disclosures are maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission and county clerks. Detailed precinct-by-precinct election results are published by the County Clerk and are available on the Portage County website following each election, providing transparency in vote counting and tabulation.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Portage County and Wisconsin provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online systems for courts, property, business entities, and elections, reflecting Wisconsin's strong tradition of government transparency and open records.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Custer, Wisconsin, you will be transported to the Portage 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 Portage County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Portage County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin?
The Custer area is served by public school districts in Portage 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 Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin?
Crime statistics for Custer, 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 Custer 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 Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin Library?
The Custer 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 Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The Custer Public Library main branch is located in Custer, Wisconsin. Check the Custer city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services in Custer, Wisconsin are available through the Custer 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 Portage County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Custer, Portage County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Custer, 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 Portage 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 Custer, Wisconsin can be obtained from the Custer Police Department or the Portage 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 Custer, Portage 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.
Nearby Cities in Portage County, Wisconsin
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: