Ellis Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Ellis, Kansas government websites.

  About Ellis City Government
Annual Budget $1.5 million

The governing body of Ellis, Kansas, is the Ellis City Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member serves a term length of four years, with elections held in even-numbered years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local policies, budgets, and community development.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Ellis is $1.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services, supporting the city's population of around 2,000 residents.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Ellis City Hall, located at 100 N. Main Street, Ellis, KS 67637. The meetings provide a platform for community engagement and allow residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding city governance.

  About Ellis, Kansas

Nestled in the heartland of North Central Kansas, Ellis, a charming city in Ellis County, boasts a close-knit community with a population of approximately 2,000 residents. Established in the mid-19th century, Ellis emerged as a vibrant settlement along the historic Santa Fe Trail, which contributed to its early growth and development. The city is characterized by various neighborhoods that reflect its rich history and diverse architectural styles, with both classic and modern homes. Ellis is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including expansive farmland and rolling hills, making it a scenic location for both residents and visitors. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, retail, and service industries, with several small businesses serving the community's needs. Distinctive features of Ellis include its commitment to preserving its historical roots while fostering community spirit through numerous local events and recreational activities, notably the annual Ellis County Fair and the renowned "World's Largest Prairie Dog."

The safety and security of Ellis are maintained by the Ellis Police Department, which plays a pivotal role in community policing and crime prevention. In addition to local law enforcement, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office provides additional support for law enforcement activities, managing the county jail and detention facility in Hays. For individuals seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process begins with the Ellis Police Department's records unit. Requests can be made in person or over the phone, with staff available to assist in navigating the records system. For criminal records beyond the city limits, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office also maintains a repository of local arrest records. Furthermore, individuals can reach out to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to access statewide criminal history records. Online lookup portals may also be available for those seeking to conduct background checks or obtain public records conveniently from their homes.

Ellis falls under the jurisdiction of the Ellis County District Court, where residents can access a variety of court records. To request court documents, individuals may utilize the court's online portal or visit the in-person clerk’s office, where staff can aid in locating cases and filing requests. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Ellis County Clerk and Recorder, or can be accessed through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's vital records division. Those seeking property records can do so through the Ellis County Assessor and Recorder's offices, both of which offer online portals for public access to property information. In addition, general public records requests can be submitted in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act, which typically allows for a response within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and access to public information for all citizens.

  Ellis, Kansas Public Records & Government Resources

About Ellis

The governing body of Ellis, Kansas, is the Ellis City Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member serves a term length of four years, with elections held in even-numbered years. The council is responsible for making decisions on local policies, budgets, and community development. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Ellis is $1.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services, supporting the city's population of around 2,000 residents.
Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Ellis City Hall, located at 100 N. Main Street, Ellis, KS 67637. The meetings provide a platform for community engagement and allow residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding city governance.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Ellis County is served by the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Hays Police Department, Ellis Police Department, and Victoria Police Department. Each department operates within its city limits, handling local law enforcement duties, while the sheriff's office oversees the broader county area. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Ellis County Jail, located in Hays, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the arrestee, and the jail provides an online inmate lookup tool for the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond process follows Kansas state law, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman. Recently arrested individuals can be located through the sheriff's office or the jail's online resources.

Court Records

Ellis County is served by the Ellis County District Court, located in Hays. This court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases. The district court provides access to court records, case filings, and criminal dockets through its clerk's office. Residents can obtain copies of court documents by visiting the courthouse or accessing online resources provided by the Kansas judicial system.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Ellis County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's online portal. The KBI offers comprehensive background checks for employment, licensing, and personal inquiries, providing a detailed criminal history for individuals in Ellis County.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Ellis County are maintained by the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, certain arrest information is available to the public, although some details may be restricted to protect ongoing investigations or privacy concerns. The records typically include the arrestee's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.

Public Records Access

Public records in Ellis County are accessible under the Kansas Open Records Act. The Ellis County Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of county records, including property records, marriage licenses, and commission minutes. The District Court Clerk handles court-related documents, while the Register of Deeds manages land records. These offices offer in-person and online access to records, with typical turnaround times varying based on the request type and volume.

Economy & Demographics

Ellis County's economy is driven by agriculture, education, and healthcare. The county is home to Fort Hays State University, a major employer and economic contributor, attracting students and faculty from across the region. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and cattle being primary products. The healthcare sector, led by Hays Medical Center, also plays a significant role, providing jobs and services to the community. This diverse economic base distinguishes Ellis County from its more agriculturally focused neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Ellis, Ellis County, Kansas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Ellis, Kansas, you will be transported to the Ellis County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Ellis County Court. Under Kansas law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The Ellis County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.ks.gov/information/offender-search where you can look up current detainees.
The school district for Ellis, Ellis County, Kansas is USD 388 Ellis. According to the Kansas State Department of Education, the district's overall performance score for the 2018-2019 school year was a 68.3 out of 100.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were no reported incidents of violent crime in Ellis, Kansas in 2019. There were, however, two reported incidents of property crime.
The Ellis Public Library in Ellis County, Kansas provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Kansas government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), which governs access to government documents in Kansas. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Ellis Kansas Archives and Genealogy at https://www.kshs.org/index.php. Contact the Ellis Public Library reference desk at (785) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Ellis, Ellis County, Kansas Library is located at 715 Washington Street, Ellis, KS 67637.
Fingerprinting services for Ellis, Kansas residents are provided at the Ellis Police Department, which serves Ellis County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Ellis Police Department at (785) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/.
To obtain vital records from Ellis, Ellis County, Kansas, you must contact the Ellis County Clerk's Office.

The vital records available from the Ellis County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
Police reports from Ellis, Kansas can be obtained from the Ellis Police Department, located in Ellis County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), most police reports are public records in Kansas, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Ellis Police Department Records Division at (785) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/.
A background check in Ellis, Ellis County, Kansas typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Kansas. Criminal background checks are processed through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Kansas residents. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/criminal_history/. Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Ellis County, Kansas

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Hays