About Elsmere
Elsmere is an unincorporated community in southeastern Cherry County, Nebraska, United States. It lies along local roads southeast of the city of Valentine, the county seat of Cherry County. Elsmere has a population of approximately 52.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Elsmere
Elsmere Police Department
1,585 Followers, 63 Following, 254 Posts - Elsmere Police Department (@elsmerepolicedept) on Instagram: "Welcome to the official Instagram account of the Elsmere Police Department. #ElsmerePD This account is not monitored 24/7, in an Emergency dial 9-1-1"
Brown County Sheriff's Office
Brown County Nebraska Sheriff's Office, Ainsworth, NE. Find agency contact information, phone numbers, addresses and more.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Elsmere
Nebraska State Courts (Official)
Official judiciary website for Nebraska. Search court records, find court locations, and access official forms and information.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Elsmere
Brown County Register of Deeds
Property records for Elsmere, Nebraska are maintained by the Brown County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Brown County, including Elsmere.
Public Records & Services in Elsmere
About Elsmere — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Brown County Jail in Ainsworth functions as Brown County's primary detention facility for those arrested within its borders. The booking process follows standard protocols, fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information for each arrestee. Current detainees can be located through Brown County's online inmate lookup tool, which provides up-to-date information on who's being held. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and follow strict security protocols during their time at the facility.
Nebraska's bond and bail system allows for pretrial release, with amounts determined by the court based on charge severity. Those searching for someone recently arrested can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or check Brown County's online resources.
Arrest Records
The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for all apprehensions made within county boundaries. These documents detail the charges filed, the arresting officer involved, and the date each arrest occurred. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can submit formal requests to the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through the official website. Typical arrest records include personal information, mugshots, and specifics about the alleged offense.
The Nebraska Open Records Act, also known as the Nebraska Public Records Law, governs access to these documents, establishing guidelines for transparency while balancing privacy concerns. This framework ensures government accountability remains a priority.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Brown County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or use the Nebraska State Patrol's online services for background checks.
The Nebraska State Patrol offers further support for residents seeking detailed information on criminal history, so that individuals have access to accurate and up-to-date records for personal or professional purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Elsmere and the surrounding Brown County are managed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. Residents and members of the public can request these records through the state's vital records office (https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital Records.aspx). The Elsmere city clerk's office may also be able to provide assistance with obtaining local vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Elsmere, Brown County, Nebraska, must register with the Nebraska Secretary of State's office. This public database catalogs registered corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities throughout the state. At the local level, city government maintains records of business licenses and permits issued within community boundaries. These can be accessed through the city website (https://www.elsmere-ne.gov/) or by contacting the city clerk's office directly. The dual registration system ensures both state-level compliance and local oversight.
Economy & Demographics
Elsmere's economy is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots, with many residents working in farming, ranching, or related industries. The community is also home to a few small businesses, such as local shops and service providers. Economic data and business related public records for Elsmere and Brown County can be found through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/) and the U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/).
Elections & Voter Records
The Brown County Clerk serves as Election Commissioner for Elsmere voters, operating from 148 West 4th Street, Ainsworth, NE 69210, phone (402) 387-2705. The office manages every aspect of elections, voter registration, early voting, absentee ballot processing, polling place operations, and vote counting for all federal, state, county, and local contests affecting residents. Nebraska voters can register online at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/voter-registration/ through the Secretary of State's website, or complete a paper application available from the Brown County Clerk.
Registration closes at 6:00 PM on the third Friday before any election (typically 18 days before Election Day, or the second Friday for mail registrations postmarked by that date). The state requires voters to provide their Nebraska driver's license number or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number if they lack a Nebraska license. As an unincorporated community without municipal government, Elsmere has no city council or mayoral elections; residents participate in county, state, and federal contests only. Brown County voters elect three County Commissioners on staggered terms, along with County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Assessor, Register of Deeds, and other county officials following Nebraska's election calendar. Residents can locate their polling place through the Nebraska Voter Portal at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/VoterView/ by entering name and date of birth, or by contacting the Brown County Clerk Early voting begins 30 days before any election at the Brown County Clerk's office during regular business hours, and Nebraska offers no-excuse absentee voting by mail. Voters can request absentee ballots through the online system at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps/sos/absentee-ballot-request/ or by contacting the Brown County Clerk directly. Completed absentee ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day to count. Public election records available through the Brown County Clerk include voter registration lists (with certain personal information protected), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports for county candidates. Statewide candidate and PAC finance reports are available through the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission at https://nadc.nebraska.gov/. Poll books and voted ballot records are public to the extent state law allows while protecting voter privacy.
Public Records Resources for Elsmere, Nebraska
Official government websites for Elsmere, Nebraska and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Nebraska Birth RecordsRequest copies of birth records from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
- Nebraska Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Nebraska Secretary of State.
- Nebraska Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records from the Nebraska State Dept. of Health and Human Services.
- Nebraska Federal CasesSearch the Nebraska Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Nebraska Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
- Nebraska Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the Dept. of Revenue Property Assessment.
- Nebraska Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the state treasurer.
- Nebraska Vital RecordsRequest birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Elsmere, Nebraska?
Vital records for Elsmere, Brown County, Nebraska including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Nebraska Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Brown County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
How do I find public school records in Elsmere, Nebraska?
Public schools in Elsmere, Brown County, Nebraska are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Nebraska Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Elsmere, Nebraska?
Crime data for Elsmere, Brown County, Nebraska is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Brown County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Elsmere, Nebraska?
The Elsmere Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Brown County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Elsmere, Nebraska?
Fingerprinting services for Elsmere, Nebraska residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Brown County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Brown County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
How do I register to vote in Elsmere, Nebraska?
To register to vote in Elsmere, Nebraska, residents can register online through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Brown County elections office. Nebraska requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Nebraska Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Elsmere, contact the Brown County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Elsmere, Nebraska?
Property records for Elsmere, Nebraska are maintained by the Brown County Assessor's Office and the Brown County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Brown County, including parcels in Elsmere. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Brown County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Nebraska counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Brown County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Elsmere, Nebraska?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Elsmere, Nebraska residents are available through both county and state offices. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lincoln, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Nebraska. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Brown County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Brown County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.