Fifield, Wisconsin Public Records

In addition to the Fifield, Price County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Phillips Police Department and the Park Falls Police Department are key law enforcement agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

The Price County Jail, located in Phillips, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to. The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail staff.

Fifield residents are served by the Price County Circuit Court, located at the Price County Courthouse, 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325. The Circuit Court is part of Wisconsin's unified court system and handles all case types for Price County residents, including criminal felonies and misdemeanors, civil disputes exceeding small claims limits, family law matters (divorce, child custody, paternity), probate and estate administration, juvenile cases, traffic violations, and guardianship proceedings. Small claims cases involving amounts up to $10,000 are also heard in the Circuit Court under simplified procedures. The court operates under the administration of the Clerk of Circuit Court, who maintains all case files and public records. Wisconsin's Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) provides free online access to circuit court records statewide at wcca.wicourts.gov. The CCAP system allows users to search by name, case number, or party for both civil and criminal cases filed in Price County, with records typically dating back to the 1980s for computerized entries and earlier for some scanned documents. Case summaries include party names, charges or claims, case status, hearing dates, judgments, and financial information. Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Circuit Court for a fee of $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone with payment. More sensitive records such as sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family court proceedings have restricted access under Wisconsin Statutes. The courthouse also houses the Price County Register in Probate, who processes estate matters and guardianships. Court hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Criminal records in Price County encompass a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Price County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To conduct a background check in Wisconsin, individuals can contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.

Arrest records in Price County are maintained by the Price County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

Property and land records for Fifield are maintained by Price County government offices in Phillips. The Price County Land Records Office, located at 104 South Eyder Avenue, Suite 202, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325, serves as the Register of Deeds and maintains recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting real property titles. Wisconsin law requires all conveyances of real estate to be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to future buyers and lienholders. The Land Records Office provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system or in-person searches at the courthouse. Many records are digitized back to the 1980s, with earlier records available on microfilm. Document images can be viewed and printed for a per-page fee. Property assessment information for Fifield parcels is maintained by the Price County Real Property Lister's Office, located at the same address, phone (715) 339-3325. The assessor's database includes current assessed values, property classifications, acreage, building descriptions, sales history, and ownership information. Price County provides a free online GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer accessible through the county website at www.co.price.wi.us, allowing users to search by address, owner name, or parcel number. The GIS system displays interactive maps showing parcel boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and property characteristics. Tax records are maintained separately by the Price County Treasurer's Office, phone (715) 339-3325, with current and delinquent tax information searchable online. Copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Property record searches are free, though document copies and certifications carry fees as established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43.

Fifield's economy is primarily rural and resource-based, reflecting the broader economic character of northern Price County and Wisconsin's Northwoods region. Forestry and timber management remain foundational to the local economy, with private forest landowners, small logging operations, and forest product industries providing employment and income to residents. The area's proximity to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which encompasses significant acreage in Price County, supports both sustainable timber harvesting and recreational uses. Tourism is a major economic driver, with Fifield's location along State Highway 70 and access to numerous lakes, streams, and the Flambeau River attracting hunters, anglers, snowmobilers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Seasonal cabin rentals, small resorts, guide services, and related hospitality businesses serve this visitor economy. The Town of Fifield operates essential local government services, and the Prentice School District provides educational employment. Small-scale agriculture, including hobby farms and local food production, contributes to the economic mix. Many Fifield residents commute to nearby communities such as Park Falls (approximately 15 miles north) or Phillips (20 miles southwest) for employment in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and government services. The Flambeau River Papers mill in Park Falls has historically been a major regional employer. Median household income in rural Price County communities like Fifield is estimated below the Wisconsin state median, reflecting the area's seasonal employment patterns and reliance on resource extraction and tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated interest in remote properties, bringing some new residents and cabin buyers to the Northwoods. Fifield's economic prospects remain tied to sustainable forestry practices, preservation of natural amenities for tourism, and infrastructure supporting year-round and seasonal residents.

Fifield is an unincorporated community and does not operate its own police department. Law enforcement services for Fifield and the surrounding Town of Fifield are provided by the Price County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 104 South Eyder Avenue, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3011. The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Price County and provides patrol services, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response throughout the Fifield area. Residents can request copies of incident reports, accident reports, and offense reports by contacting the Sheriff's Office in person or by written request. Wisconsin public records law is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19, Subchapter II (Public Records Law), which requires government agencies to provide access to records upon request unless specifically exempted by statute. The Sheriff's Office may charge fees for copying and staff time in accordance with state guidelines. The Price County Jail, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, maintains an online inmate roster accessible through the Price County website at www.co.price.wi.us. The roster typically includes current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Arrest logs and booking information are public records in Wisconsin and can be requested directly from the jail. For historical criminal records and background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau maintains statewide databases accessible through authorized channels. Visitors to the Price County Sheriff's website can also find press releases, most-wanted information, and public safety alerts relevant to the Fifield area. All requests for records should be made in writing, and the Sheriff's Office typically responds within 10 business days as required by Wisconsin law.

Vital records for Fifield residents are primarily handled through state and county offices. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Price County are maintained by both the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703, phone (608) 266-1371, and locally by the Price County Register of Deeds at 104 South Eyder Avenue, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325. Wisconsin birth records are confidential for 100 years and accessible only to the registrant (if age 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper authorization. Death records are confidential for 50 years. Certified birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost the same. Orders can be placed online through the Wisconsin Vital Records website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords or in person at the county Register of Deeds office. Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail orders and immediate for in-person requests if records are on file locally. Marriage licenses are issued by the Price County Register of Deeds at the Phillips courthouse. Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification, pay a $110 license fee, and observe a 6-day waiting period before the marriage can be performed (waived in some circumstances). Marriage records become public 50 years after the event. Divorce records are maintained by the Price County Circuit Court Clerk at 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325, as part of family court case files. Divorce decrees and judgments are public records accessible through the Wisconsin CCAP court system at wcca.wicourts.gov. Certified copies can be requested from the Clerk of Courts for statutory fees. Historical vital records dating to the late 1800s may require archival research through the State Historical Society or county records.

Fifield is an unincorporated community without municipal business licensing requirements. Business activities in the Fifield area are regulated at the county and state levels. Price County does not impose a general business license requirement for most commercial activities, though specific regulated businesses such as food service, alcohol sales, and certain contractors require permits from the Price County Zoning Office, located at 104 South Eyder Avenue, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325. Zoning permits and land use approvals are processed through the County Zoning Administrator. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Trade Name (DBA) registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. All Wisconsin business entity formations—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities—are registered through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services. The state maintains a free online business entity search at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch allowing users to search by business name, registered agent, or filing number. The database shows entity status (active, dissolved, or delinquent), formation date, principal office address, registered agent information, and annual report compliance. Annual reports are required for most entities with fees ranging from $25 to $85 depending on entity type. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and searchable online at the same website. Property tax assessments for commercial properties in the Fifield area are maintained by the Price County Real Property Lister's Office and viewable through the county's online GIS system. Business owners can look up assessed values and tax obligations by parcel number. Certain businesses may require state-level licenses or permits depending on the industry, such as alcohol beverage licenses from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or environmental permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for operations affecting forestry or water resources.

Fifield voters receive election services through the Price County Clerk's Office, located at 126 Cherry Street, Suite 202, Phillips, WI 54555, phone (715) 339-3325, website www.co.price.wi.us. The County Clerk administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Price County residents, including voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, and election result certification. Wisconsin offers online voter registration through the MyVote Wisconsin portal at myvote.wi.gov, where Fifield residents can register to vote, check their registration status, view their sample ballot, find their assigned polling place, track their absentee ballot, and access other voter services. To register online, applicants must provide a valid Wisconsin driver's license or state ID card. The registration deadline is 20 days before any election for online or mail registration; Wisconsin also allows in-person registration at the polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing the voter's current address. As an unincorporated community, Fifield does not hold municipal elections for mayor or city council. Local governance is provided by the elected Town of Fifield Board of Supervisors, with town elections typically held in April of odd-numbered years for town board positions and other town offices. Fifield residents vote in all Price County elections for county board supervisors, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and other county offices. Residents also participate in state legislative elections for the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly, with Fifield located in specific legislative districts (district numbers vary by redistricting). To find their assigned polling place, Fifield voters can use the MyVote Wisconsin website or contact the County Clerk's office. Polling places for the Town of Fifield are typically located at a centralized community building or town hall. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers, and precinct-level election results. These are accessible through the Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov and through the Price County Clerk. In the November 2024 general election, Price County recorded voter turnout of approximately 75-80% of registered voters, reflecting high engagement in the presidential election. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature significant races including the Wisconsin gubernatorial election (Governor Tony Evers' term expires in 2026), all Wisconsin State Assembly seats (2-year terms), approximately half of the Wisconsin State Senate seats (4-year staggered terms depending on district), and various Price County offices including sheriff and county board positions. No U.S. Senate seat from Wisconsin is up for election in 2026 (Senator Tammy Baldwin was reelected in 2024 to a term ending in 2030, and Senator Ron Johnson's term ends in 2028). Fifield voters will also decide on any state constitutional amendments or county advisory referendums that appear on the ballot. Wisconsin permits absentee voting by mail for any reason. Voters can request an absentee ballot online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, or in person at the County Clerk's office. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day (5:00 PM) for mail delivery, or voters can request ballots in person until the Sunday before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Wisconsin also offers in-person absentee voting (early voting) at designated locations during the two weeks before an election, with specific dates set by the municipality or county.