About Hayes

Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.

Key landmarks in Hayes include the historic St. John’s Catholic Church, which has served the community for decades, and the nearby Rosebud Sioux Tribe headquarters, which is essential for local governance and economic development. The town is also known for its proximity to the scenic Badlands National Park, attracting visitors interested in outdoor activities and natural beauty. Economically, Hayes is primarily supported by agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and ranching. Historically, the town was established in the early 20th century and has maintained its rural character, reflecting the broader trends of settlement and development in South Dakota during that era. The town's small size and agricultural roots contribute to its unique identity within the state.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Hayes

Stanley County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Brad Rathbun Contact Information: Phone: (605) 223-7792 Fax (605) 223-7794 · Evenings & Weekends: (605) 773-7410 08 E 2nd Ave PO Box 818 Fort Pierre SD 57532 · Exciting Updates for Stanley County!

https://www.stanleycountysd.gov/departments/lawenforcement/

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Hayes

South Dakota Court Records Access | South Dakota Unified Judicial System | SD UJS

Access a summary of criminal court information online via Public Access Records Search (PARS), or submit a form to request criminal or civil court information. This tool provides public access to UJS' civil judgments database. Public, "pay as you go" users can retrieve judgments by name and date. The site can also be accessed via a subscription account. The UJS provides public access computer terminals for the public to view South Dakota open court records electronically from any courthouse in the state.

🔗 https://ujs.sd.gov/cases-and-records/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Hayes

Contact Us: South Dakota Secretary of State

County Registers of Deeds · Request Public Records | Privacy Policy | Information Accuracy | State Homepage | Accessibility Policy

🔗 https://sdsos.gov/contact-us/county-registers-of-deeds.aspx

Public Records & Services in Hayes

About Hayes South — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

Stanley County operates its jail facility in Fort Pierre, which is the primary detention center for Stanley County. The booking process follows standard procedures: detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information is documented. Residents seeking information on current detainees can access inmate lookup services through the sheriff's office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols.

Arrest Records

The Stanley County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, charges filed, and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and case status. South Dakota's public records law, known as the South Dakota Sunshine Law, governs accessibility of these records, for openness and public access to arrest information.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Stanley County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Stanley County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, with additional oversight by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Residents can run background checks through the sheriff's office or the state bureau, which provides criminal history information. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation offers resources and assistance For people looking for detailed criminal records in Stanley County.

Vital Records

For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, Hayes residents should contact the Stanley County Register of Deeds, housed within the Stanley County Courthouse in Ft. Pierre. This office maintains and provides access to these important documents, which are essential for personal identification, legal proceedings, and family research.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Hayes must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the city's administrative offices. Hayes City Hall is the central hub for processing business license applications, zoning permits, and other regulatory documents. Entrepreneurs and local enterprises work closely with the City Clerk's office to ensure compliance with the town's business related regulations and requirements.

Economy & Demographics

The local economy of Hayes is heavily dependent on the agricultural industry, with many residents working as farmers and ranchers. The town's proximity to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe headquarters also contributes to the economy, as the tribe's various enterprises and initiatives provide employment opportunities for the community. The town's position near the Badlands National Park allows for some tourism-related businesses to thrive, catering to visitors exploring the region's natural wonders.

Elections & Voter Records

The Stanley County Auditor is the chief election official for Hayes voters, with offices, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 (phone: 605-223-7714; website information available through sdsos.gov/elections-voting). South Dakota voters can register online through the Secretary of State's website at sdsos.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote.aspx, with a registration deadline of 15 days before Election Day, though the state offers same-day voter registration at the polls on Election Day with proper identification.
Acceptable ID includes a South Dakota driver's license, nondriver ID card, passport, tribal ID, or student ID from a South Dakota high school or university. As an unincorporated community with no municipal government, Hayes has no mayoral or city council elections. Residents participate in county, state, and federal elections only. Stanley County elections include races for County Commission (5 members serving staggered 4-year terms), County Auditor, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Treasurer, and Director of Equalization. Hayes residents vote in South Dakota State House and Senate legislative districts covering the county (currently part of District 24, though district boundaries can change after redistricting). Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the County Auditor or checking the state's polling place lookup at sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections. For the November 2024 general election, Stanley County reported approximately 1,450 votes cast in the presidential race, representing roughly 70-75% turnout of registered voters, consistent with South Dakota's traditionally high rural voter participation. Stanley County voters will also weigh in on any statewide ballot measures, which in South Dakota can include constitutional amendments and initiated measures placed on the ballot through petition. South Dakota's ballot initiative process under SDCL Title 2 allows citizens to propose laws and constitutional amendments, and these measures often generate significant voter interest. Absentee voting in South Dakota is available to any registered voter; applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before an election. Absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day. South Dakota does not have true "no-excuse" mail-in voting for all voters automatically, but the absentee process is accessible. Election records that are public in South Dakota include voter registration lists (available to candidates and political parties under SDCL 12-4-9), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State (searchable at sdsos.gov), candidate filings and petitions, and certified election results by precinct. The Stanley County Auditor publishes election results after canvassing, typically posted at the courthouse and reported to the Secretary of State for inclusion in statewide totals.

Public Records Resources for Hayes, South Dakota

Official government websites for Hayes, South Dakota 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vital records for Hayes, Stanley County, South Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the South Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Stanley County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
Public schools in Hayes, Stanley County, South Dakota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the South Dakota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
Crime data for Hayes, Stanley County, South Dakota 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 Stanley County Sheriff's Office.
The Hayes Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Stanley County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Fingerprinting services for Hayes, South Dakota residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Stanley County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Stanley County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
To register to vote in Hayes, South Dakota, residents can register online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Stanley County elections office. South Dakota 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 South Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hayes, contact the Stanley County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Hayes, South Dakota are maintained by the Stanley Director of Equalization's Office and the Stanley County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stanley County, including parcels in Hayes. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stanley County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many South Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Stanley County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hayes, South Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Pierre, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in South Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Stanley County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stanley 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.