Hayward Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Hayward, Wisconsin government websites.

Law Enforcement

Beyond the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments serve individual communities throughout the county. The Hayward Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits, while other towns like Winter and Radisson maintain their own local agencies. These departments coordinate closely with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and countywide emergencies, though each retains jurisdiction over its respective territory. The collaboration ensures that resources can be pooled for larger investigations while maintaining responsive local policing in each community.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Sawyer County Jail in Hayward is the primary detention facility for arrestees throughout Sawyer County. Individuals brought to the facility undergo a standard booking process that includes photographing, fingerprinting, and recording of personal information. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines.

Arrest Records

The Sawyer County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records For people taken into custody within county boundaries. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, including charges filed and personal details of the arrested party. Residents and legal representatives can request copies by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly and following procedures outlined under Wisconsin Open Records Law. A typical arrest record contains the date of arrest, specific charges, booking information, and related documentation that provides a complete account of the incident.

Court Records

The Sawyer County Courthouse at 10610 Main Street in Hayward is the center of the local judicial system. Within this facility, the Sawyer County Circuit Court presides over both civil and criminal matters affecting residents throughout Sawyer County. Those involved in legal proceedings can obtain court records, hearing schedules, and case information by visiting the courthouse or contacting the Sawyer County Clerk of Courts office, which maintains official court documentation. For questions about accessing court related public records, the Clerk of Courts can be reached at (715) 634-4868.

Criminal Records

Sawyer County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which offers a overview of an individual's criminal history. This system ensures that all criminal activities are documented and accessible for legal and personal inquiries.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Hayward are housed at the Sawyer County Register of Deeds office. This office maintains a collection of public documents including deeds, mortgages, plats, and various land records that trace property ownership and transactions throughout Sawyer County. Residents and property owners can obtain copies by visiting the Register of Deeds in person or through Sawyer County's online records portal.
For more detailed property information, the city assessor's office at City Hall, 15889 Fourth Street, provides data on property values, exemptions, and tax assessments specific to parcels within municipal boundaries.

Vital Records

The Sawyer County Register of Deeds office, in addition to its property and land records, is also responsible for maintaining vital records for the city of Hayward. This includes birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Residents can request copies of these documents by visiting the office in person or submitting a request by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be contacted at (715) 634-4868 for more information on accessing vital records.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Hayward must obtain licenses and permits through the city's Community Development Department at 15889 Fourth Street. This office handles the issuance of business licenses as well as permits for zoning compliance, building construction, and sign installation. Entrepreneurs and established business owners can learn about application requirements on the city's website or by contacting the department directly at (715) 634-2374.

Economy & Demographics

Hayward's economy is heavily influenced by its thriving tourism industry, which is driven by the city's natural assets and popular events. Major employers in the area include the Hayward Community School District, the Sawyer County government, and various businesses catering to visitors, such as hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation outfitters. The city's proximity to the Chequamegon National Forest and its hosting of the annual American Birkebeiner ski race have made it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Elections & Voter Records

Hayward voters rely on the Sawyer County Clerk's Office, Room 120, Hayward, WI 54843 (phone: 715-634-4866, website: sawyercountygov.org/departments/county-clerk), for all election administration. The County Clerk oversees voter registration, absentee voting, polling place operations, ballot preparation, and certification of results throughout Sawyer County. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at myvote.wi.gov, the state's centralized portal for voter information.
Registration is permitted up to and including Election Day, whether online through the day before the election, by mail postmarked at least 20 days prior, in person at the municipal clerk's office, or at the polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable proof includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing current name and address. The City of Hayward conducts municipal elections each spring in odd-numbered years for positions including mayor, city council members, and occasionally school board seats. The next mayoral and council elections are scheduled for spring 2025, with a primary in February if needed and the general election in April. Residents also participate in Sawyer County elections for county board supervisors, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and other constitutional officers. These races appear on spring nonpartisan ballots in even-numbered years or fall partisan ballots depending on the office. Wisconsin holds partisan primaries each August in even-numbered years and general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at myvote.wi.gov, which displays the polling location address, hours (typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM), and sample ballot. For the November 3, 2026 general election, residents will decide several significant races: Wisconsin does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (Senator Tammy Baldwin was re-elected in 2024 and Senator Ron Johnson's term extends to 2028), but voters will elect a governor (Governor Tony Evers' current term expires in 2027, with the gubernatorial election in November 2026), all state Assembly representatives (Hayward falls in Assembly District 75), one state Senate seat depending on district rotation (Wisconsin Senate districts are staggered), and constitutional officers including Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer. The county will also elect county offices whose terms expire, potentially including County Board supervisors, Sheriff, and other positions. Wisconsin provides absentee voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without stating a reason. Requests can be submitted online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, fax, or in person at the municipal clerk's office (Hayward City Clerk at City Hall for city residents, or County Clerk for those in unincorporated areas). Absentee ballots can be mailed to the voter or voted in person at the clerk's office during the in-person absentee voting period, which begins two weeks before the election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. The state requires voters to present photo ID when voting in person or submit a copy of photo ID with absentee ballot requests unless they qualify for exemptions. Election records in Wisconsin are extensively public. Voter registration lists are available for inspection and purchase by the public for purposes related to elections, political activities, and governmental purposes under Wis. Stat. § 6.36. The Wisconsin Elections Commission maintains statewide voter registration data. Campaign finance records for candidates and committees are filed with either the Sawyer County Clerk (for local candidates) or the Wisconsin Ethics Commission (for state candidates) and are searchable online at ethics.wi.gov. Candidate nomination papers, declarations of candidacy, and financial disclosure statements for local officials are maintained by the Sawyer County Clerk and are public records. Election night results by ward and precinct are published by the Sawyer County Clerk following each election and are posted on the Sawyer County website, with official canvass results certified within days of the election.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vital records for Hayward, Sawyer County, Wisconsin including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Sawyer County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
To register to vote in Hayward, Wisconsin, residents can register online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website, by mail, or in person at the Sawyer County elections office. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hayward, contact the Sawyer County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Hayward, Wisconsin are maintained by the Sawyer Municipal Assessor's Office and the Sawyer County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Sawyer County, including parcels in Hayward. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Sawyer County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Wisconsin counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Sawyer County offices at the county courthouse. The Sawyer County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hayward, Wisconsin residents are available through both county and state offices. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records, located in Madison, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Sawyer County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Sawyer 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.