About Henry South — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Codington County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested anywhere in Codington County. Those brought into the facility go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information. The Codington County Sheriff's Office maintains inmate information and provides an online lookup service for concerned family members or attorneys. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling, with specific rules governing permissible items and conduct during visits.
Arrest Records
The Codington County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for all arrests made within Codington County. These records document arrest details, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys seeking arrest records can submit a formal request through the sheriff's office, which typically involves a processing fee. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, specific charges, and the name of the arresting agency. Public access to these records is governed by the South Dakota Sunshine Law, the state's public records statute.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Codington County covers a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Codington County Sheriff's Office and the Watertown Police Department maintain these records, while the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the sheriff's office or the state bureau, which may include a search of statewide criminal history databases.
Vital Records
The Codington County Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining vital records for the city of Henry and the surrounding area. This office, located at 14 1st Ave NE in Watertown, is the repository for birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses. Individuals seeking these types of records can visit the Register of Deeds during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The office also offers the option to request records by mail or through Codington County's online portal, making the process accessible for residents and those living outside the local area.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses looking to operate in Henry or establish a new presence in the community will need to work through the Codington County Planning and Zoning Department for permits and licenses. This department, located at 14 1st Ave NE in Watertown, handles business license issuance, zoning applications, and the construction permit process. Local entrepreneurs and business owners can visit during regular business hours to learn about requirements and begin the application process for their venture.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Henry, Codington County, is largely driven by its agricultural roots. Farming and related industries, such as crop production and livestock, are major contributors to the local employment and revenue. The nearby Lake Kampeska attracts visitors to the area, supporting the tourism industry with recreational activities and local businesses. While the population of 238 may be small, the town's strong agricultural heritage and community spirit continue to shape the local economy and attract new residents to the area.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Henry, South Dakota rely on the Codington County Auditor's Office for all election services. The Codington County Auditor is located at 14 1st Avenue SE, Watertown, SD 57201, phone (605) 882-6284, website https://codington.org/auditor. This office handles voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, election administration, and maintenance of voter rolls for the town and all county communities. South Dakota residents can register to vote online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote.aspx.
Registration must be completed at least 15 days before an election to vote in that contest. The state requires voters to provide a valid South Dakota driver's license or ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering. Henry is incorporated as a town and holds municipal elections for mayor and town council positions. South Dakota municipal elections typically occur on the first Tuesday in April during odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, and so on) Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and town council positions up for election can be obtained from the County Auditor or Henry Town Hall. Residents vote at an assigned polling place; voters can look up their specific polling location, sample ballot, and voter registration status at https://vip.sdsos.gov/viplogin.aspx using the South Dakota Voter Information Portal. Public election records in the state include voter registration lists (available for purchase by campaigns and political parties under SDCL 12-4-48), campaign finance reports (searchable at https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/campaign-finance/), candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level election results. Individual voter histories showing which elections someone participated in, but not how they voted, are also public record. South Dakota does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026. South Dakota allows absentee voting by mail; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person to the County Auditor. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is typically the day before the election, though earlier requests are encouraged. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Codington County Auditor by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. South Dakota also offers early in-person voting at the Codington County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before any election.
Public Records Resources for Henry, South Dakota
Official government websites for Henry, 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.
- South Dakota Criminal History RecordsObtain information detailing how to request South Dakota criminal history records and background checks.
- South Dakota Inmates and Offenders SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the SD Dept. of Corrections.
- South Dakota Sex Offenders SearchSearch the SD Office of the Attorney General database of registered offenders by name or location.
- South Dakota Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from the SD Dept. of Corrections.
- South Dakota Highway Patrol Accident ReportsLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and ParksLicenses, permits, information and more
- South Dakota Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- South Dakota Federal Case SearchSearch the SD Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- South Dakota Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the SD Secretary of State.
- South Dakota Birth and Death RecordsOfficial birth and death certificates.
- South Dakota Corrections InformationPrograms, policies, statistics, calendar and publications.
- South Dakota Fictitious Business Names FilingsFind general info and check name availability with the SD Secretary of State.
Nearby Cities in Codington County, South Dakota
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Henry, South Dakota?
To register to vote in Henry, South Dakota, residents can register online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Codington 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 Henry, contact the Codington County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Henry, South Dakota?
Property records for Henry, South Dakota are maintained by the Codington Director of Equalization's Office and the Codington County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Codington County, including parcels in Henry. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Codington 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 Codington County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Henry, South Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Henry, 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 Codington County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Codington 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.