About Howells

Howells, Nebraska is a community in Colfax County, Nebraska. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Howells, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Howells

Howells is located in Colfax County, Nebraska and had a recorded population of approximately 602 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Colfax County are the primary source for most government records affecting Howells residents.

Law enforcement in Howells is served by Howells Police Department and Colfax County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Colfax County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Nebraska Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Howells residents are issued through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (Vital Records), with local copies often available through the Colfax County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Register of Deeds and the county Assessor.

Most government records held by Nebraska agencies are accessible under the Nebraska Public Records Statutes, which sets a response window of 4 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Howells

Howells Police Department

The NRRS is a statewide database created with input from Nebraska families, service providers and organizations. The database was designed as a comprehensive internet resource that would be user friendly and easily accessible to individuals and families needing services across the state.

https://nrrs.ne.gov/resource/30566/368

Colfax County Sheriff's Office

smesserlie@colfaxne.com · Crime Stoppers · Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives · Federal Bureau of Investigation · Nebraska State Patrol · Nebraska Sex Offender Registry Search · US Department of Homeland Security · It is the duty of the sheriff to serve, execute and return writs or other legal process issued by a lawful authority. The sheriff shall prepare and file an annu

https://colfaxcountyne.gov/webpages/sheriff/sheriff.html

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Howells

Court Records | Nebraska Judicial Branch

Records Retention Disposition Schedules · Temporary Appointment of County Judges Policy · Nebraska Domestic Abuse Protection Order Policy · Parenting Act Fund Policy · Courts · Appellate Courts Offices · Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals ·

🔗 https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/court-records

🏠 Property & Public Records in Howells

Colfax County Register of Deeds

Property records for Howells, Nebraska are maintained by the Colfax County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Colfax County, including Howells.

Public Records & Services in Howells

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Howells, Colfax 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.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Howells, Colfax 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 Colfax County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Howells Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Colfax County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Howells, Nebraska residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Colfax County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Colfax County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.

About Howells — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Colfax County Jail in Schuyler is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county boundaries. Processing begins with photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting each detainee's personal information. Family members and attorneys can locate current inmates through lookup services provided by the Sheriff's Office. The facility maintains specific visitation rules, requiring visitors to follow scheduled times and pass through security protocols.

Arrest Records

The Colfax County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records For people taken into custody throughout the area. These files contain arrest details, charges filed, and identifying information about each arrestee. Residents and legal counsel can obtain copies by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Nebraska Public Records Law governs which portions of these records are accessible, balancing transparency with privacy protections for sensitive information. Such records prove essential for background checks and ongoing legal proceedings.

Criminal Records

Colfax County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Background checks in Nebraska can be conducted through the Nebraska State Patrol, which provides criminal history reports. The Nebraska State Patrol offers additional resources for residents seeking information on criminal records, so that background checks are thorough and accurate.

Vital Records

The Howells, Nebraska, community maintains vital records through the Colfax County Health Department, located at 411 E 11th St, Schuyler, NE 68661. This department is responsible for recording and maintaining birth, death, and marriage records for the area. Residents can obtain copies of these documents by contacting the health department or visiting the Colfax County website at https://www.colfaxcounty.ne.gov/health-department.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses in Howells, Nebraska operate under registration and regulatory oversight provided by the Colfax County Clerk's Office at 411 E 11th St, Schuyler, NE 68661. This office keeps records of local business licenses, permits, and related documentation required for commercial operations. Entrepreneurs looking to start or operate a business in the area can find guidance and requirements through the Colfax County website at https://www.colfaxcounty.ne.gov/clerk. The county seat handles the administrative framework that supports local commerce throughout the community.

Economy & Demographics

Howells, Nebraska, is a small, predominantly agricultural community, with the local economy heavily reliant on farming and ranching. The Colfax County Assessor's Office, located at 411 E 11th St, Schuyler, NE 68661, maintains records related to property values, tax assessments, and other economic data for the Howells area. Residents and researchers can access this information by contacting the assessor's office or visiting the Colfax County website at https://www.colfaxcounty.ne.gov/assessor.

Elections & Voter Records

The Colfax County Clerk/Election Commissioner administers all elections for Howells voters from the Colfax County Courthouse, 411 East 11th Street, Schuyler, NE 68661, phone (402) 352-8510. This office handles federal, state, county, and local contests, maintains voter rolls, manages polling locations, processes absentee ballots, and certifies results. Regular hours run Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended availability before major elections.
Nebraska residents can register to vote online through the Secretary of State's system at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/. Residents must register at least 10 days before an election - the third Friday before Election Day for most contests, or by 6:00 PM the second Friday before for in-person registration. Applicants need U.S. Citizenship, must be at least 18 by the next election, and maintain Nebraska residency. A valid Nebraska driver's license or state ID number is required for online registration. Voters can verify their registration status, polling location, and review sample ballots through the Secretary of State's voter portal. Municipal elections for the Village of Howells coincide with statewide contests, typically in odd-numbered years for village board trustees and the mayor position. The village board consists of a mayor and trustees elected on nonpartisan ballots. Local candidate filing details and village ballot questions are available through the Colfax County Clerk's office and posted at Howells Village Hall. Residents also vote for Colfax County offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Assessor, Attorney, Clerk, Treasurer, and others on partisan ballots during even-year general elections. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by calling the Colfax County Clerk at (402) 352-8510, checking registration information online through the Secretary of State's website, or reviewing the polling place notice mailed before each election. The village typically designates one polling location for Election Day voting, often at a community building or fire hall. Nebraska public records law makes numerous election documents publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available from the Colfax County election office for a fee, excluding confidential information like Social Security numbers. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and searchable at https://nadc.nebraska.gov/. Candidate filing information, nomination petitions, and ballot language are public records maintained by the Colfax County Clerk. Precinct-level results are published after certification and compiled statewide by the Secretary of State at https://sos.nebraska. The Nebraska State Legislature will have selected seats up for election, including District 16 which covers Colfax County. School board elections for Howells-Dodge Consolidated Schools and special district races may also appear. Nebraska offers early voting and absentee ballots to all registered voters without requiring a reason. To vote by mail, residents should contact the Colfax County Clerk's office at (402) 352-8510 or download an absentee ballot request form from the Nebraska Secretary of State's website. Completed forms can be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person to the Colfax County Clerk. Absentee ballots are mailed beginning 35 days before Election Day. Completed ballots must be received by the Colfax County Clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day - postmarks do not count; the ballot must physically arrive by close of polls. Voters can also vote early in person at the Colfax County Clerk's office in Schuyler during designated early voting days, typically beginning two weeks before Election Day.

Public Records Resources for Howells, Nebraska

Official government websites for Howells, 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Howells, Nebraska, residents can register online through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Colfax 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 Howells, contact the Colfax County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Howells, Nebraska are maintained by the Colfax County Assessor's Office and the Colfax County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Colfax County, including parcels in Howells. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Colfax 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 Colfax County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Howells, 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 Colfax County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Colfax 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.