About Kewaunee County
Kewaunee County is located in northeastern Wisconsin along the western shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 30 miles east of Green Bay. Established in 1852 and organized in 1859, the county covers 343 square miles of land area and 211 square miles of water. The county seat is located in the city of Kewaunee, which sits at the mouth of the Kewaunee River where it meets Lake Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, Kewaunee County has a population of approximately 20,563 residents, making it one of Wisconsin's smaller counties by population.
- The Kewaunee County Register of Deeds office maintains property records and is located in the courthouse.
The county is primarily agricultural, known for its dairy farms, rolling countryside, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Major communities include Algoma, a fishing and tourism hub known as the 'Trout and Salmon Capital of Wisconsin,' and Luxemburg, which celebrates the area's strong Luxembourg heritage. The Kewaunee County Courthouse, located at 613 Dodge Street in Kewaunee, WI 54216, houses several county offices.
The County Clerk's office, also at 613 Dodge Street, handles vital records, elections, and various licensing functions. The County Assessor's office oversees property assessments throughout the county. Notable landmarks include the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse, Bruemmer Park Zoo in Kewaunee, and the historic Luxemburg area with its distinctive cultural heritage.
The county's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, commercial fishing, tourism, and manufacturing, with the Point Beach Nuclear Plant being a significant employer in the Two Rivers area near the county's southern border.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to community safety and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and community outreach efforts. The office also operates a dispatch center that coordinates emergency responses across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Kewaunee Police Department and the Algoma Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergency responses, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 821 Ellis Street in Kewaunee, WI 54216, provides law enforcement services throughout the county's unincorporated areas and contracts with several municipalities. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (920) 388-3131 and maintains a website at co.kewaunee.wi.us/departments/sheriff for general information. The Sheriff's Office operates the Kewaunee County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals.
- Wisconsin's open records law requires agencies to respond to requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
- Requesters should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest when seeking booking photos.
- Fees for copies may apply based on the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and transcription.
- Most arrest and booking information is not available through online databases and requires direct contact with the Sheriff's Office.
Inmate information and jail rosters are typically available by calling the jail directly or through the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Municipal police departments operate in the cities of Kewaunee and Algoma, providing law enforcement services within their respective city limits. Arrest records in Kewaunee County are public records under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.32, which defines public records as materials created or maintained by a governmental body.
Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office or respective municipal police department, either in writing or in person. Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Wisconsin, though their release may be subject to certain exceptions under Wis. Stat.
§ 19.36. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Kewaunee County as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kewaunee County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kewaunee County are maintained by the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined under Wisconsin's public records law, known as the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Kewaunee County Jail, located within the Sheriff's Office complex, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and security protocols in place.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with payments typically handled through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kewaunee County are taken and retained by the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Kewaunee County is served by the Kewaunee County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's Eighth Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is located at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, and can be reached at (920) 388-7135. The Circuit Court has broad subject matter jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Kewaunee County.
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website (wcca.wicourts.gov) provides free online access to circuit court case records for Kewaunee County, allowing users to search by name, case number, or other criteria.
- Standard fees apply: typically $1.25 per page for copies and $5.00 for certification.
Wisconsin's consolidated court system means that the Circuit Court handles all trial-level proceedings, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic matters, civil cases exceeding small claims jurisdiction, divorces, paternity cases, restraining orders, estates, guardianships, and termination of parental rights. This statewide database includes case information, party names, charges or case types, filing dates, scheduled hearings, and dispositional information. Municipal courts operate in the cities of Kewaunee and Algoma, handling local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other municipal matters within their jurisdictions.
These courts are separate from the Circuit Court and maintain their own records. Access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 70.03, which presumes public access to court records with certain exceptions for sensitive matters like juvenile proceedings, certain family law documents, and sealed records. Copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court's office in person or by mail.
Many documents can be viewed in person at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
Property & Public Records
The Kewaunee County Register of Deeds office, located at 613 Dodge Street in Kewaunee, WI 54216, maintains land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (920) 388-7145. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, land contracts, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, plat maps, cemetery records, and miscellaneous documents such as powers of attorney and military discharge papers (DD-214s).
- Wisconsin law requires most documents affecting real property to be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide public notice and establish chain of title.
- Kewaunee County provides online access to recorded land records through a subscription-based system, with some offices offering limited free searches on their website at co.kewaunee.wi.us.
The office maintains both current and historical records dating back to the county's organization in 1859. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or parcel number to locate recorded instruments. Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees typically set at $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $3.00 certification fee if needed.
Property tax records are maintained by the Kewaunee County Treasurer's office, also located in the courthouse at 613 Dodge Street, and can be contacted at (920) 388-7145. Property assessment information, including assessed values and property characteristics, is available through the County Assessor's office. An online GIS property viewer may be available through the County Land Information Office or website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax payment status without charge for informational purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Kewaunee County from October 1907 forward are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records Office, PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, or phone (608) 266-1371. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates have the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks by mail.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The Kewaunee County Register of Deeds office at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, phone (920) 388-7145, maintains older vital records and may have records from earlier periods.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid photo identification and Social Security numbers, and pay the applicable fee (typically around $110).
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through the state's VitalChek service at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, though additional vendor fees apply for this convenience.
Birth records are restricted to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents named on the record, legal custodians, or legal representatives with proper documentation. Death records less than 50 years old are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Kewaunee County Clerk's office, located at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, phone (920) 388-7137.
There is a 6-day waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid, and it remains valid for 30 days. Marriage records and certified copies are available from the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse address and phone (920) 388-7135.
Wisconsin vital records law is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 69.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kewaunee County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Kewaunee County Clerk's office at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, phone (920) 388-7137, handles certain local business registrations, including fictitious name registrations (doing business as/DBA filings) and some local licenses.
- This database is the primary resource for verifying whether a business is properly registered in Wisconsin.
Most formal business entity formations in Wisconsin, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a free, searchable online database at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where anyone can look up Wisconsin business entities, view their status (active, dissolved, revoked), registered agent information, principal office address, and filing history. Professional licenses, including those for contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and cosmetologists, are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, and can be searched online at https://online.drl.wi.gov.
Sales tax permits and employer identification for state tax purposes are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Kewaunee County are processed through the Kewaunee County Zoning Department, located at 810 Lincoln Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, phone (920) 388-7165. Individual municipalities within the county maintain their own building and zoning departments for properties within city limits.
The Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation promotes business development and can provide information about starting or expanding a business in the county, though they do not issue licenses. Chamber of commerce organizations, including the Kewaunee Area Chamber of Commerce (kewauneechamber.com) and Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce (algomachamber.org), provide business networking and promotion but are not regulatory bodies.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, are administered by the Kewaunee County Clerk's office, located at 613 Dodge Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official for the county and can be reached at (920) 388-7137. The office's website at co.kewaunee.wi.us/departments/county-clerk provides election information and resources.
- The deadline to register online or by mail is 20 days before an election, but Wisconsin also offers same-day registration at polling places during early voting and on Election Day with proper documentation.
- Absentee ballots in Kewaunee County can be requested through MyVote.wi.gov, by contacting your municipal clerk directly, or by submitting a written request.
- Wisconsin law requires voters requesting absentee ballots to provide a copy of acceptable photo identification with their request.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at MyVote.wi.gov, the state's official voter information portal, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, DMV service centers, or at the polls on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Wisconsin requires voters to be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older by Election Day, and residents of the ward where they vote for at least 28 consecutive days.
Voters can find their polling place, view a sample ballot, check registration status, and access other personalized election information at MyVote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth. Election records that are public in Kewaunee County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot logs showing who requested and returned absentee ballots (but not how they voted). Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 govern election administration and campaign finance transparency.
In the November 2024 general election, Kewaunee County saw voter turnout of approximately 74-76%, consistent with strong turnout typical in Wisconsin presidential elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring midterm races including U.S. House of Representatives, U.S.
Senate (depending on the cycle), Wisconsin Governor (depending on the cycle), state constitutional officers, Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly seats, and county offices. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail (must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day), delivered in person to the municipal clerk's office, or deposited in official ballot drop boxes if available in your county. The County Clerk's office and individual municipal clerks can provide absentee ballot information and assistance.
Election transparency in Kewaunee County is governed by Wisconsin's open records laws and election statutes, which provide public access to most election-related documents, allow observation of ballot counting and canvassing procedures, and require detailed reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures.
Economy & Demographics
Kewaunee County's economy is anchored by agriculture, particularly dairy farming, which has been the traditional economic foundation for generations. The county has hundreds of dairy farms and related agricultural operations producing milk, cheese, and other dairy products, making it an integral part of Wisconsin's identity as America's Dairyland. Beyond agriculture, manufacturing plays a significant role, with metal fabrication, machinery manufacturing, and food processing facilities located throughout the county.
- The median household income in Kewaunee County is approximately $62,000, slightly below the state median.
- The county's proximity to Green Bay provides access to larger employment markets while maintaining its rural character.
The Point Beach Nuclear Plant, operated by NextEra Energy, is located just south of the county border but employs numerous Kewaunee County residents and contributes significantly to the regional economy through high-wage jobs and tax base. Tourism is increasingly important, particularly in Algoma, which markets itself as a premier sport fishing destination on Lake Michigan for salmon and trout. Charter fishing operations, marinas, and waterfront tourism generate seasonal economic activity.
Major employers include Schenck SC (healthcare), School districts, County government, Kewaunee Fabrications, and various agricultural operations. The county has faced economic challenges in recent decades, including the 2013 closure of the Kewaunee Power Station nuclear plant (different from Point Beach), which resulted in job losses and reduced tax revenue. Unemployment rates in Kewaunee County typically track close to state averages, ranging from 3-4% in recent years under normal economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting light manufacturing, promoting tourism, and improving broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Commercial fishing, while reduced from historical levels, continues as a small but culturally significant economic activity in lakefront communities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote.wi.gov) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Kewaunee County provides good digital access to court and property records, with state-level online resources for business and election information, though some local records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Kewaunee County
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