Kewaunee Public Records Directory

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

  About Kewaunee City Government
Annual Budget $1.6 million

The governing body of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, is the Kewaunee City Council, which consists of 6 elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of 2 years. Elections occur in odd-numbered years, allowing residents to vote for their representatives in the council.

For the fiscal year 2023, Kewaunee's approximate annual operating budget is $1.6 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Kewaunee City Hall, located at 401 Fifth Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Kewaunee, Wisconsin

Kewaunee, Wisconsin, located in Kewaunee County, has a current population of 2,900 residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, providing a picturesque backdrop and recreational opportunities for its residents. Notable landmarks in Kewaunee include the Kewaunee Lighthouse, which dates back to 1891, and the historic Kewaunee County Courthouse, a prominent example of Romanesque architecture completed in 1892. The city is also home to the scenic Bruemmer Park and Zoo, which offers a family-friendly environment with various animal exhibits and walking trails.

Economically, Kewaunee has a rich history in agriculture and fishing, with the local economy historically relying on these industries. In recent years, the city has diversified its economic base, with manufacturing and tourism becoming increasingly significant. The Kewaunee area is also known for its vibrant community events, such as the annual Kewaunee Daze festival, which celebrates local culture and brings together residents and visitors alike.

  Kewaunee, Wisconsin Public Records & Government Resources

About Kewaunee

Kewaunee, a picturesque lakeside city in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, is home to just under 2,900 residents. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, this charming community is known for its historic landmarks, including the 1891 Kewaunee Lighthouse and the stately Kewaunee County Courthouse, a prominent Romanesque structure built in 1892. Residents enjoy the natural beauty of Bruemmer Park and Zoo, which offers family-friendly animal exhibits and scenic walking trails.
Kewaunee has a rich heritage in agriculture and fishing, though its economy has diversified in recent years to include manufacturing and tourism. The city celebrates its vibrant local culture through events like the annual Kewaunee Daze festival, drawing both residents and visitors together.

Police Department & Arrest Records

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.

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.

Court Records

The Wisconsin Courts system provides a comprehensive online case search tool that allows users to look up court records for Kewaunee and the surrounding Kewaunee County. This resource covers a wide range of case types, from civil lawsuits to criminal proceedings, and can be a valuable asset for legal research, genealogy, or verifying information about past court actions involving Kewaunee residents. For federal cases, the PACER system maintained by the U.S. Courts offers additional access to bankruptcy filings and other federal court records relevant to the Kewaunee area.

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.

Public Records Access

Residents of Kewaunee and the surrounding Kewaunee County can access a variety of public records through state and federal resources. The Wisconsin Historical Society maintains an extensive online archive of historical records and genealogical information relevant to the Kewaunee area. The USA.gov Public Records Guide also provides links to national databases for property records, land records, and tax assessor information that may include details about Kewaunee homes and businesses.

Economy & Demographics

Kewaunee's economy has evolved over time, though agriculture and fishing remain important industries in the area. Manufacturing and tourism have also become increasingly significant contributors to the local economy in recent decades. Major employers in Kewaunee include local manufacturers, healthcare providers, and businesses catering to the area's many visitors. The city's picturesque lakefront setting, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions like Bruemmer Park and Zoo continue to draw tourists to Kewaunee, supporting a vibrant hospitality and service sector.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Kewaunee residents concerned about public safety or in need of law enforcement records can consult several state and national databases. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a list of missing persons from the Kewaunee area, as well as a Most Wanted list for the state. The National Sex Offender Registry also includes information about registered offenders living in or near Kewaunee. For the most up-to-date local law enforcement data, community members can check the Kewaunee Police Department's website or contact the department directly.

Vital Records

Kewaunee residents in need of vital records can turn to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records office. This state agency maintains birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the Kewaunee area. The US Social Security Administration also provides access to death record information through its online database. These resources can be crucial for individuals verifying personal identification, tracking family history, or settling legal matters involving Kewaunee residents.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Kewaunee must comply with licensing, zoning, and permitting requirements established by the city and Kewaunee County. Information about business registrations, commercial property permits, and other relevant documentation can be obtained through the Kewaunee city government offices. Entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture in Kewaunee or existing business owners making changes to their operations will find these public records essential for navigating the local regulatory landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Kewaunee, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, you will be transported to the Kewaunee County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Kewaunee County Court. Under Wisconsin law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. You can contact the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about a detained individual.
Kewaunee is part of the Kewaunee School District, which serves students in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall score of 73.2 out of 100 on the 2018-19 School Report Card. This score is based on student performance on state assessments, student growth, closing gaps between student groups, and other factors.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the crime rate in Kewaunee, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin is lower than the national average. In 2019, the total number of reported crimes in Kewaunee was 545, with a crime rate of 2,845 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3,603 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes reported in Kewaunee were larceny/theft (37.3%), burglary (19.3%), and motor vehicle theft (14.2%).
The Kewaunee Public Library in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Wisconsin government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Wisconsin. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Kewaunee Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy at https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/. Contact the Kewaunee Public Library reference desk at (920) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Kewaunee, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin Library is located at 822 Juneau Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216.
Fingerprinting services for Kewaunee, Wisconsin residents are provided at the Kewaunee Police Department, which serves Kewaunee County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Kewaunee Police Department at (920) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice at https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/criminal-history-record-search.
Kewaunee, Wisconsin vital records can be obtained from the Kewaunee County Register of Deeds office.

The types of vital records available from the Kewaunee County Register of Deeds office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event.
A background check in Kewaunee, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Wisconsin. Criminal background checks are processed through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Wisconsin residents. The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides official criminal history checks at https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/criminal-history-record-search. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Other Cities in Wisconsin

Search public records in other cities across Wisconsin:

Algoma Altoona Appleton Beaver Dam Beloit