La Crescent Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official La Crescent, Minnesota government websites.

  About La Crescent City Government
Annual Budget $3.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of La Crescent, Minnesota, is the La Crescent City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of La Crescent and serve staggered terms of four years each. The current council includes Mayor Josh O'Connor and council members, including Brian H. D. Hennings and John D. D. Schmitz, among others.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of La Crescent is $3.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The La Crescent City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the La Crescent City Hall, located at 315 Main Street, La Crescent, MN 55947. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About La Crescent, Minnesota

La Crescent, Minnesota, located in Houston County, has a current population of approximately 5,300 residents, according to the 2020 United States Census. This charming city is situated along the Mississippi River and is known for its scenic views and vibrant community. Notable landmarks include the La Crescent Area Event Center, which hosts various community events and gatherings, and the La Crescent Public Library, a hub for education and resources.

The city is also recognized for its neighborhoods, such as the historic downtown area, which features a mix of local businesses and restaurants, and the residential area of Maple Grove, known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Economically, La Crescent has a rich history tied to apple farming, with the region being famous for its apple orchards, particularly the La Crescent apple variety, which is celebrated for its sweet flavor. The city has embraced this agricultural heritage, contributing to its local economy and community identity.

  La Crescent, Minnesota Public Records & Government Resources

About La Crescent

The governing body of La Crescent, Minnesota, is the La Crescent City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of La Crescent and serve staggered terms of four years each. The current council includes Mayor Josh O'Connor and council members, including Brian H. D. Hennings and John D. D. Schmitz, among others. For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of La Crescent is $3.5 million.
This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives. The La Crescent City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the La Crescent City Hall, located at 315 Main Street, La Crescent, MN 55947. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Houston County Sheriff's Office, the county is served by several municipal police departments, including the Caledonia Police Department, La Crescent Police Department, and Spring Grove Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes and community policing. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure comprehensive public safety.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Houston County Jail, located in Caledonia, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. Bail and bond processes follow Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

Court Records

The Houston County District Court, located in Caledonia, handles a range of legal matters, including criminal, civil, family, and probate cases. As part of the Third Judicial District, the court provides access to case filings, criminal dockets, and court records. Residents can access these records through the court's administrative office or online portals, ensuring transparency and public access to legal proceedings.

Criminal Records

Houston County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Bureau, which offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's criminal history within Minnesota.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Houston County are maintained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.

Public Records Access

Public records in Houston County are accessible under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The County Clerk's Office, located in Caledonia, manages vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. The office also handles property records and other official documents. Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or through online services, with processing times varying based on the type of record and request method.

Economy & Demographics

Houston County's economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The fertile land along the Mississippi River supports a robust agricultural sector, with dairy farming and crop production being significant contributors. Additionally, the county benefits from its proximity to larger urban centers, providing employment opportunities in manufacturing and retail. The local economy is further bolstered by tourism, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and recreational activities along the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of La Crescent, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Houston 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 Houston County Court. Under Minnesota 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 Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The Houston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/ where you can look up current detainees.
The La Crescent-Hokah School District serves the city of La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district's most recent overall performance score was a 74.3 out of 100, which is considered to be above average. The district's graduation rate is 93.3%, and the average ACT score is 21.1.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were a total of 8 reported crimes in La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota in 2019. Of those 8 reported crimes, there were 0 violent crimes and 8 property crimes.
The La Crescent Public Library in Houston County, Minnesota provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Minnesota 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 Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs access to government documents in Minnesota. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the La Crescent Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the La Crescent Public Library reference desk at (507) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota Library is located at 120 South Chestnut Street, La Crescent, MN 55947.
Fingerprinting services for La Crescent, Minnesota residents are provided at the La Crescent Police Department, which serves Houston 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 La Crescent Police Department at (507) 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 Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
To obtain vital records for La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota, you will need to contact the Houston County Recorder's Office.

The vital records available from the Houston County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you will need to provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and a valid photo ID. You may also need to provide additional information, such as the parents' names or the date of the marriage.
Police reports from La Crescent, Minnesota can be obtained from the La Crescent Police Department, located in Houston County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, most police reports are public records in Minnesota, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the La Crescent Police Department Records Division at (507) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
A background check in La Crescent, Houston County, Minnesota 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 Minnesota. Criminal background checks are processed through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Minnesota residents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides official criminal history checks at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, 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.
  Nearby Cities in Houston County, Minnesota

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Houston