Lehigh Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Lehigh, Kansas government websites.

  About Lehigh City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Lehigh, Kansas, is the Lehigh City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered terms of four years each. Elections are held in November during even-numbered years, allowing for a rotation of leadership within the council.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Lehigh is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, ensuring that the needs of the approximately 1,000 residents are met effectively.

The Lehigh City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Lehigh City Hall, located at 100 E. Main Street, Lehigh, KS 67073. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and participate in community discussions.

  About Lehigh, Kansas

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Marion County, Lehigh, Kansas, is a quaint community with a population of approximately 130 residents. Officially founded in the early 20th century, Lehigh boasts a rich history, which is reflected in its tight-knit neighborhoods that foster a profound sense of belonging among its inhabitants. The town is characterized by its peaceful rural atmosphere, making it an appealing destination for those seeking tranquility away from bustling urban centers. Despite its small size, Lehigh contributes to the local economy with various small businesses and agricultural endeavors, showcasing a pride in self-sufficiency and community engagement. The town's unique charm lies not only in its picturesque surroundings but also in the strong connections among residents who partake in local events and celebrations, epitomizing the spirit of small-town America.

The law enforcement needs of Lehigh are primarily served by the Lehigh Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the town. Additionally, the Marion County Sheriff's Office plays a vital role in the broader region, offering support for law enforcement activities and operating the Marion County Jail, where individuals are held prior to trial or sentencing. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal histories in Lehigh, the process begins at the local police department's records unit, where requests can be made directly. If additional information is required, individuals may contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Furthermore, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides a state-level repository for criminal records, allowing residents to access comprehensive criminal history information. Many of these records can also be sought through online lookup portals, streamlining the process for those interested in public safety information.

Lehigh falls under the jurisdiction of the Marion County District Court, which addresses a variety of civil and criminal matters. To request court records, individuals can navigate to the court’s online portal, which provides access to various documents. For those preferring in-person assistance, the court clerk's office welcomes requests at their physical location. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are available through the Marion County Clerk-Recorder’s Office or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Vital Records Division. Property records can be accessed via the county assessor and recorder’s offices, which also offer online resources for convenience. Furthermore, public records requests can be made under the Kansas Open Records Act, ensuring transparency in governmental activities. Typically, responses to such requests are provided within 5 to 10 business days, allowing residents to stay informed and engaged with their local government.

About Lehigh

Lehigh is a small unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, located in the north-central part of the state approximately 50 miles north of Wichita. Situated in the northern portion of Marion County near the township of Lehigh, this rural community was established in the late 19th century during the railroad expansion era and named after Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The area is characterized by rolling prairie landscapes and agricultural operations, with grain farming and cattle ranching serving as the primary economic activities.
Lehigh remains a quiet farming community with a population estimated at fewer than 100 residents, typifying the small rural settlements that dot Kansas's countryside. The community is served by USD 410 Hillsboro schools and maintains its historic character as a farming settlement along what was once a vital rail corridor. As an unincorporated community, Lehigh does not maintain its own municipal government or city hall, meaning public records services are provided entirely through Marion County agencies and Kansas state systems. Residents access most public records through the Marion County Courthouse in Marion, the county seat located approximately 15 miles southeast of Lehigh. The Marion County offices maintain property records, court documents, vital statistics, and land records for Lehigh residents. Law enforcement services and related records come from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas including Lehigh. Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) governs public access to government documents, ensuring transparency in county operations. Residents can access many records online through county and state portals, while some documents require in-person requests at the Marion County Courthouse at 200 S 3rd Avenue in Marion, Kansas 66861.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Lehigh, Marion County is provided by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The city of Marion has its own police department, as do the cities of Hillsboro, Peabody, and Florence. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Marion County Jail, located in Marion, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Kansas state law, allowing for cash or surety bonds to secure release.

Court Records

Lehigh residents are served by the Marion County District Court, located at the Marion County Judicial Center, 200 S 3rd Avenue, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2180. Kansas operates a unified court system with District Courts serving as the trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling all criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil litigation, domestic relations (divorce, child custody, adoption), probate and estate matters, juvenile cases, and small claims disputes under $4,000.
Marion County does not have a separate municipal court since Lehigh is unincorporated and lacks city government. All traffic violations, criminal charges, and civil matters involving Lehigh residents are processed through the Marion County District Court. Kansas offers online access to court records through the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal at https://www.kansasjudicialcouncil.org/, though access and functionality vary by county and case type. Marion County case information may be searched by party name, case number, or attorney, with available information including docket entries, filing dates, case status, and scheduled hearings. Some records are restricted from online access, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family law documents. For certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact the Marion County Clerk of District Court at (620) 382-2180. Fees include $1.50 per page for uncertified copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Passports services are also available through the District Court Clerk's office. Case files older than a certain threshold may be archived and require additional processing time to retrieve.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Marion County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The Marion County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The KBI's online portal allows for easy access to statewide criminal records, including those from Marion County, facilitating background checks for employment, housing, and other purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Marion County are maintained by the Marion County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain sensitive information may be redacted. A typical arrest record in Marion County will include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Lehigh are maintained by Marion County offices at the county courthouse in Marion. The Marion County Appraiser's Office, located at 200 S 3rd Avenue, Suite 104, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2186, maintains property assessment records, ownership information, and tax valuations.
The Appraiser's office provides online access to property data through the Kansas State GIS portal and county-specific databases where residents can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address to find assessed values, property characteristics, tax history, and ownership transfers. Marion County participates in the statewide property valuation system, with reassessments conducted regularly to determine fair market value for taxation purposes. The Marion County Register of Deeds, located at 200 S 3rd Avenue, Suite 101, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2160, maintains and records all land transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, easements, liens, rights-of-way, and other instruments affecting real property title in Marion County. Kansas law (K.S.A. 19-1201 et seq.) requires these documents to be recorded in the county where property is located to provide constructive notice and establish priority. The Register of Deeds provides public access to recorded documents, with many Marion County records digitized and searchable online through subscription services or at the courthouse. Property records searches can be conducted by grantor/grantee name, property legal description, or document type. Fees for recorded documents include $18 for the first page and $2 for each additional page. Certified copies cost $1.50 per page plus a certification fee. Marion County also offers GIS mapping tools showing parcel boundaries, ownership, and land characteristics, accessible through the county website and the Appraiser's office.

Economy & Demographics

Lehigh's economy is entirely agricultural in character, reflecting its status as a small rural unincorporated community in north-central Kansas. The area surrounding Lehigh is dominated by crop farming and livestock operations, with wheat, corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum serving as primary crops consistent with Marion County's agricultural profile. Cattle ranching, including both cow-calf operations and cattle feeding, provides additional agricultural income.
Most Lehigh-area residents are either engaged directly in farming and ranching or work in related agricultural services including equipment sales, veterinary services, grain handling, and custom harvesting. Several family farming operations spanning multiple generations maintain homesteads in the Lehigh vicinity, though farm consolidation trends have reduced the total number of individual operators while increasing average farm size. The closest significant employment centers are Hillsboro (approximately 8 miles west), Marion (approximately 15 miles southeast), and McPherson (approximately 25 miles southwest). Residents commute to these communities for employment in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Major regional employers include McPherson Hospital, USD 410 Hillsboro schools, Marion County government, and manufacturing facilities in McPherson and Hillsboro. Economic data specific to Lehigh is unavailable due to its small population, but Marion County's median household income is estimated around $54,000-$58,000, with agriculture contributing significantly to the county economy. Recent years have seen continued rural depopulation trends typical of Kansas farming communities, as mechanization reduces labor needs and young people migrate to larger cities. Lehigh maintains its character as a quiet agricultural settlement with minimal commercial development beyond farming operations.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Lehigh, Kansas is an unincorporated community without its own municipal police department, so law enforcement services are provided exclusively by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, located at 200 S 3rd Avenue, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2144. The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Marion County, including Lehigh, and handles patrol, investigations, and emergency response. Residents seeking police reports, incident records, or crash reports must contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office directly. Records requests can be made in person at the Sheriff's Office during business hours or by written request citing the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 through 45-223), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records unless specifically exempted by law. The Sheriff's Office typically charges copying fees for reports as permitted under K.S.A. 45-219.

For arrest and jail booking information, the Marion County Sheriff's Office operates the Marion County Jail at the same address. While Marion County does not maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster, booking information can be obtained by calling the jail at (620) 382-2144. Information typically available includes inmate name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and expected court dates. For historical arrest records and criminal history background checks, residents can access the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's online criminal history record check system or request records through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, 1620 SW Tyler Street, Topeka, KS 66612. Under Kansas law, arrest records are generally public unless sealed by court order, though certain juvenile and expunged records are protected from disclosure. The Marion County Attorney's Office at the courthouse also maintains prosecution records for cases filed in Marion County.

Vital Records

Vital records for Lehigh residents are managed through both Marion County and Kansas state offices. Birth and death certificates in Kansas are maintained by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612, phone (785) 296-1400. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $15 each.
Kansas offers online ordering through the VitalChek service at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/162/Birth-Death-Certificates, with additional processing fees. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 5-7 business days for expedited service. Birth records less than 100 years old are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest, requiring valid photo ID. Death certificates are generally public record, though informant information may be redacted. Marriage licenses for Marion County residents, including those in Lehigh, are issued by the Marion County Clerk's Office at 200 S 3rd Avenue, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2180. The marriage license fee is $85, and Kansas law requires a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can be performed, though the waiting period may be waived by a judge. Marriage licenses are valid for six months from issuance. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and birth certificates or other proof of age. Marriage records are public documents maintained permanently by the County Clerk. Divorce records are judicial records maintained by the Marion County District Court Clerk at the same courthouse address, phone (620) 382-2180. Divorce decrees and dissolution records can be requested from the court, with fees of $1.50 per page for uncertified copies and $2.00 per page plus certification fee for certified copies. Kansas maintains vital records dating back to July 1911 at the state level, though county records may extend further back.

Business & Licensing Records

Since Lehigh is an unincorporated community without municipal government, there are no city-specific business license requirements. Businesses operating in Lehigh fall under Marion County and Kansas state regulations. Marion County does not impose a general county-level business license, though specific business types may require county permits or zoning approval through the Marion County Planning and Zoning Department. Fictitious business name registrations (DBA - "Doing Business As") in Kansas are filed with the Kansas Secretary of State rather than at the county level, unlike some states.
Kansas business entity registrations, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business structures, are registered through the Kansas Secretary of State, Business Services Division, Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612, phone (785) 296-4564. The Kansas Business Center website at https://www.kssos.org/business/business.html provides free online searching of business entities by name, registered agent, or business ID number. Searches reveal entity status (active, dissolved, suspended), formation date, registered agent and office address, and principal office location. Formation fees include $90 for domestic LLCs and $165 for domestic corporations. Annual reports are required to maintain good standing. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which establish security interests and liens on personal property and business assets, are also filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. UCC searches can be conducted online to discover liens against businesses or individuals. For property tax information relevant to business owners, the Marion County Appraiser's Office at (620) 382-2186 maintains commercial property assessments searchable online. Marion County applies a mill levy to assessed property values, with rates varying by taxing district. Businesses may also need to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for sales tax collection permits and employer withholding tax accounts.

Elections & Voter Records

Lehigh voters are served by the Marion County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for all Marion County residents. The office is located at 200 S 3rd Avenue, Suite 102, Marion, KS 66861, phone (620) 382-2180. The Marion County Clerk serves as the county election officer responsible for voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place management, and election result certification. Kansas residents can register to vote online through the Kansas Secretary of State's voter registration portal at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/ or by submitting a paper application to the County Clerk. Voter registration deadlines require registration at least 21 days before an election. Kansas requires voters to provide their Kansas driver's license number or non-driver ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

As an unincorporated community, Lehigh does not hold municipal elections for mayor or city council. Lehigh residents vote in county, state, and federal elections. Marion County holds elections for county commissioners (three positions elected from districts), county clerk, county treasurer, register of deeds, sheriff, county attorney, and county appraiser. Kansas state legislative districts covering Lehigh include races for Kansas House and Kansas Senate seats, typically on even-numbered years. Lehigh voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Marion County Clerk at (620) 382-2180 or checking the Kansas Secretary of State polling place locator at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/. Marion County typically operates consolidated polling places in communities including Marion, Hillsboro, and other townships.

Kansas election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports (accessible through the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission at https://ethics.kansas.gov/), candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is public record. In the November 2024 presidential election, Marion County recorded approximately 62-65% voter turnout, consistent with Kansas's rural county participation rates, with strong Republican performance typical of the region.

The November 3, 2026 general election will feature significant races for Kansas voters. The 2026 Kansas gubernatorial election will determine the state's next governor, as Governor Laura Kelly's current term expires. Kansas voters will also elect statewide officers including Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner. All Kansas House of Representatives seats (125 positions) will be on the ballot for two-year terms, while approximately half of the Kansas Senate seats (20 of 40) will be contested for four-year terms. Marion County offices on the 2026 ballot will include county commissioner positions and potentially other county offices depending on term expirations. Kansas's U.S. Senate seats are not up in 2026, as Senator Jerry Moran was re-elected in 2022 (term expires 2028) and Senator Roger Marshall was elected in 2020 (term expires 2026 but would appear on the 2026 ballot). Kansas voters should verify specific 2026 races through the Marion County Clerk closer to election filing deadlines.

Kansas offers advance voting by mail for any registered voter. To request an advance ballot, voters must submit an application to the Marion County Clerk by mail, email, fax, or in person. Applications are available on the County Clerk's website or by calling (620) 382-2180. The application deadline is the Tuesday before the election by 5:00 PM. Advance ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by election day) or delivered in person to the County Clerk's office by 7:00 PM on election day. Kansas also offers in-person advance voting at the County Clerk's office beginning 20 days before the election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.8/10 — Marion County provides strong online access to property records, court dockets, and state business databases, though jail booking information requires phone contact and some historical records require in-person courthouse visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Lehigh, Marion County, Kansas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Lehigh, Kansas, you will be transported to the Marion County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Marion County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Marion County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Lehigh area is served by public school districts in Marion County, Kansas. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Kansas Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Lehigh, Kansas are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Lehigh Police Department on their official website. The Kansas Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Lehigh Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Kansas government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Lehigh Public Library main branch is located in Lehigh, Kansas. Check the Lehigh city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Lehigh, Kansas are available through the Lehigh Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Lehigh, Kansas, contact the Kansas Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Marion County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Lehigh, Kansas can be obtained from the Lehigh Police Department or the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Kansas DMV.
A background check in Lehigh, Marion County, Kansas typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Kansas criminal history report through the Kansas Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Marion County, Kansas

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Burns Durham Florence Goessel Hillsboro Lincolnville Lost Springs Marion