Lyon County

Lyon County is located in southwestern Minnesota, bordered by the South Dakota state line to the west. Established in 1868 and organized in 1870, Lyon County was named after General Nathaniel Lyon, a Union Army officer killed during the Civil War. Lyon County seat is Marshall, the largest city in Lyon County and home to Southwest Minnesota State University. Lyon County includes approximately 714 square miles and has a population of roughly 25,498 residents according to recent census estimates. The terrain is predominantly agricultural prairie land, characterized by gently rolling fields and productive farmland that supports Lyon County's agricultural economy. The Redwood River flows through the northern portion of Lyon County. Major landmarks include Camden State Park near Lynd, which features the remnants of an early hydroelectric dam, and the Fort Belmont historic site. Lyon County Government Center is located at 607 West Main Street in Marshall, housing the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor offices. Lyon County's history is deeply rooted in Scandinavian and German immigration, with Marshall developing as a regional agricultural and educational hub. What makes Lyon County unique is its blend of rural agricultural heritage with the educational and cultural amenities provided by the university, creating a distinctive small-city character in the heart of Minnesota's prairie region. Lyon County maintains traditional Midwestern values while acting as a center for education, healthcare, and commerce for the surrounding rural areas.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Lyon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout Lyon County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, maintaining public safety, and enforcing laws. The office also oversees programs such as community policing initiatives and emergency response coordination, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of Lyon County residents.

Police Departments

Lyon County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Lyon County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Marshall and Tracy. The Marshall Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Marshall, focusing on urban crime prevention and community safety. The Tracy Police Department serves the city of Tracy, addressing local law enforcement needs. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Lyon County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Lyon County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 607 West Main Street in Marshall, Minnesota 56258, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Lyon County. Lyon County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates for Lyon County and provides detention services.

• To request arrest records, citizens must submit a data practices request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying themselves and the specific records sought.
• Processing times for records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Lyon County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The system ensures that Lyon County residents have access to full criminal history information for personal, employment, or legal purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Lyon County are maintained by Lyon County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of arrests made within Lyon County. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. A Lyon County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. The process ensures transparency and public access to arrest information while protecting sensitive data.

Jail & Inmate Records

Lyon County Jail, located in Marshall, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Lyon County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

• The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances upon payment of bail.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Lyon County are taken and retained by Lyon County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or potentially through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Minnesota does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal based on privacy concerns or expungement of their criminal records.

Lyon County is served by the Fifth Judicial District of Minnesota, with Lyon County District Court located in Lyon County Courthouse at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. District Court in Minnesota has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, gross misdemeanors, family law cases, probate matters, juvenile delinquency, and civil cases exceeding $15,000. Minnesota does not have separate Justice Courts or Municipal Courts in the traditional sense; instead, the District Court handles all levels of cases.

• Conciliation Court, Minnesota's small claims court, operates as a division of District Court for civil disputes under $15,000 and is also located at the courthouse.
• Lyon County Court Administrator's office processes all records requests and can provide guidance on what documents are publicly accessible versus those that are sealed or confidential under Minnesota law.

Lyon County Recorder's Office, located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, maintains all property and land records for Lyon County. The office can be reached through the office is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, liens, easements, certificates of real estate value, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The Recorder's Office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Lyon County's establishment.

• Fees for certified copies of recorded documents are established by Minnesota statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
• Property tax information can be searched online through Lyon County's website, providing access to current and historical assessment data, tax amounts, and property characteristics.
• Certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.

Vital records for Lyon County, Minnesota, including birth and death certificates, are managed through both Lyon County Public Health Office and the Minnesota Department of Health. For birth certificates of events occurring in Lyon County, requests can be made through Lyon County Public Health Department located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, or by calling. Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically ranging from one to two weeks for in-person requests.

• Death certificates are also available through the same office with identical fees.
• Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225, which governs vital records access.
• Eligible requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/order.html, though additional processing fees apply.

Business and licensing records in Lyon County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Lyon County Auditor-Treasurer's office handles certain local business registrations and can be reached at at the Government Center, 607 West Main Street, Marshall. For Doing Business As (DBA) names and assumed name certificates, businesses must file with the Minnesota Secretary of State rather than at Lyon County level, as Minnesota centralized these filings.

• This database includes business name, registration status, registered agent information, and filing history.
• The Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 317 West Main Street in Marshall, provides business development resources and can be contacted at or through www.marshallmnchamber.com.

Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Lyon County, Minnesota.

Lyon County's economy is anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Agriculture remains the dominant industry, with corn and soybeans as primary crops, complemented by hog and cattle operations throughout Lyon County's productive farmland. Schwan's Company, now part of CJ Foods, has historically been one of Lyon County's largest employers with food processing operations.

• The median household income in Lyon County is approximately $58,000, somewhat below the Minnesota state median but reflecting the rural agricultural character of Lyon County.
• Manufacturing has expanded beyond food processing to include precision manufacturing and agricultural equipment.

Elections in Lyon County are administered by Lyon County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as Lyon County's official elections division. The office is located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Lyon County's election information is available through www.lyonco.org. Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence, though pre-registration is encouraged.

• Voters can also register by mail or in person at the County Auditor-Treasurer's office up to 21 days before Election Day.
• Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
• Voters can request an absentee ballot online through mnvotes.org, by mail, in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's office, or by email or fax.
• Absentee ballots can be requested starting 46 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by Election Day (postmarked ballots are not counted if received after Election Day).
• Citizens can request copies of election related public data through the County Auditor-Treasurer under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.