About Marinette County
Marinette County is located in northeastern Wisconsin, bordered by Lake Michigan to the east and the Menominee River and Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the north. Marinette County Seat is Marinette, a historic city situated along the Menominee River where it meets Green Bay. Established in 1879, Marinette County includes approximately 1,402 square miles of land and water, making it one of Wisconsin's larger counties. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 40,000 residents.
Marinette County is named after Queen Marinette area, a prominent Native American leader and fur trader who lived in Marinette County during the 19th century. Marinette County is characterized by its significant forest coverage, with the Peshtigo River State Forest and portions of the Nicolet National Forest within its boundaries. The catastrophic Peshtigo Fire of 1871, the deadliest wildfire in American history, occurred in Marinette County, claiming over 1,200 lives.
Major landmarks include the Peshtigo Fire Museum, Governor Thompson State Park on Lake Michigan, and numerous recreational trails. Marinette County's economy historically centered on logging, paper production, and shipbuilding. Key county offices include Marinette County Register of Deeds located at 1926 Hall Avenue in Marinette, Marinette County Clerk at Marinette County Courthouse, 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143, and Marinette County Land Information Office which maintains property assessment records.
The unique geography combines Great Lakes shoreline, inland lakes, rivers, and dense forests, making it a destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Marinette County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Marinette County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Marinette County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and offers community programs meant to crime prevention.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Marinette County is provided by Marinette County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Marinette Police Department serves the city of Marinette, while the Peshtigo Police Department and Crivitz Police Department serve their respective communities. Each department operates within its jurisdiction, handling local law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Marinette County Sheriff's Office, located at 2161 University Drive, Marinette, WI 54143, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Marinette County. The agency operates Marinette County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. Inmate information and jail roster lookups are typically available by contacting the jail directly at or through in-person inquiry at the Sheriff's Office.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens have the right to request and inspect arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from law enforcement agencies.
- Requests should be made in writing to the specific agency holding the records, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and can be obtained through written request to the Sheriff's Office or through third-party online databases that aggregate booking information.
- Response times vary, but agencies must respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Marinette County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Marinette County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the sheriff's office handles arrest and incident reports. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from these offices or use the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Marinette County are maintained by Marinette County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Marinette County, including the charges, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the sheriff's office, under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Marinette County arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, the nature of the offense, and the date and location of the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Marinette County Jail, located in the city of Marinette, is the primary detention facility for Marinette County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Marinette County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate information, including booking details, can be accessed through Marinette County's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Marinette County are taken and retained by Marinette 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 online databases that compile such information. To search for mugshots, individuals can visit the sheriff's website or use third-party services that aggregate public records. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement.
Courts & Case Records
Marinette County is served by the Circuit Court of Marinette County, part of Wisconsin's unified court system. The court is located at Marinette County Courthouse, 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143, and handles civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Wisconsin Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over all cases except those assigned to other courts.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, though fees may vary by document type.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all court records and is the official custodian for requests.
- Online access through WCCA is free for basic searches, but certified copies must be requested in person, by mail, or through the clerk's office.
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides free online access to circuit court case records at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria to find case information, party details, charges, dispositions, and court dates. Municipal courts in cities such as Marinette County and Peshtigo handle local ordinance violations and traffic citations within their jurisdictions. These are courts of limited jurisdiction and records are maintained at the respective municipal offices.
Probate matters, including estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments, are handled by the Circuit Court's probate division. Under Wisconsin Statutes §758.18 and Supreme Court Rule 70.01, court records are presumed open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Some records, particularly juvenile cases and certain family law matters, have restricted access to protect privacy.
Property & Public Records
Marinette County Register of Deeds, located at 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143, is the official repository for land and property records. The office can be reached at and maintains records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, liens, land contracts, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Wisconsin law requires that documents affecting real estate be recorded in Marinette County where the property is located. The Register of Deeds office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Marinette County's formation.
- Document images can typically be viewed and printed for a fee.
- Copies of recorded documents cost approximately $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with certified copies available for an additional fee.
- Property tax records are maintained by Marinette County Treasurer's Office at the same courthouse location and can be accessed online or in person.
- The Land Information Office at provides assistance with property research, parcel identification, and GIS mapping services.
- All requests for certified copies must be made to the Register of Deeds office during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Marinette County, Wisconsin, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Marinette County Register of Deeds, located at 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within Marinette County from October 1907 forward, though some earlier records exist. Birth certificates can be requested from the Register of Deeds office for births that occurred in Marinette County, with a fee of approximately $20 for a certified copy.
- Death certificates are similarly available for deaths occurring in Marinette County at the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically immediate to a few business days for in-person requests, though mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- Marriage records are also available from the Register of Deeds after the ceremony has been performed and the license returned.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional service fee.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24, vital records are confidential and only available to qualified applicants, protecting privacy while allowing legitimate access.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of direct and tangible interest, as Wisconsin restricts access to vital records to authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Marriage licenses are issued by Marinette County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, and both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Divorce records (judgments of divorce) are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court as part of court case files.
For full vital records searches or records from other Wisconsin counties, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison is the statewide repository and can be contacted at or through their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Marinette County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Marinette County Clerk's Office at 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143, handles certain local business filings including DBA (doing business as) registrations and fictitious name statements for businesses operating in unincorporated areas of Marinette County. However, most formal business entity registrations are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- The database includes entity name, registration date, registered agent, status, and filing history.
- Marinette County Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible at marinettechamber.com, provides business development resources and maintains a directory of local businesses, though it is not a regulatory body.
The Wisconsin Secretary of State's online Business Entity Search at corporationsearch.wicourts.gov provides free public access to all corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities in Wisconsin, including those based in Marinette County. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and other regulated professions are issued by Wisconsin state licensing boards and can be searched through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps.wi.gov. Sales tax permits and seller's permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are administered by Marinette County Planning and Zoning Department, located at Marinette County government center. Specific municipalities may require additional local business licenses or permits, applicants should contact city clerks in Marinette, Peshtigo, or other incorporated municipalities. For forestry and timber-related business activities, Marinette County maintains additional permit requirements through the Land Conservation Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Marinette County, Wisconsin, are administered by Marinette County Clerk's Office, located at 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette, WI 54143. Marinette County Clerk is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information is available through Marinette County website at marinettecounty.com. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, the official Wisconsin Elections Commission website, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, or at the polls on Election Day.
- Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk or viewed through the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.
- In the November 2024 general election, Marinette County, like much of rural Wisconsin, saw turnout exceeding 70% of registered voters, reflecting high engagement in presidential election years.
- Absentee ballots can be requested through myvote.wi.gov or by contacting the municipal clerk in the county where the voter resides.
- Wisconsin allows absentee voting by mail for any reason, and applications must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular absentee requests.
For those registering before Election Day, the deadline is 20 days before the election when registering online or by mail, though in-person registration continues through the Friday before the election and on Election Day itself. Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth. Marinette County maintains multiple polling locations across its municipalities and townships.
Election records that are public under Wisconsin law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and precinct-by-precinct election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, Wisconsin constitutional officers including Governor, and state legislative seats. Military and overseas voters have extended deadlines. Transparency in elections is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 5-12, which mandate public access to voter lists, campaign finance disclosures, and election results.
Citizens may observe ballot counting and canvassing procedures, request records from the County Clerk, and access detailed election data from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Economy & Demographics
Marinette County's economy has evolved from its historic foundation in logging and lumber production to a more diversified base including manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Marinette County experienced significant economic activity during the 19th and early 20th centuries as a major timber center, with Marinette acting as a key lumber port on the Great Lakes. Today, major employers include paper and forest products companies, with Resolute Forest Products historically operating facilities in Marinette County.
- The median household income in Marinette County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the Wisconsin state average.
Marinette Marine Corporation shipyard in Marinette is one of Marinette County's largest employers, building vessels for the U.S. Navy including Freedom-class littoral combat ships, employing over 1,500 workers. Healthcare is another significant sector, with Bay Area Medical Center acting as a major employer.
Marinette County unemployment rate typically tracks close to state averages, ranging between 3-5% in recent years depending on seasonal factors and economic conditions. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute significantly to the local economy, with visitors drawn to fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV trails, and Lake Michigan beaches. The Peshtigo River is renowned for whitewater rafting.
Agriculture remains present but limited compared to southern Wisconsin counties, with some dairy farms and crop production. The forestry sector continues with sustainable timber management and wood products manufacturing. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the industrial base, supporting small business growth, and promoting Marinette County's natural amenities.
The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin operates economic enterprises including a casino and resort that contribute to Marinette Countyal economy. Challenges include an aging population, workforce development needs, and competition from larger metropolitan areas for investment and talent.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Marinette County provides good online access for court and property records, with elections information available through state portals, though arrest logs and vital records require direct contact.