Remsen Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Remsen, Iowa government websites.
About Remsen City Government
Annual Budget
$1.4 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Remsen, Iowa, is the Remsen City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered terms of four years each. The current council members include Mayor Jamie D. Lammers and council members Craig J. Hentges, John R. Hentges, Jennifer L. Schulte, and John W. Schulte.
For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Remsen is $1.4 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Remsen City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Remsen City Hall, located at 100 West Main Street, Remsen, IA 51050. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Remsen, Iowa
Remsen, Iowa, located in Plymouth County, has a current population of 1,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This small city is known for its tight-knit community and charming atmosphere. Key landmarks in Remsen include the Remsen Public Library, which serves as a vital resource for residents, and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a significant historical site that reflects the town's cultural heritage. The city is also home to the Remsen-Union Community School District, which plays a crucial role in the education of local children.
Economically, Remsen has a rich agricultural history, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The city hosts the annual Remsen St. Mary's Catholic School's "Pork Day," which celebrates local agriculture and community spirit, attracting visitors from surrounding areas. The event showcases the importance of agriculture to the local economy and community identity. Remsen is situated along U.S. Highway 6, making it accessible and contributing to its growth and development within Plymouth County.
About Remsen
The governing body of Remsen, Iowa, is the Remsen City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered terms of four years each. The current council members include Mayor Jamie D. Lammers and council members Craig J. Hentges, John R. Hentges, Jennifer L. Schulte, and John W. Schulte. For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Remsen is $1.4 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Remsen City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Remsen City Hall, located at 100 West Main Street, Remsen, IA 51050. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Le Mars Police Department, Remsen Police Department, and Kingsley Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Plymouth County Jail, located in Le Mars, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup system, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
Court Records
The Plymouth County District Court, located in Le Mars, serves as the primary judicial authority in the county. The court handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Clerk of Court's office, which provides both in-person and online services for public access to court documents. The court's jurisdiction covers all legal matters arising within Plymouth County, ensuring the administration of justice for its residents.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Plymouth County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Iowa Bureau of Investigation, which compiles information from various law enforcement agencies.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Plymouth County are maintained by the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer, and location. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Iowa Open Records Law, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, charges, and court dates.
Public Records Access
Public records in Plymouth County are accessible under Iowa's Open Records Law, which ensures transparency and accountability in government. The Plymouth County Clerk's Office is a key resource for accessing various public records, including property records, marriage licenses, and court documents. The office provides both in-person services and online portals for convenient access to records. Typical turnaround times for record requests vary depending on the type of record and the method of request, with online services often providing quicker access.
Economy & Demographics
Plymouth County's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with corn and soybean farming being significant contributors. The county is also home to Wells Enterprises, a major ice cream manufacturer, which plays a crucial role in the local economy by providing numerous jobs and supporting related industries. The presence of small manufacturing and service industries further diversifies the economic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Remsen, Iowa, you will be transported to the Plymouth 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 Plymouth County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Plymouth County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa?
The Remsen area is served by public school districts in Plymouth County, Iowa. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Iowa Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3 What are the crime statistics for Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa?
Crime statistics for Remsen, Iowa 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 Remsen Police Department on their official website. The Iowa Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa Library?
The Remsen Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Iowa government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5 Where is the Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa Public Library located?
The Remsen Public Library main branch is located in Remsen, Iowa. Check the Remsen city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa?
Fingerprinting services in Remsen, Iowa are available through the Remsen 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 Plymouth County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Remsen, Iowa, contact the Iowa Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Plymouth 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.
8 About Police Reports
Police reports from Remsen, Iowa can be obtained from the Remsen Police Department or the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Iowa Open Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Iowa DMV.
9 About background check
A background check in Remsen, Plymouth County, Iowa 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 Iowa criminal history report through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.