Rusk County

Rusk County is located in northwestern Wisconsin, covering approximately 914 square miles of diverse scene characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Rusk County seat is Ladysmith, a city situated along the Flambeau River and serving as the governmental and commercial hub for Rusk County's approximately 14,000 residents. Established in 1901 and named after Jeremiah McLain Rusk, Wisconsin's 15th governor and the first U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Rusk County separated from what was previously part of Gates County. Rusk County is known for its extensive timber industry heritage, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and agricultural production. Major landmarks include the Flambeau River State Forest, which offers exceptional canoeing and fishing, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that passes through Rusk County. Rusk County Courthouse, located at 311 E Miner Avenue in Ladysmith, houses several key offices including the County Clerk, Circuit Court, and other administrative departments. The Register of Deeds office, responsible for maintaining property records, is also located in the courthouse complex. Rusk County Assessor's office manages property valuations and tax assessment records. Rusk County's economy historically relied on logging and lumber mills, with the city of Ladysmith once known as the "Ruffed Grouse Capital of Wisconsin." Today, Rusk County balances its natural resource heritage with modern agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors, while maintaining its small-town character and strong sense of community across its municipalities including Ladysmith, Bruce, Weyerhaeuser, Hawkins, Glen Flora, Sheldon, Conrath, and Tony.

• The Register of Deeds office, responsible for maintaining property records, is also located in the courthouse complex.

Rusk County Wisconsin Court is located at 311 Miner Avenue East, Ladysmith, WI 54848. It is a circuit court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It is part of the 10th Judicial District of Wisconsin.

Rusk County Wisconsin court jurisdiction is located in the city of Ladysmith, Wisconsin. The address is 311 Miner Avenue East, Ladysmith, WI 54848. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and family law matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests should be made in writing, though urgent requests may be accommodated by phone.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wisconsin and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though Rusk County may charge for copies and research time.
• Processing times vary depending on request complexity, and some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or could compromise public safety.
• Arrest records older than certain timeframes may be archived and require additional processing time to retrieve.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• The Clerk of Circuit Court office maintains the official court records and can provide certified copies for a fee, typically $1.25 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee as established by Wisconsin statute.
• Some records require in-person requests, particularly for older files or sealed documents.

• Many Wisconsin counties now offer land records through third-party vendors such as Fidlar Technologies or mix, which may require subscription fees for full document access, while basic index searches are often free.
• Recording fees are established by Wisconsin Statute § 59.43 and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for statutory fees, usually $5.00 for certification plus copying costs.
• Tax parcel information, assessed values, and payment history can often be searched online through Rusk County website or third-party property information systems.
• All records are subject to Wisconsin's Public Records Law and must be made available for inspection and copying during regular business hours, with reasonable fees for staff time and materials.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates are similarly available for approximately $20, with the same processing timeline.
• Online ordering is available through the Wisconsin Vital Records website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords or through approved third-party vendors such as VitalChek, though expedited service incurs additional fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Rusk County Register of Deeds office, and couples must apply in person with proper identification including government-issued photo ID and Social Security numbers.
• Marriage records and divorce records are public documents, with marriage certificates available from the Register of Deeds and divorce decrees from the Clerk of Circuit Court.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This database provides information on business name, registered agent, business address, formation date, and current status.
• Local business licenses, zoning permits, and occupancy permits may be required by individual municipalities such as Ladysmith, with each city or village maintaining its own licensing requirements and fee structures.