About Souris

Souris is a city in Bottineau County, North Dakota. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.

The city is part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area, which contributes to its economic stability. A significant historical fact about Souris is its role as a shipping point for grain and livestock during the early 20th century, which helped shape the local economy. The city also features neighborhoods such as the Eastside and Westside areas, which offer a mix of residential options and community amenities.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Souris

Bottineau County Sheriff's Office

NORTH DAKOTA · The Bottineau County Sheriff’s Office operates with the Sheriff and 10 Deputies.

https://www.bottineauco.com/sheriff

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Souris

North Dakota District Court | PACER: Federal Court Records

An official website of the United States government · Here’s how you know

🔗 https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/court-cmecf-lookup/court/NDDC

🏠 Property & Public Records in Souris

Bottineau County Recorder

Property records for Souris, North Dakota are maintained by the Bottineau County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Bottineau County, including Souris.

🔗 https://bottineaucountynd.gov

Public Records & Services in Souris

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Souris, Bottineau County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Bottineau County school administration or the North Dakota Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Souris, Bottineau County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Bottineau County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Souris police department or the Bottineau County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Souris Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Bottineau County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Souris, North Dakota residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Bottineau County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Souris Police Department or the Bottineau County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The North Dakota Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Souris North — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The county's primary detention facility operates in Bottineau, the Bottineau County seat. When arrestees arrive, they go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Family members and attorneys can locate individuals in custody through inmate lookup services available at the Sheriff's Office. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance according to facility rules. Posting bond and bail follows North Dakota state guidelines, with details available from jail administration.

Arrest Records

The Bottineau County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including communities like Souris. These records contain details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and details about the arresting officer. The North Dakota Open Records Statute governs accessibility, for openness and public access to this information.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Bottineau County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The Bottineau County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the Bureau, which includes arrest records, convictions, and court dispositions. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.

Vital Records

The North Dakota Attorney General's Office manages the state's criminal history record system. Residents of Souris can request a criminal background check through the official website at https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-a-criminal-history-record-check/.

Business & Licensing Records

Local businesses and services within Souris are listed in the city's Business Directory, accessible at http://www.sourisnd.com/information.php. The directory provides a resource for finding commercial establishments in this small community.

Economy & Demographics

Souris, North Dakota, is a rural community with a strong agricultural economy. The city's proximity to major transportation routes and the availability of natural resources make it an attractive location for businesses and industries in the region.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Souris are served by the Bottineau County Elections Office, which operates within the County Auditor's Office at 314 W 5th Street, Bottineau, ND 58318, phone (701) 228-2915. The County Auditor serves as chief election official for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections affecting local residents. North Dakota stands alone among states in not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents simply present valid identification at their polling place on Election Day.
Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. The ID must show the voter's name, current residential address, and date of birth. Those whose ID doesn't reflect their current address may provide supplemental documentation or use a set-aside ballot procedure. Without registration requirements, there are no registration deadlines to worry about. Municipal elections for city offices, including mayor and city council members, typically take place in June during odd-numbered years. Specific terms and seat numbers can be confirmed through Souris City Hall at (701) 245-6255. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures are posted at city hall and Bottineau County Courthouse. Residents vote at their assigned precinct polling place, with specific locations available from the County Auditor's office or website based on residential address. Most small communities in the state have a single precinct polling place, often located at a community center, school, or city hall. During the November 2024 general election, Bottineau County reported approximately 3,100 voters out of about 4,000 eligible residents, roughly 77% turnout. This reflects consistently high participation rates across North Dakota, driven in part by same-day voting access. Absentee voting is available for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability or illness, or are serving as an election worker elsewhere. Applications are available from the County Auditor's Office and must be submitted by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the Bottineau County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day. The county also offers early voting at the auditor's office beginning 15 days before an election. Public election records in the state include precinct-level results (available from the Secretary of State and county auditors), candidate filing information and statements, campaign finance reports (filed with the Secretary of State for state candidates and accessed at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/), and ballot measure information. Because the state doesn't maintain a voter registration database, there are no public voter registration lists. County auditors do maintain poll books showing who voted in each election by name and address, and these are public records. Official results for the county are canvassed by the County Canvassing Board and certified by the County Auditor before being reported to the North Dakota Secretary of State. Detailed election information and voter resources are available at the North Dakota Secretary of State website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/.
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Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Souris, North Dakota, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in your North Dakota precinct for at least 30 days. Bring valid photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or current driver's license) to the polls. For more information, see the North Dakota Secretary of State elections page at sos.nd.gov. North Dakota requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Souris, contact the Bottineau County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Souris, North Dakota are maintained by the Bottineau County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Bottineau County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Bottineau County, including parcels in Souris. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Bottineau County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Bottineau County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Souris, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Bottineau County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Bottineau County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.