South Heart Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official South Heart, North Dakota government websites.
About South Heart, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of South Heart, North Dakota, is the South Heart City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered terms of three years each. The current council members include Mayor John D. Dwyer and council members Mike H. Huber, Karen L. Huber, Scott A. Baird, and Brian D. Council meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Notable landmarks in South Heart include the South Heart City Park, which provides recreational opportunities for Everyone, and the historic South Heart School, which reflects the town's commitment to education. The city is also near the Heart River, which adds to the scenic beauty of the area. Economically, South Heart has seen growth due to its proximity to the Bakken oil formation, which has spurred development and job creation in the region. The city’s strategic location along U. Highway 85 handles access to larger markets and has contributed to its economic resilience. The city operates on a budget of approximately $500,000, which supports local services and infrastructure.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement coverage in Stark County extends beyond the Sheriff's Office to include the Dickinson Police Department and the Belfield Police Department. The Dickinson department handles enforcement within Dickinson's city limits, while Belfield's officers serve that community. These agencies work alongside county deputies on major crimes and coordinated public safety efforts, providing protection throughout the area.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Stark County Jail in Dickinson is the primary detention facility for Stark County. When someone is booked, staff photograph and fingerprint the arrestee while documenting personal information. The Sheriff's Office provides an inmate lookup service For people looking for information about detained individuals. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and all visitors must follow strict guidelines. Bond and bail procedures align with North Dakota state laws, allowing for either cash or surety bonds to secure release.
Arrest Records
The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, the charges filed, and arrestee information. Residents and attorneys can obtain these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, the public generally has access to this information, though certain restrictions apply when privacy concerns or ongoing investigations are at stake.
Court Records
The North Dakota Court System maintains court records for South Heart and Stark County at https://www.ndcourts.gov/. These records span civil, criminal, and probate cases, along with traffic violations and small claims proceedings. The state's online portal allows individuals to search for and request copies of court documents.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Stark County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies, including those in Stark County.
Public Records Access
Public records for the community are available through the Stark County Courthouse at https://www.co.stark.nd.us/government/courthouse.html and the North Dakota State Archives at https://www.history.nd.gov/archives/index.html. These repositories hold property deeds, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and other vital documents.
Vital Records
Vital records for South Heart residents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (https://www.health.nd.gov/vital records). Individuals can request copies of these records by submitting an application and the required fees.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for South Heart, including business licenses, trade names, and corporate filings, are accessible through the North Dakota Secretary of State's office at https://sos.nd.gov/business-services. The Stark County Tax Assessor's office at https://www.co.stark.nd.us/government/tax-assessor.html also maintains records related to local businesses and commercial properties in the area.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and records for South Heart and Stark County can be found through the North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.commerce.nd.gov/) and the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce (https://www.dickinsonnd.com/). These resources provide information on local businesses, employment statistics, and economic development initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
The Stark County Auditor/Treasurer's Office administers elections for South Heart residents. Located at 51 3rd Street East, Dickinson, ND 58601, the office can be reached at (701) 456-7659 or through https://www.starkcountynd.com. Staff there handle voter registration, maintain voter rolls, manage polling places, process absentee ballots, and certify results for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections.
North Dakota stands alone among states in not requiring voter registration, eligible residents can vote by simply presenting identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day. Those who prefer can add their names to a central voter file by contacting the County Auditor or appearing at any election, which streamlines the process. Valid identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. When an ID doesn't show a current address, supplemental documentation like a utility bill or bank statement is required. Municipal elections for city offices, including mayor and city council positions, typically occur in June of odd-numbered years alongside other municipal elections statewide. The next municipal election is scheduled for June 2025, with positions potentially including mayor and city council members depending on term expirations. Residents can get information about candidates, local ballot measures, and election issues from South Heart City Hall at 100 First Avenue West or from the County Auditor. To locate their assigned polling place, residents should contact the Stark County Auditor's Office or check the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. The city typically has one polling location. During the November 2024 general election, Stark County saw strong turnout with approximately 62% of eligible voters participating in the presidential race, consistent with the state's tradition of high civic engagement. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide several significant races including North Dakota's U.S. Senate seat (Senator John Hoeven's seat is up for election in 2026), the Governor's race, state legislative seats for District 37 which includes the area, countywide offices such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and County Auditor, and potentially local school board and other special district positions. Absentee voting is available for those who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability, or meet other qualifying reasons. The County Auditor's Office provides absentee ballot applications, which must be received by 5:00 p.m. The day before the election. Public election records include precinct-level results, campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (available through the Secretary of State at https://vip.sos.nd.gov), candidate filing information, and ballot measure text. While the state doesn't maintain a traditional voter registration database, the central voter file kept by counties is subject to inspection under open records laws with appropriate privacy protections.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Stark County and North Dakota provide excellent online access to most public records through well-maintained state portals and county systems, with particularly strong transparency in court records, business filings, and property data, though some recorder documents require fees for full access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota?
Public schools in South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the North Dakota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota?
Crime data for South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the South Heart police department or the Stark County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota Library?
The South Heart Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Stark County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The South Heart Public Library serves residents of South Heart and the surrounding Stark County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Stark County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for South Heart, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Stark County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the South Heart Police Department or Stark County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for South Heart, Stark County, North Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the North Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Stark County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in South Heart, North Dakota?
To register to vote in South Heart, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Stark County elections office. 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 South Heart, contact the Stark County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in South Heart, North Dakota?
Property records for South Heart, North Dakota are maintained by the Stark County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Stark County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stark County, including parcels in South Heart. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stark 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. For in-person requests, visit the Stark County offices at the county courthouse. The Stark County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in South Heart, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for South Heart, 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 Stark County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stark 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.
10 How do I find business license records in South Heart, North Dakota?
Business licensing for South Heart, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The South Heart town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within South Heart limits. Stark County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all North Dakota businesses must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the North Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant North Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in South Heart, contact the South Heart clerk's office and the Stark County economic development office.