About Towner County
Towner County is located in north-central North Dakota, bordered by Canada to the north along the international boundary. Established in 1883 and organized in 1884, Towner County was named after Colonel Oscar M. Towner, a prominent territorial legislator. Towner County Seat is Cando, situated in the geographic center of Towner County. Towner County includes approximately 1,041 square miles of primarily agricultural land. According to recent census estimates, Towner County population is approximately 2,200 residents, reflecting the rural character common to North Dakota's prairie counties.
- Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge provides important habitfor migratory waterfowl and offers recreational opportunities.
The scene is characterized by gently rolling plains, pothole lakes, and fertile farmland that supports grain production and livestock operations. Major communities include Cando, Rocklake, Egeland, Bisbee, and Perth. Towner County is home to the North Dakota State Railroad Museum in Mandan and features several historic sites related to early Norwegian and German-Russian settlement.
Towner County Courthouse, located at 315 2nd Street in Cando, houses the County Recorder, County Clerk, and Assessor offices. Towner County Recorder maintains land records and filed documents, while the Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessments. Towner County's economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly wheat, barley, canola, and sunflower production.
Towner County's position along the Canadian border has historically influenced its development and cultural character, with cross-border trade and family connections remaining important to this day.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Towner County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Towner County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees patrol operations, manages Towner County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education about safety practices.
Police Departments
In addition to Towner County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Towner County is supported by municipal police departments, such as the Cando Police Department. These agencies operate within their respective jurisdictions, handling local law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing initiatives. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and public safety measures.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Towner County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Towner County Courthouse in Cando at 315 2nd Street, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Towner County's unincorporated areas and supports municipal police departments. The agency is responsible for operating Towner County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or relevant municipal police department.
- North Dakota law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, though fees for copying and research time may apply.
- Mugshot and booking photo access varies by agency; some are included in arrest records upon request, while others require specific justification under privacy provisions.
- The North Dakota Attorney General's Office provides guidance on balancing public access with privacy interests in criminal justice records.
- Citizens seeking historical arrest records or background check information should contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation or request records directly from the custodial agency.
Inmate information and jail rosters are typically available by calling the Sheriff's Office directly, as many small North Dakota counties do not maintain online inmate databases due to limited populations and technological resources. Municipal law enforcement is provided by local police departments in incorporated cities, with Cando Police Department serving Towner County Seat. Arrest records in Towner County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law.
For tribal jurisdiction matters, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians operates its own law enforcement in adjacent areas, though Towner County itself does not contain reservation land.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Towner County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can conduct background checks through the Bureau, which provides full criminal history information. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation offers services to Towner residents for accessing statewide criminal records, so that individuals and businesses can obtain necessary legal and safety information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Towner County are maintained by Towner County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public and can be requested by residents and attorneys following the procedures outlined in the North Dakota Open Records Statute. An arrest record in Towner County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings.
Jail & Inmate Records
Towner County Jail, located in Cando, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Towner County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, which can be handled through Towner County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Towner County are taken and retained by Towner 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 potentially through third-party services that compile such data. North Dakota does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records law, which governs how such information is disseminated.
Courts & Case Records
Towner County is served by the Northeast Central Judicial District Court of North Dakota, with Towner County Courthouse located at 315 2nd Street in Cando, North Dakota 58324. Towner County Court phone number is 701-968-4340. This court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile matters arising within Towner County. North Dakota operates a unified court system without separate superior or circuit designations; the District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Case information and court records can be searched through the North Dakota Courts public access system, although some remote counties may have limited online docket availability.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $10 to $20 per document, with additional per-page charges for extensive records.
- The court accepts record requests in person, by mail, or by phone with payment by cash, check, or money order.
- Online case searches through the statewide portal may be available for newer cases, though access to documents often requires in-person or mail requests.
- Requesters should provide case numbers, party names, and approximate filing dates to expedite searches.
Property & Public Records
Towner County Recorder's Office, located in Towner County Courthouse at 315 2nd Street, Cando, ND 58324, maintains land and property records for Towner County. The office can be reached at 701-968-4340. The Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, oil and gas leases, and other documents affecting real property title in Towner County. North Dakota law requires most real property transactions to be recorded with Towner County recorder to establish public notice and priority of interests.
- Recording fees are established by North Dakota Century Code Section 11-18-05 and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available upon request with proper identification and payment of statutory fees.
Many North Dakota counties, including smaller rural counties, have partnered with private vendors or state initiatives to digitize land records, though online availability varies. Property owners and title researchers can visit the Recorder's office during regular business hours to search records in person. For property tax information, Towner County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains assessment rolls, property valuations, and parcel information.
The Assessor can be reached through the main courthouse number. Towner County Treasurer handles tax collection and can provide payment history and delinquency information. Some North Dakota counties participate in GIS mapping systems that allow online parcel searches with ownership, assessment, and tax data, though availability for Towner County should be verified by contacting the Assessor or visiting Towner County website if available.
Abstract companies and title professionals regularly access these records for real estate transactions throughout Towner County.
Vital Records
Vital records for Towner County, North Dakota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Towner County and state levels. Birth and death certificates can be requested through Towner County Clerk's office at Towner County Courthouse, 315 2nd Street, Cando, ND 58324, phone 701-968-4340, for events that occurred within Towner County.
- Birth certificate fees are typically $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates follow similar fee structures under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant (for birth records), family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal need.
- Processing times vary from same-day service for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests, depending on volume and verification requirements.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through VitalChek or similar state-authorized vendors, with additional service fees and identity verification requirements.
- Both current and historical vital records dating back to Towner County's organization are available through appropriate request channels.
However, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, located at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200, maintains the full statewide vital records system and is often the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies. The state vital records office can be reached at 701-328-2360. Applicants must complete required application forms, provide valid photo identification, and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as defined by North Dakota law.
Marriage licenses are issued by Towner County Clerk, and certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the same office or from the state. Divorce decrees are court records obtained through the Clerk of District Court, not the vital records system.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Towner County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. Towner County Clerk, located at Towner County Courthouse, 315 2nd Street, Cando, ND 58324 (phone 701-968-4340), handles certain local business registrations, including fictitious name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and may maintain records of local business licenses depending on county ordinances.
- This searchable database includes business names, registration status, registered agents, formation dates, and filing history.
- The Cando Area Chamber of Commerce provides business support and networking opportunities for local businesses; contact information can typically be found through city offices or online business directories.
- County-level business license requirements vary and may include requirements for specific activities such as liquor licenses, which are processed through both state and local approval channels.
For full business entity information, the North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the statewide business registration database, accessible online at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in North Dakota, including those based in or doing business in Towner County. The Secretary of State's Business Information and Registration Division can be reached at 701-328-4284. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and others are issued by respective North Dakota state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Building permits and zoning approvals in Towner County are handled by county planning and zoning departments or city planning offices for incorporated municipalities; prospective builders should contact Towner County Auditor's office or city offices in Cando and other municipalities for specific permit requirements and applications.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Towner County are administered by Towner County Auditor, who serves as Towner County's chief election official. The Auditor's office is located at Towner County Courthouse, 315 2nd Street, Cando, ND 58324, and can be reached at 701-968-4343. Voter registration in North Dakota operates under unique state law: North Dakota does not require voter registration. Instead, eligible residents may vote by providing proof of residency and identification at their polling place on Election Day, making North Dakota the only state without traditional voter registration.
Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and residents of North Dakota for at least 30 days preceding the election. Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, state ID, or other documentation establishing residency and identity as specified in North Dakota Century Code Title 16.1.
Polling place locations for Towner County precincts can be found by contacting the County Auditor or visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, which provides a polling place lookup tool. Election records that are public under North Dakota open records law include precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, official canvass reports, and polling place designations. Campaign finance reports for local candidates and ballot measure committees are filed with the Secretary of State and are accessible through their online database.
Towner County, like most North Dakota counties, typically sees voter turnout ranging from 55% to 75% in presidential general elections, with lower turnout in midterm and municipal elections. In the 2024 general election, Towner County participation was consistent with these historical patterns, with strong rural voter engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring North Dakota's U.S.
House race, statewide offices including governor if applicable to the cycle, state legislative seats, and county offices. Absentee voting in North Dakota is available through mail-in ballot requests submitted to the County Auditor; applications must be received by a specified deadline before Election Day (typically one week prior for mail ballots). Early voting may be available at the Auditor's office beginning a set number of days before Election Day, with hours posted publicly.
North Dakota's election transparency is generally strong, with results posted promptly after polls close and accessible through county and state websites, though smaller counties may have less sophisticated online systems and rely more on phone and in-person inquiries.
Economy & Demographics
Towner County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, with grain farming and livestock production serving as the primary economic drivers. Towner County's fertile soil and continental climate support extensive cultivation of spring wheat, durum wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, and sunflowers. According to USDA Census of Agriculture data, Towner County contains hundreds of farm operations, with agriculture accounting for the majority of land use and a significant portion of employment.
- The median household income in Towner County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the national median but reflective of rural agricultural economies throughout North Dakota.
Major employers include agricultural services, grain elevators, farm equipment dealerships, local school districts (including Cando and North Star school systems), county government, healthcare facilities such as Towner County Medical Center, and retail businesses serving the local population. The unemployment rate in Towner County typically mirrors or slightly exceeds the statewide North Dakota rate, which has historically been among the lowest in the nation due to the state's energy sector, though energy production is minimal in Towner County itself. Small business ownership remains common, with family farms, Main Street retail shops, and service providers forming the backbone of the local economy.
Tourism contributes modestly through hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly waterfowl hunting given Towner County's numerous wetlands and proximity to wildlife refuges. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting value-added agricultural processing, maintaining quality healthcare and education services to retain population, and improving broadband infrastructure to enable remote work opportunities. Towner County has experienced population decline consistent with many rural Great Plains counties, presenting challenges for economic sustainability and workforce development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Accessible via State Portal | Overall Score: 5/10, Towner County provides basic public records access primarily through in-person and phone requests at courthouse offices, with limited online databases due to its small rural infrastructure.