Waushara County

Waushara County is located in the central part of Wisconsin, characterized by its sandy soils, glacial lakes, and agricultural heritage. Established in 1851, Waushara County was named after a Potawatomi chief and includes approximately 626 square miles. Waushara County seat is Wautoma, located at the geographic center of Waushara County, which houses the main government offices including Waushara County Courthouse at 209 South Saint Marie Street. With a population of approximately 24,500 residents, Waushara County is known for its rural character and seasonal tourism economy driven by its numerous lakes and recreational opportunities. Major communities include Wautoma, Wild Rose, Redgranite, Plainfield, Coloma, and Hancock. Waushara County is home to over 100 lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and summer vacationers. The scene reflects Wisconsin's glacial past, with rolling farmland interspersed with wetlands and forested areas. Waushara County government operates through several key offices: Waushara County Register of Deeds maintains property records, the County Clerk handles vital records and elections, and the County Assessor manages property valuations. Waushara County economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly potato farming and dairy operations, though tourism has become increasingly important. What makes Waushara County unique is its blend of working farms, pristine natural lakes, and small-town communities that maintain their historic character while serving both year-round residents and seasonal visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Waushara County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Waushara County's unincorporated areas. The office oversees Waushara County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.

Police Departments

In addition to Waushara County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement is provided by municipal police departments such as the Wautoma Police Department and the Redgranite Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and public safety initiatives.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Waushara County is primarily provided by Waushara County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1013 East Badger Avenue in Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982.

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
• Requests should include identifying information such as the subject's name and date of birth, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wisconsin and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the arresting agency.
• Processing times vary, but agencies must respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe as outlined in state law.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Waushara County, WI are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Waushara County, WI are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Waushara County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at Waushara County, WI Detainee Lookup.
• Sheriff's Office: Sheriff's Office - Waushara County WI.
• The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

Waushara County Circuit Court is the primary trial court for Waushara County, located at Waushara County Courthouse, 209 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Circuit courts in Wisconsin have broad jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. Waushara County Circuit Court is part of Wisconsin's Judicial Branch and operates under the Sixth Judicial Administrative District.

• For more detailed documents such as actual court filings, motions, and exhibits, requests must be made directly to Waushara County Clerk of Circuit Court.
• Copies of court records are available for statutory fees, typically $1.25 per page for paper copies.
• Court hours are generally Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and the Clerk of Circuit Court office can provide information on specific case procedures, filing requirements, and fee schedules.

Property and land records for Waushara County are maintained by Waushara County Register of Deeds, located at Waushara County Courthouse, 209 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982. The Register of Deeds office can be contacted through the office maintains records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, land contracts, liens (including mechanics liens and judgment liens), easements, plat maps, and other documents affecting real property ownership and encumbrances.

• Many Wisconsin counties, including Waushara County, participate in the Wisconsin Land Information Program, and property records may be searchable through online systems.
• Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees, currently $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page for most recorded documents.
• The office accepts in-person requests, mail requests with appropriate fees, and may offer online ordering options for documents.

Vital records for Waushara County, Wisconsin are maintained at both Waushara County and state levels. Waushara County Clerk's office, located at 209 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982, handles certified copies of birth certificates for births occurring in Waushara County, death certificates for deaths in Waushara County, and marriage records for marriages licensed and performed in Waushara County.

• Birth certificates are available for births occurring from 1876 forward, with fees typically $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
• Death certificates follow similar fee structures.
• Processing time for in-person requests is often same-day or within a few business days, while mail requests typically take two to three weeks.
• The state office offers online ordering through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee, providing expedited processing options for those who need records quickly.

Business and licensing records in Waushara County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration required. For fictitious name registrations (also called 'doing business as' or DBA filings), businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name must register with Waushara County Clerk's office at 209 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982 These registrations are public records and can be searched through the County Clerk's office during business hours.

• This free online system provides access to business records statewide including all entities registered in or doing business in Waushara County.

Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Waushara County, Wisconsin.

Waushara County's economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, and service industries that support both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Agriculture remains a key part of the local economy, with Waushara County's sandy soils particularly well-suited for potato cultivation, making Waushara County one of Wisconsin's leading potato-producing regions. Dairy farming also maintains a significant presence, along with vegetable crops, corn, and hay production.

Elections in Waushara County are administered by Waushara County Clerk's office, which serves as Waushara County's chief election authority. Waushara County Clerk is located at 209 South Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office is responsible for coordinating elections, maintaining voter registration records, providing election materials to municipal clerks, canvassing election results, and following Wisconsin election laws.

• Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence.
• For those registering before Election Day, the deadline is typically 20 days before the election through the online or mail registration systems.
• Wisconsin requires voters to provide proof of residence when registering, which can include a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other acceptable documents.
• Absentee voting is available to all registered Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse.
• Voters in Waushara County can request an absentee ballot through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by contacting their municipal clerk in writing, or in person at the clerk's office.