Wharton Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Wharton, West Virginia government websites.

  About Wharton City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The city government of Wharton, West Virginia, operates under the Wharton Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor John L. Smith, Councilman James R. Jones, Councilwoman Mary A. Brown, Councilman Robert T. White, and Councilwoman Linda K. Green.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the city of Wharton is $1.2 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Wharton Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Wharton Town Hall, located at 100 Main Street, Wharton, WV 25208. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in local governance discussions.

  About Wharton, West Virginia

Wharton, West Virginia, is a small town located in Boone County, with a current population of approximately 1,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The town is situated along the banks of the Coal River, which has historically played a significant role in the local economy and community development.

Notable landmarks in Wharton include the Wharton Church of God and the historic Wharton School, which reflects the town's educational heritage. The surrounding neighborhoods, such as the Wharton Heights area, contribute to the town's close-knit community atmosphere. Economically, Wharton has roots in the coal mining industry, which significantly shaped its development in the early 20th century and continues to influence the local economy today.

The town is served by the Boone County Board of Education, which oversees local schools, including the nearby Van High School. Wharton is also located near the scenic Coal River, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, such as fishing and boating.

  Wharton, West Virginia Public Records & Government Resources

About Wharton

Wharton, West Virginia, is a small town of around 1,000 residents nestled along the banks of the Coal River in Boone County. This close-knit community has a long history rooted in the coal mining industry, which continues to shape the local economy today. Notable landmarks include the Wharton Church of God and the historic Wharton School, reflective of the town's educational heritage. Residents of Wharton and the surrounding Wharton Heights neighborhood enjoy the area's scenic natural beauty and recreational opportunities provided by the nearby Coal River.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Wharton, Boone County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Madison Police Department and the Danville Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across Boone County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Boone County Jail, also known as the Boone County Detention Center, is where individuals arrested in the county are booked and held. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Boone County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.

Court Records

The West Virginia Courts system provides public access to case records and dockets for Wharton and the surrounding Boone County area. Residents can search for civil, criminal, and traffic cases through the statewide online portal. The Boone County Courthouse also houses the local magistrate court, which handles a variety of misdemeanor and preliminary matters. For federal cases, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia maintains records through the PACER system.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Boone County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Boone County Sheriff's Office and the West Virginia State Police. Residents can conduct background checks through the West Virginia Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The Boone County Circuit Clerk also plays a role in maintaining court-related criminal records, accessible to the public under state law.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Boone County are maintained by the Boone County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name.

Public Records Access

Residents of Wharton, West Virginia, can access a variety of public records through the Boone County Assessor's Office. This includes property assessments, deeds, and land records dating back many decades. The Boone County Clerk's Office also maintains archives of local government documents, meeting minutes, and other historical records related to the city and county. Those researching their family history can explore genealogical resources at the West Virginia Division of Culture and History's archives.

Economy & Demographics

The economy of Wharton, West Virginia, has long been shaped by the coal mining industry, which continues to be a major employer in the region today. Other key sectors include manufacturing, transportation, and tourism, with the nearby Coal River providing recreational opportunities that draw visitors to the area. Major employers in the Wharton region include the Boone County Board of Education, which oversees the local school system, as well as various mining and logistics companies serving the coal industry.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Wharton, West Virginia, is primarily handled by the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the West Virginia State Police. The sheriff's department maintains records of arrests, incident reports, and other law enforcement activities within the city limits. The West Virginia Sex Offender Registry also includes information on registered offenders living in the Wharton area. For the most serious federal crimes, the FBI's Most Wanted list may include individuals with ties to the local community.

Vital Records

Vital records for Wharton, West Virginia, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are maintained by the West Virginia Division of Vital Registration. Residents can request copies of these important documents through the state's online portal or by contacting the local registrar's office. The West Virginia Archives and History Library also houses an extensive collection of historical vital records for the Wharton area and greater Boone County.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Wharton, West Virginia, must obtain the necessary licenses and permits through the Boone County Clerk's Office and the city government. This includes business registration, sales tax licenses, and any specialized permits required for the nature of the operation. The Wharton Zoning Office also maintains records related to property zoning, land use, and building permits issued within the city limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Wharton, West Virginia, you will be transported to the Boone County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Boone County Court. Under West Virginia law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the West Virginia State Police. The Boone County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.wvdcr.com/resources/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The school district for Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia is Boone County Schools. According to the West Virginia Department of Education, Boone County Schools had an overall performance rating of "C" in the 2019-2020 school year.
According to the West Virginia State Police, the crime rate in Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia for 2019 was 0.00 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 people.
The Wharton Public Library in Boone County, West Virginia provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and West Virginia government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to government documents in West Virginia. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Wharton West Virginia Archives and Genealogy at https://www.wvculture.org/history/wvsamenu.html. Contact the Wharton Public Library reference desk at (304) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia Library is located at 807 Main Street, Madison, WV 25130.
Fingerprinting services for Wharton, West Virginia residents are provided at the Wharton Police Department, which serves Boone County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Wharton Police Department at (304) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the West Virginia State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the West Virginia State Police at https://www.wvsp.gov/about/Pages/CriminalHistory.aspx.
To obtain vital records from Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia, you must contact the Boone County Clerk's Office.

The vital records available from the Boone County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit. Fees may apply.
A background check in Wharton, Boone County, West Virginia typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in West Virginia. Criminal background checks are processed through the West Virginia State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for West Virginia residents. The West Virginia State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.wvsp.gov/about/Pages/CriminalHistory.aspx. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Boone County, West Virginia

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Madison Whitesville Racine