Winona County

Winona County is located in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River, bordered by Wisconsin to the east. Established in 1854, Winona County spans approximately 642 square miles and serves a population of around 50,000 residents. Winona County seat is the city of Winona, a historic river town known for its striking bluff-lined scene and well-preserved Victorian architecture. Major municipalities include Winona, Goodview, St. Charles, Lewiston, and Altura. Winona County's geography is defined by the dramatic limestone bluffs of the Driftless Area, which escaped glaciation during the last ice age, creating unique topography with deep valleys and steep ridges. Major landmarks include Garvin Heights, Sugar Loaf Bluff, and the scenic Great River Road corridor. Winona County's economy historically centered on river commerce, flour milling, and lumber, with the city of Winona once acting as a major wheat shipping port. Today, the economy balances manufacturing, healthcare, education (including Winona State University and Saint Mary's University), and tourism. Winona County Recorder's office is located at 202 West Third Street in Winona area, handling property records and vital statistics. Winona County Assessor's office, also at the Government Center at 202 West Third Street, manages property valuations and tax assessments. Winona County Administrator's office coordinates county services and maintains transparency through the official county website at www.co.Winona area.mn.us, providing access to various public records and department information.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The facility provides custody information including booking dates, charges, and bond amounts as permitted under Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
• Arrest records in Winona County are considered public data under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.82, and requests can be made to the respective law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Written requests should specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of incident.
• Booking photographs and mugshots are generally accessible through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile records and certain ongoing investigations.
• Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically apply, and requesters may be required to provide valid identification.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Winona County, MN 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 Case Search - Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Winona County, MN 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 Winona 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 Jail- Winona County Detention Center (WCDC) | Winona County, MN.
• Sheriff's Office: Sheriff | Winona County, MN.
• The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

• Remote access is free for basic searches, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.

• Recording fees are established by Minnesota Statutes Section 357.18, with standard documents costing $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• Certified copies cost $10 for the first page and $2 for additional pages.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Paul provides statewide access; their website at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords offers online ordering with credit card payment and faster processing.
• The marriage license fee is $115 and there is no waiting period in Minnesota; licenses are valid for six months.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $14 each.
• Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the District Court and requests must be made through the Clerk of Court at the courthouse.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Winona Chamber of Commerce, located at 902 East Second Street in Winona area, provides business development resources and maintains a directory of local businesses at www.Winona Countychamber.com.
• Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts are registered through the Minnesota Department of Revenue, not county offices.