Frequently Asked Questions

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• Answer all questions asked by the telecommunicator.
• Listen to all instructions provided to you by the telecommunicator.
• Speak clearly so the telecommunicator can understand what you are trying to communicate to us.
• Remain calm so you can help the telecommunicator gather valuable information needed by our first responders.
• Stay on the line until the telecommunicator instructs you to hang up.

If you accidentally dial 911, please do not hang up. All you need to do is explain that you have dialed the wrong number. The Telecommunicator will confirm with you by asking a few questions to ensure you are safe and that there is no problem. If you do hang up without talking to a Telecommunicator, the following will occur:

• The Telecommunicator will try to re-contact you.
• If the Telecommunicator is unable to re-establish contact, law enforcement will be dispatched to respond. It is our policy to send police officers when a 911 caller hangs up and cannot re-contact the caller.

Telecommunicators are trained to get as much information as possible. Questions are asked to obtain details related to your emergency. Depending on the nature of the call, questions may be asked in order to help provide the caller with first aid instructions, life and personal safety instructions, the severity of injury, locations, people / property involved, etc. The information provided by callers will assist the responders in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harm's way. Telecommunicators are trained to multitask and will often be dispatching emergency response units while talking to you.

911 is to be used only in emergencies, which is when there is a situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel. Typically, this involves danger to life, health, and / or property. If you are not sure if it is an emergency, call 911, and the dispatcher will be able to assist you in determining if it is an emergency.

You will receive an Affidavit of Service in the mail (or via email per your request) once the papers are served.

State statutes require papers to be personally served. In some cases, after multiple attempts have been made, we can mail the service and post at the recipient's residence.

Some papers require personal service and must be served on the person named. Other papers can be served to someone else at the residence (at least 14 years of age) after 3 attempts have been made.

We attempt to serve papers as efficiently as possible, but we cannot guarantee immediate service. Please allow sufficient time to locate the individual and serve the papers.

We will attempt to accommodate specific date / time requests; however, we cannot guarantee that our process server or deputy will be available to meet that request.

No. You must provide a current physical Chippewa County address in order for us to attempt service.

Contact Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128 or visit the Wisconsin Way website and check under quick links.

One copy for each person to be served. If you would like a copy of the Affidavit of Service, please provide an extra copy.

Yes, please see the fees table for information.

You can bring your papers to the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, 32 E Spruce St., Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, or mail them to the same address. The clerical window is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday, from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm, excluding holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and July 5th. There is an after-hours drop box located in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office. Be sure to include payment, the service information form, and the proper number of copies.

The following forms are available online or at your local Clerk of Courts office, where they need to be filed:

• Motion to Change Placement, Custody, and Support: $50 filing fee on Form FA-4170 and Order for Mediation Form
• Motion to Change only Support or Maintenance: $30 filing fee Form FA-4170

If you request a modification in response to the 33-month review notice, the process starts when you make the review request and return the required questionnaire. The child support agency conducts reviews using all available sources, including information from the parties and information the child support agency gathered. If the review shows no adjustment to the order, notice is sent to the parties.

If a change appears to be warranted, local agencies may have slightly varying approaches. The agency will either file the motion or follow a pro se approach and instruct the parties on how to prepare the Motion for Modification. Some agencies will attempt to have the parties sign a Stipulation. If there is no agreement, the matter will need to proceed to a hearing. The length of time varies depending on the circumstances of the case.

Generally, no. The Bureau of Child Support has issued a policy that incarceration of at least 12 months is considered a substantial change of circumstances which allows the local child support agency to bring a motion for modification before the Circuit Court (unless the incarceration resulted from a crime against any child, a crime against a case participant, or is for failure to pay child support.) A written request needs to be made to your local child support agency.

Review Request by Incarcerated (PDF)

Once the motion is filed, the Circuit Court has the discretion to modify the order or not, and incarceration is just one of the factors the Court should consider. Additionally, release from incarceration is only to be a substantial change if the order was modified due to incarceration. Some Courts order child support to be reinstated after a period of incarceration has ceased, such as 60 days after release.

Your Guide to Changing and Ending Child Support

Contact your local child support agency to verify whether they have a case.  Either parent may contact the child support agency or the Clerk of Courts office to obtain information regarding the terms of the child support order and when it was last modified.

If you are receiving public assistance such as TANF benefits, including W-2 or Care Taker Supplement or Child Care Assistance, the Agency is required to seek a child support obligation to offset the cost of the taxpayers for the public assistance. If you are receiving medical assistance such as Badgercare, then you have the ability to complete a notarized statement for the Agency indicating that you don't want child support. The Agency would not pursue a child support obligation, but would still need to pursue a court order for health insurance coverage. If you fear that the other parent may harm you or the child, you may file a Good Cause Claim with the Economic Support Division of the county. If the claim is approved, the Child Support Agency would not pursue an order.

The Economic Support Division of the county, which handles public assistance, may not be aware that you are residing together. When a public assistance case is opened and it is determined that one of the parents is absent from the home, there is an automatic referral to the Child Support Agency to pursue a child support obligation. This is necessary to offset the cost of assistance supported by the taxpayers of the State of Wisconsin. The Child Support Agency will continue to pursue an obligation for child support until it is reported to the Economic Support that you reside together.

Or

The Agency may be involved in instances where the parties reside together if medical assistance paid for the cost of the child's birth. The Agency is responsible for determining the amount to be repaid and obtaining a court order for repayment of these expenses.

Or

Paternity has not yet been established for the child. The Child Support Agency is responsible for ensuring that every child receiving public assistance has a father named on his / her birth certificate.

In order to qualify as a shared placement payer, a paying parent needs to have the child placed in their home at least 15% of the time or 92 overnights annually. There is a formula that is utilized based on the incomes of the parties, the number of children, and the number of overnights. You may access the shared placement calculator to calculate your payments.

Your current order for support will continue until the Court order is modified. If you and the other parent agree, you can contact the child support agency for an appointment to complete a Stipulation and Order changing placement to file with the Court. If this is not an agreed-upon arrangement, you will need to file your own motion before the Court. (See: How do I file my own motion with the court?)

No. Wisconsin family law draws a very definite line between the issues of physical placement and child support. If you are being denied visitation rights, contact the Family Court Commissioner's Office. It is important to remember that the Wisconsin Child Support program and its representatives have no authority to create, change, or enforce custody and physical placement provisions. Even though we can sympathize with your situation, we cannot give you legal advice. No parent can deny court-ordered visitations because the other parent is not making court-ordered support payments.

No. Wisconsin family law draws a very definite line between the issues of physical placement and child support. No parent can withhold court-ordered support because they are denied court-ordered periods of visitation. If you are being denied visitation rights, contact the Family Court Commissioner's Office. It is important to remember that the Wisconsin Child Support program and its representatives have no authority to create, change, or enforce custody and physical placement provisions. Even though we can sympathize with your situation, we cannot give you legal advice.

Child support sends the names of parents who owe past-due support to both the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If the IRS and the state Department of Revenue process your returns at the same time, both agencies might intercept your refunds. If just one of your refunds pays the entire amount owed, your other refund is immediately returned to you. On the other hand, if the first refund did not pay the entire debt, the rest of your debt will be taken from your second refund. When you pay your support in full, the remaining refund is sent to you immediately.

Yes. If you file a joint return, you may file an Injured Spouse Claim to recoup your spouse's portion of the refund. The IRS will pro-rate the refund. Injured Spouse Form (PDF)

• The Medicaid or Badger Care Plus program paid for your child's birth costs
• The court orders you to pay these costs
• Your case meets the requirements listed in the Federal Tax Refunds and State Tax Refunds.

Yes, if your case meets the requirements listed on the Federal Tax Refunds at:

• Child Support / Federal Tax Intercept Issues
• State Tax Refunds at: Child Support / State Tax Intercept Issues

Wisconsin law requires that missed child support debts be charged simple interest of 1⁄2% per month on the unpaid amount, even if you are making payments on the arrears. Under federal law, the Bureau of Child Support is required to intercept federal tax refunds in any case when the court-ordered payee received public assistance and the arrears total $150 or more, or in non-public assistance cases when arrears total $500 or more, the Bureau of Child Support is required to intercept state tax refunds.

The paying parent receives notice from the IRS or Department of Revenue that his / her tax refund has been intercepted. The state child support system usually receives the tax intercept monies four to six weeks after the paying parent receives the notice.

The U.S. Treasury and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue will mail you a notice when they intercept your refund. The notice will tell you the amount they intercepted and where they sent the money. You can call the IRS at 800-304-3107 to get more information about your intercepted federal tax refund.

You are ultimately responsible for making child support payments. If you notice that the payments are being deducted by your employer, but they are not being credited to your account, you need to keep copies of your pay stubs to prove the deductions were made by your employer. Your Case Manager may then take action against the employer for failure to send in the payments.

They may or may not. The total amount of support that is withheld during a month should equal the amount stated on your income withholding notice, whether one or both of your employers withhold support. The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits still apply.

If the amount withheld does not match the amount on your income withholding notice, you should contact your employer. You are responsible for your court-ordered child support, even if your employer fails to withhold child support, withholds the wrong amount, or does not send the support to the Trust Fund. Employers are required to send withheld support to the Trust Fund within five days of the withholding. An employer who withholds support but does not send the money to the Trust Fund can be found in contempt of court. If you get child support services either through an application for services or from a referral from a public aid or benefit program, contact your child support agency if your employer does not send the withheld support to the Trust Fund.

You should check your payment / account information to make sure your payments are sent to the Trust Fund.

Under the law, your employer may not fire you because of the income withholding. If you can show that income withholding causes you irreparable harm, you may ask the court for another payment option. Irreparable harm is harm or damage that cannot be undone or cannot be repaired. Your request to the court must be made within 10 days of the income withholding notice being mailed to you.

Income withholding is mandatory in Wisconsin because it is convenient to both parents and greatly reduces the possibility of late payments or arrearages. Generally, only self-employed parents who pay their own support do not participate in immediate income withholding; however, they are still required to make payments through the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF) as court-ordered.

The child support agency realizes that barriers, such as a criminal history, present difficulties in obtaining employment for child support payers. Resources such as local employment agencies and a state employment agency may be able to assist you in addressing these types of concerns with potential employers.

Only the court can make a determination about ending a support obligation due to injury. The Agency will not bring a motion to end the support, but you have the ability to bring a motion before the court yourself. (See: How Do I File My Own Motion with the Court?)

To avoid enforcement actions, the child support agency will require medical documentation to support an inability to work. The documentation should include a determination about your ability to work, including work limitations, with an expected duration for the incapacity. While your child support obligation may not end, the Agency will not enforce payment of the obligation if acceptable documentation has been provided. It is critical during this time that you provide routine updates on the status of your medical condition as required by your Case Manager and to keep the Agency informed of any workers' compensation, disability, or social security activity or benefits being received. It is possible that your order can be reduced while you are receiving workers' compensation or disability benefits under a local court rule. Contact your Case Manager for further details.

During periods of unemployment, you will be expected to conduct 5 job searches per week and turn them into the Agency monthly to show proof that you are trying to seek work. You also have the option to request a review of your support obligation. (See: How Do I Change My Court Order?)

Your child support order is based on DCF 150, the Percentage of Income Standard, and your gross income at the time the order was entered, or your earning capacity, and does not terminate when you are not employed. However, this may be considered a significant change in circumstances for which you can request a review. (See: How Do I Change My Child Support Order?)

Child support is not discharged by a bankruptcy action. A child support order will remain in place, and any arrears due cannot be expunged or reduced by the bankruptcy action. However, your Child Support Agency's ability to enforce your child support order will be limited by federal and state law. Not all enforcement actions can be utilized or initiated when the paying parent files a bankruptcy petition. Only certain types of enforcement are permitted without the need to file for relief from stay, such as: income withholding for child support, drivers, occupational, recreational, and professional license suspension, tax refund intercept, consumer credit reporting, and enforcement of medical support obligations. Please contact your local child support agency for more information on how bankruptcy may affect your individual case.

No. The responsibility for supporting a child rests with the parents of the child. Under Wisconsin law, a stepparent has no legal responsibility to support the children of his/her new spouse.

Most support obligations end at 18 years of age unless the child is pursuing a high school diploma and its equivalent, but not later than 19 years old. The Child Support Agency will request that the payee provide documentation of high school status just before the child's 18th birthday. Notices are sent to both parents several months prior to the child's 18th birthday.

If a payer has more than one family to support or more than one support-related obligation, the payments will be prorated across the payer's cases. Payments are distributed first to families with minor children for current support, and additional amounts are distributed to child support arrears or other support-related debts. Therefore, payees may notice a difference in the amount they receive or the timing of these payments.

The money the other parent spends on housing, utilities, and food is money that is shared with your children. If you believe your children are not being adequately fed, clothed, or housed, you should contact the social / human services agency where your children live. Neither the state nor the federal government has jurisdiction (control) over how a parent spends child support payments.

The Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF) will process the support payments the same day they are received, Monday through Saturday. KIDS will issue payments to be mailed or directly deposited into your bank account on the next working day.

Participants inquiring about payments received by WI SCTF and subsequently disbursed by WI SCTF are to be referred to call the Customer Service line (800-991-5530. Participants may also register for online services to monitor payment activity. You can access your information ANYTIME with an online account. The account displays payments and account balances. This account also allows payers to print payment coupons. Ask the Child Support Agency for more information on setting up an online account.

Payment of child support is made to the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF), unless your order states otherwise. Following a hearing, the court order is processed and entered into the child support system. If the payer is employed and employer information was made available to the child support agency, an income withholding order is sent to the employer. Depending on the payroll cycle, payments can take several weeks to begin. Do not request the other parent to make direct payments to you, as this would violate the court order.

The court may order you to repay the birth costs even if you and the mother get married before (or after) your child’s birth.

The child support agency's lawyer may bring a court action to establish legal fatherhood. However, the child support lawyer does not represent either parent. If a man is named as a possible father, he might want legal representation. If he is under 18 and named as a possible father, the court will appoint a lawyer for him unless he has his own. If he is 18 or over, he may hire a lawyer.

If a man believes he is the child's father, it is his right and responsibility to establish legal fatherhood. That is true even if the mother or her family does not want him around. His local child support agency may be able to help him with establishing paternity, or he may hire an attorney.

If the man or the mother is not sure, they should not sign the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form. Once this form is filed, it has the same effect as a court ruling. The man will be considered the legal father, and a court can order the man to pay child support.

If no legal process has been started, the man or the mother should contact the local child support agency and ask for genetic tests. Child support agencies offer genetic testing at a reduced price.

If a legal process has been started, the man and the mother should appear at the hearing at the scheduled time. During the legal process, the child support agency or the court will order genetic tests.

If a man believes he is the father, what should he do? Even if the man plans to help his baby and the mother, it is important to legally establish fatherhood. If the mother does not agree, the man can go to court to establish paternity. The man's local child support agency may be able to help with this. By establishing legal fatherhood, the father's rights and the child's rights are protected.

A father can build a positive relationship with his child even if he is not in a relationship with the mother. There may be parenting or fatherhood classes and support groups in the area for dads.

Paternity means the establishment of a legal father for a child born to unmarried parents. It is in the best interest of the child to have paternity established, as this creates the legal relationship between a child and the father. Paternity establishment gives the child inheritance rights and access to future benefits through the father (such as social security and veterans' benefits).

If a child is born outside of marriage, there is no legal father until paternity is established. To establish paternity, a State of Wisconsin Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment form can be completed and filed, or paternity can be established through a court action. The man's name will not be put on the birth certificate until he becomes the legal father.

The State of Wisconsin charges the receipting and disbursement fee (R and D fee) for maintaining the payment record on a family case. The fee is charged per year for any case that has a child support, family support, maintenance, medical obligation, or arrears. It is paid by the court-ordered payer in the case.

Federal regulations (Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) require states to collect an annual fee from the court-ordered payee in each federal case that has not received TANF cash assistance or AFDC and that has received at least $500 in the federal fiscal year. This fee was effective October 1, 2008, and is deducted from the child support payment once the $500 has been collected.

Past-due or unpaid child support accumulates as arrears. Wisconsin Statutes state that a party ordered to pay child support shall pay simple interest per month on any amount in arrears that is equal to or greater than the amount of child support due in one month. For example, if the current order is for $200 per month, and the payer does not pay for 2 months, the total arrears would be $400, and interest would be charged each month on the arrears balance.

If there is an order in effect, it does not matter if public assistance is being received or not; the child support order does not stop unless the parents reconcile, agree to end support, and sign a stipulation and order, or a parent terminates parental rights.

If your name is placed on the lien docket regarding child support because of payments missed in the amount of $250 or greater, you will be sent a one-time Notice of Lien Docket and Credit Bureau Reporting. The notice will tell you the amount of the lien on the date that it was placed on the docket. This notice also describes your rights and procedures for disputing the lien amount. You may contact your Case Manager in the Child Support Agency or search the lien website.

Yes. You are still responsible for supporting your children and making payments as ordered. However, you might want to ask the court to name the grandparents as the ones who get your support payments.

If a child is placed with someone other than a parent or in a place like a group home, both parents are expected to pay child support. Unless your children's caretakers are getting help from an aid / benefit program, the caretakers would have to apply for services from their local child support agency before getting child support services.

All parents have a duty and obligation to support their children, no matter where the children reside. The law requires that both parents are individually liable for supporting a child placed in substitute care.

The Child Support Agency brought this motion before the court because it deems that there has been a willful disregard in following your court order. The court will determine if there has been a willful disregard and may find you in contempt of court. Generally, the court will assign a number of days of jail time, but stay or suspend that sentence and allow the opportunity to purge yourself of the jail time if you follow the purge conditions. All the purge conditions will be outlined in an order from the court that you will receive. The most common purge conditions include:

1. Pay your support obligation as ordered.
2. Keep the child support agency informed of any changes in address and / or employment within 72 hours of the change.
3. Complete 5 job searches per week during periods of unemployment and turn them into the child support agency monthly.
4. Provide copies of medical documentation or tax returns upon request of the child support agency.

There are many possible steps taken to enforce child support court orders. The Child Support Agency will first send out two enforcement warning letters. If there is no response from the payer, your case will be assessed for the next appropriate action. Before any payer can be arrested he / she must first be either found in contempt of court or unable to be located to be served. The Child Support Agency cannot just arrest someone without going through due process and obtaining an order of the court.

If you have a warrant for your arrest and you start making child support payments, the warrant will not be vacated automatically. This is a matter that will need to be ordered by the court. If you are in this situation, you should contact the Child Support Agency immediately to talk with your Case Manager to negotiate an agreement to have the commitment vacated.

When a court rules on a case, the child support agency cannot change the ruling. As with any court decision, you may appeal the decision to a higher court or hire an attorney to appeal. You may ask your caseworker if there are other options you or the agency can use.

Your current order for support will continue until the Court order is modified. If you and the other parent agree, you can contact the child support agency for an appointment to complete a Stipulation and Order changing placement to file with the Court. If this is not an agreed-upon arrangement, you will need to file your own motion before the Court. (See: How Do I File My Own Motion with the Court?)

You may hire an attorney, consult with a pro se organization to help you prepare the paperwork, or file your own motion with the court. You may download Wisconsin Circuit Court forms online (select "forms" and from that drop-down menu select Circuit Court, then family and post judgment) for the Notice of Motion and Motion to change: legal custody, physical placement, child support, or spousal maintenance. Check out Wisconsin Circuit Court Family Law Forms.

In order to change an existing order, a new court order must be entered. The following are a few options:

1. If it has been over three years since your order was entered or last reviewed, or if there is a significant change in circumstances, you can request that the Child Support Agency review your case to see if it warrants a financial adjustment.
   • A review is a procedure to look at an existing child support order. The review is done by the county child support agency upon request of either parent. A review can be requested by any party to the case at any time. Every three years, the child support agency will notify both parents of their right to ask for a review of their child support order.
   • An adjustment will be pursued IF the review shows a substantial change in circumstances (for example, the paying parent's employer closes down, or the paying parent has a new job and is making more money). The change in the child support amount must be greater than 15% of the current order, or the difference must be more than $50 each month, to be deemed substantial by our agency.
2. You may file your own motion with the court to modify your court order. (See: How Do I File My Own Motion with the Court?)
3. You and the other parent can file a Stipulation and Order agreeing to modify the current child support order. The Stipulation and Order can be found in the "forms" available online.

Modification information is also available online, including a video, Changing Your Child Support Order Video. Also there is a guide available Your Guide to Changing and Ending Child Support as well as information on reviewing or modifying an order Reviewing a Court Order for Change or Modifying a Child Support Order.

You can calculate your child support payment by using the calculator tool found on the Department of Child and Families website.

If you live in Chippewa County, you must complete an application for services and mail it to the Child Support Agency, Chippewa County Courthouse, 711 N Bridge Street, Room 225, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. You may also pick up an application in person at the Child Support Agency or request an application be mailed to you by phoning 715-726-7750.

No. Mobile homes in parks or trailer court are not eligible.

All people included in the Life Estate would be required to sign all loan documents.

The land contract holder would also need to sign the loan / mortgage documents.

Funds cannot be used to pay for work completed prior to loan approval.

Yes, an owner may act as their own contractor, but will not be paid for their own labor. They must provide evidence of their ability to do the work, and materials must be purchased and installed prior to payment.

Yes, owners choose the contractor they will use. Participants are required to get 3 bids from contractors of their choice. Contractors must carry liability insurance and provide income tax identification information to the Program Administration.

Yes, but the value of the work or services is considered income for the tenant, and it must be reported to the Authority. The income will affect the tenant's portion of the rent.

The tenant and the landlord must report everyone who lives in the unit. The names of household members will be included in the program paperwork, and they must be included on the tenant's lease with the landlord as well. Anyone who is present in the unit 51% of the time or who stays at the unit more than 45 days in one year is considered a household member and must be reported to the Authority.

There are provisions for terminating participation after the first year. Termination requires proper written notice to the Housing Authority and the tenant.

Yes. The landlord maintains all of his / her rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin Rental Laws. If a tenant on rental assistance violates the lease, landlords are encouraged to take the appropriate legal action.

Tenants pay their portion of the rent directly to the owner. The owner is expected to enforce the lease if the tenant does not pay their rent. The Housing Authority pays its portion of the rent directly to the owner. Rent assistance is paid using a direct deposit system. Landlords who did not wish to participate in the direct deposit system will be required to pick up their check at the Authority office or provide self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing.

No. The Housing Authority determines income eligibility and monitors compliance with program regulations. Owners must determine whether a family will be a good tenant, and monitor their compliance with the lease while they rent your unit.

No. Subletting is fraud. Voucher holder must use unit as their principal place of residence.

You must report everyone who lives 51% of time or more than 45 days per year.

You must report absences of two weeks or more to the Authority.

No.

Yes, but the value of the work or services is considered income for the tenant and it must be reported to the Authority. The income will affect the tenant's portion of the rent.

No, there can be no side payments. Rents on the lease contracts must be what is actually being paid. Side payments are considered fraud and grounds for termination.

HUD requirement

Up to the landlord / lease

HUD requirement

Depends on household size and composition

Basic: 30% of income for rent and utilities

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) has the 511 website. This website contains great information on road conditions and traffic that is useful in making travel plans. Also on the website are up-to-date traffic cameras that show roadway conditions.

Driver licensing is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Please contact them at 800-924-3470 or visit their website.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contracts with an independent contractor for the removal of deer carcasses on the State and Federal Highway systems. When Highway Department staff spot a deer carcass on these highways, the independent contractor is notified. The carcasses are removed and transported by the contractor to an approved disposal site.

For all County Highways, the Chippewa County Highway Department does not remove deer carcasses unless they are a hazard to the traveling public.

In accordance with Section 86.04 of the Wisconsin Statutes, it is the landowner's or occupant's obligation to repair or replace damaged mailboxes. More information on this can be found on our Mailbox Standards page.

Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) website.

Dawn Fleming, Jury Clerk
Clerk of Courts Office
711 N Bridge St.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: 715-726-7767
Fax: 715-726-7786

Online jury services

Note: As a juror, you will be performing one of the highest duties in our democratic system.

Jurors are randomly selected from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles driver's license and identification lists.

• You must be a United States citizen
• You must be a Chippewa County Resident
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You have not been summoned for jury duty for at least 4 years
• You must understand the English language
• If convicted of a felony, your civil rights must be restored

• Notify your employer. Employers must grant employees a leave of absence for jury service per Wisconsin Statute 756.255
• Call or check the juror website the night before the trial you are assigned to.
• Report promptly at the time stated in the message.
• Dress - avoid halter / tank tops, offensive slogans - no hats
• Bring reading material if you wish. There is a break between orientation and the trial.
• If you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own meal; otherwise, lunch will be provided.

• Contact the Jury Clerk as soon as possible
• A letter to the Judge may be necessary
• If it’s a day of trial emergency, call the jury clerk and leave a message with your phone number and name.

• Listen and observe
• Be open-minded
• Don't discuss the case
• Report problems to the court

• This is rare. Listen to WAXX 104.5 FM or WAYY 790 am after 7 am.
• Only if a trial cancels will we call these two stations and air the cancellation.

• Jurors are paid $12.50 for half a day of service / $25 for a full day, and $0.51 per mile
• Juror checks are mailed within the first week or two of the following month.

• We will accommodate individuals with qualified disabilities
• Hearing devices are available - just let us know.

No, it is not necessary to create a new application, simply update your existing application template and apply for the position you are interested in.

No, you may log into your Job Seeker account and update your personal contact information.

As long as the position is still open, you may update your application as soon as the day after it was originally submitted.

Please dial: 1-888-NEOGOV1. Do not call the Chippewa County Human Resources Office.

If you lose or forget your password, you can click on Lost Password, and you will receive an email to reset your password.

If there are assets that need to go through probate, the family may recommend to the Court who should be appointed Personal Representative. That person then transfers the assets to the decedent's heirs per the State's intestate statutes.

Yes. Wisconsin Statutes require a decedent’s original Will to be filed with the Register in Probate Office within 30 days of the decedent’s death.

In a Formal Administration, you must hire an attorney. In the other probate proceedings, it is not required. However, an attorney with knowledge of probate proceedings is able to assist the family in handling all estate matters from filing the paperwork to transferring the assets to the heirs of the estate. He / She may be able to complete an estate faster than an individual due to his / her expertise.

No. If there are assets that must go through probate to be transferred, the person nominated as Personal Representative in the Will petitions the Court to obtain the power to transfer the assets by filing the documentation to start a procedure. In Formal or Informal Administration, the Court issues Domiciliary Letters to the person nominated in the Will as Personal Representative. Those Domiciliary Letters give the person the authority to transfer the assets as directed by the Will. In the other types of probate, Domiciliary Letters are not issued; however, by Order of the Court, the assets may be transferred by the nominated Personal Representative.

Estimate the value of the decedent's solely-owned assets. There are different types of probate actions, and which one you use is usually determined by the value of the estate:

• Transfer by Affidavit Under $50,000 - used for gross estates valued under $50,000;
• Summary Settlement and Summary Assignment - usually these types of probate proceedings will be used for estates valued between $20,000 and $50,000;
• Formal and Informal Administration - usually, these proceedings will be used for estates valued at more than $50,000.

The POWTS Replacement or Rehabilitation Program (a.k.a. Wisconsin Fund Program) may reimburse the property owner up to $7,000 of the POWTS replacement cost if the failing POWTS, the use of the property, and the property owner meet certain income eligibility requirements and:

1. The Department of Planning and Zoning has determined the failure of the POWTS prior to replacement or rehabilitation.
2. The failed POWTS is not located in an area served by a public sewer system.
3. The failed POWTS was installed prior to July 1, 1978, and:
4. Discharges sewage into surface or groundwater.
5. Introduces sewage into zones of saturation, which adversely affects the operation of the POWTS
6. Discharges sewage to a drain tile or into a zone of bedrock
7. Discharges sewage to the surface of the ground
8. The failure of the POWTS to accept sewage, which in turn causes sewage to back up into the structure.
9. The POWTS services a principal residence and is occupied at least 51% of the year
   • The family income does not exceed $45,000.
10. The POWTS services a small commercial establishment with a maximum daily waste water flow rate of less than 5,000 gallons per day.
    • The annual gross revenue for the business that owns the small commercial establishment does not exceed $362,500.
11. Per 2017 Wisconsin Act 59, the POWTS Replacement or Rehabilitation Program will be eliminated as of June 30, 2021.

1. It is expected that the Department will find POWTS that are failing, but an absolute number is hard to determine.
2. POWTS that are observed to have sewage on the ground surface will be reported as failing and will most likely need to be replaced.
3. Other counties that have already initiated the program have not found a large problem with failing systems.

1. A late fee of $25 is proposed for failure to submit the required inspection report after a second notice is sent.
2. Citations of up $200 can be issued for not submitting the required inspection report.
3. Citations of up to $500 can be issued for pumping sewage to the ground surface.

1. Between the years of 2013 to 2016, the response rate of the Holding Tank pumping hovered between 22 to 33%.
2. The response rate for the POWTS (non-holding tank) is estimated to be around 50 to 60%.
3. The Department would expect the response rate to significantly increase once the program is running efficiently.

Only if the person had solely-owned assets that cannot pass to his / her heirs without Court action. Solely-owned assets are assets only in the decedent’s name. Also, depending on how some of the accounts or property is titled, they may need to go through Probate.

The Highway Department contracts with many municipalities in Chippewa County. However, the Highway Department, by law, is not allowed to perform hired work for the public.

1. Economic benefit from regular maintenance by reducing the risk of premature failure
2. Regular maintenance will help in real estate transactions
3. Preventing the development of health hazards
4. Preventing groundwater, drinking water, and surface water contamination

The Highway Department sells a variety of supplies to municipalities throughout Chippewa County. Unfortunately, the Highway Department cannot sell supplies to private contractors or the public.

1. All POWTS, including holding tanks in the County, regardless of location. (i.e., Towns and Municipalities)
2. Applies to homeowners, businesses, institutions, and non-taxable organizations
3. Privies are excluded from the requirement.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Department has contact information for on-call Highway Department supervisors at all times. Please call the dispatch center at 715-726-7701 with concerns related to safety on state / county highways, and they will contact Highway Department staff. For concerns that are not urgent, please contact the Chippewa County Highway Department at 715-726-7914 during normal business hours.

The POWTS Maintenance Program is an unfunded mandate from the State of Wisconsin. Chippewa County, like other counties, was challenged with the question of How should we fund the program? The Department explored 3 options to fund the program:

1. Option 1: Request Additional Tax Levy.
   • Spreads the cost out amongst all property owners in the County, including those without a POWTS.
   • Difficult to secure additional tax levy dollars for programs within Chippewa County.
2. Option 2: Maintenance fee billed to individual property owners.
   • Notices and bills are mailed out to each POWTS owner on the year of their required maintenance schedule.
   • The collection of the notices and the associated bill would be time-consuming. Other counties indicated that some property owners either sent in the pumping record without the fee or the fee without the pumping record, causing additional correspondence to be sent.
   • Some property owners elect to pump their POWTS every 2 years vs. every 3 years.
3. Option 3: Maintenance fee attached to the yearly property tax bills.
   • Collection of maintenance fee is associated with the payment of the individual property tax bills.
   • This mechanism will require some notices to be sent out to those property owners who do have property tax bills such as churches or governmental entities.
   • The maintenance program has a targeted audience (i.e. POWTS owners) that is identifiable.

The Department presented these options to the County Planning and Zoning Committee. The Committee asked the Department to prepare an ordinance amendment to Chapter 62 of the Chippewa County Code of Ordinances that would allow the county to apply a $5 special assessment / charge on the property tax bill of each POWTS owner.

People who have confirmed COVID-19 infections have a range of symptoms, from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. It is important to know that you can still spread (transmit) the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.

The Treasurer’s Office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays when the courthouse is closed.

The annual fee will be used to fund the costs associated with tracking and enforcing the POWTS Maintenance Program.

1. Additional staff will be needed within the Department to assist with the program (estimated at 65% to 75% of an FTE)
2. Oversee maintenance program for notifications and follow-up.
3. Develop and provide public information on POWTS Maintenance and proper use.
4. Provide consultation to property owners on POWTS.
5. Investigate problems caused by reported failures.
6. Work with individuals licensed to inspect POWTS to assure proper inspections and completion of required reports.
7. Mailing of notices, entering system records, and inspection data.
8. Assist with the administration and enforcement of other Land Use or Building Ordinances.

The Department of Planning and Zoning, per Wisconsin State Statute 145.20(5), administers a POWTS maintenance program in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383. Beginning in 1985, the property owners whose new or replacement POWTS were installed were placed on a maintenance list maintained by the Department. Maintenance notices were and are sent out to all POWTS owners on a 3-year basis for all POWTS, except for holding tanks, which receive a notice once a year. Depending on the size of a septic tank, most POWTS are to be inspected and / or pumped at least once every 3 years. Under certain situations, an unusual POWTS might require maintenance once every 3 months. However, no matter the time frame, a septic tank is required to be pumped when the combined depth of sludge and scum is greater than 1⁄3 of the entire tank volume.

The Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code, as of October 1, 2019, will require the County to have a comprehensive program that includes notification of required maintenance for all POWTS regardless of the year of installation. The Department will also be required to send out delinquent notices and develop processes that ensure the required inspections, evaluations, maintenance, and servicing are performed at the appropriate intervals.

As noted previously, the Department mails maintenance notices each calendar year to POWTS owners who meet the notification requirements. The notified owners are required to return the maintenance reports to the Department after filling out the date of inspection or pumping and the name of the pumper or inspector. Holding tank owners also need to include the dates of the pumping and the total gallons for each pumping.

The Department's current list contains approximately 11,400 POWTS. Using the County's GIS, the Department has estimated that there are approximately 15,000 to 17,500 POWTS in the county. Thus, there could be approximately 3,600 to 6,100 POWTS that are missing from our current electronic records that will need to be added over the next year.

A Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) means a sewage treatment and disposal system serving structures with a septic tank and soil absorption field (Conventional, Mound, At-Grade, etc.) or a holding tank. POWTS are commonly referred to as a septic or septic system.

Both are administered by the Social Security Administration, and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are insured, meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSI pays monthly benefits to people who have low income and low assets.

No, please submit a complete online application only. We do not accept additional documents. If you are invited for an interview, you may bring a cover letter, resume, recommendations, or portfolio of any kind to the in-person interview if you wish.

No, it is not necessary to create a new application; simply update your existing application template and apply for the position you are interested in.

No, you may log into your Job Seeker account and update your personal contact information.

As long as the position is still open, you may update your application as soon as the day after it was originally submitted.

Please dial: 1-888-NEOGOV1. Do not call the Chippewa County Human Resources Office.

If you lose or forget your password, you can select Lost Password, and you will receive an email to reset your password.

No, please submit a complete online application only. We do not accept additional documents. If you are invited for an interview, you may bring a cover letter, resume, recommendations, or portfolio of any kind to the in-person interview if you wish.

A Brain Check-Up (or Memory Screen) involves three simple activities to assess brain function. While not a diagnostic tool, it can detect early changes in memory and cognition. We recommend everyone over 60 get an annual Brain Check-Up to establish a baseline, even without concerns. As we age, it's natural for our brains to undergo some changes. However, it's important to distinguish between the normal effects of aging and the onset of a brain disease like dementia. While some cognitive changes are expected with age, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process and should be cause for concern. Contact the ADRC to schedule (it's free).

Dementia is not a single disease, but a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, reasoning, language, and planning. It encompasses a variety of conditions, some of the most common being Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia.

Only the potential client (or their activated Power of Attorney for Finance) can contact the Elder Benefits Specialist to begin getting assistance. This protects their confidentiality and supports his / her autonomy to make a decision about whether to become a client of the program. You can offer information to your friend / family member or even help them make a phone call to us to get started.

• Medicare, Part A, B, and D
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance / Medicare Health Plans
• Medicare Savings Programs
• Medical Assistance Programs
• Food Share Program
• Over-payments of Benefits
• Health Insurance Appeals

No charge for services from the Elder Benefits Specialist.

• Do I have to repay a Social Security overpayment if it was not my fault?
• Will Medicare or Medical Assistance cover my nursing home stay?
• How will I pay all of my medical bills?
• What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement?
• What public benefits might I be eligible for?
• What is Wisconsin’s SeniorCare Program? Is it a good option for me?
• I can’t afford my medications. Are there any programs to help?
• I am turning 65 and plan to work for a few more years. Do I need to enroll in Medicare?
• I see Medicare plans being advertised on TV. What are the pros and cons of these plans?
• Medicare denied my claim for a certain service or procedure. Can anything be done?

No, ADRC services are free.

• Resources to help
• Medicaid applications, if planning to enroll in long-term care.
• Assessments for eligibility for long-term care programs.
• Enrollment into a long-term care program.
• Meet with individuals and / or families to discuss options for people to remain in their homes or discuss alternative residential options.

• Who can I get to help clean my house?
• What is out there to help my elder parents stay in their home?
• My mother's not taking her pills like the doctor has ordered. What can we do?
• Grandpa is falling a lot in his home. What help is out there?
• What is the Family Care program we are hearing about?
  • Tell Me More About Family Care (PDF)
• How do I get into Include Respect I Self-Direct (IRIS)?
  • Tell Me More About Iris (PDF)

• Chippewa County Residents
  • Frail Elders aged 65 and older
  • Adults with physical and / or developmental disabilities

The suggested donation is $5.50 per meal (updated August 1, 2025). Donations are confidential, and no eligible person is denied a meal due to the inability to contribute. We ask all participants to give a contribution within their means. A donation request letter will be mailed monthly with the suggested donation amount, which is based on how many meals were received for that month.

Senior Nutrition Programs may close due to weather. Check the news for a complete list of business closures. However, note that even if Chippewa County Senior Centers are closed, that doesn't necessarily mean all of our Senior Nutrition programs are closed. It must specifically list Chippewa County Senior Dining and Chippewa County Meals on Wheels on the closure list. Typically, we follow the school district closures, but with the introduction of remote learning days, please be diligent about checking the list of program closures on the news. As always, feel free to contact us with questions.

• Fill out the Driveway Address Application (PDF) (highlighted portions)
• Contact the Chippewa Co Planning and Zoning Department to submit permit application and make payment
  • Room 009
    711 N Bridge St.
    Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
  • Phone: 715-726-7940
  • Fax: 715-726-4596

• Make payment to the Chippewa Co Treasurer for $35.
• Payment covers all the materials required to build a new sign, removal of old sign if necessary, and the installation of the new sign.
• In the check memo section, write address for sign to be built such as 12345 123rd Av/St.
• Please include a note of any additional information required or requested for sign installation such as possible relocation or installation preference. Consideration will be made. However, sign installation will be placed as best to conform to county ordinance and first responder usability.
• Mail check to:
  • Chippewa Co Emergency Management
    Attn: Addressing
    32 E Spruce St
    Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
• Or drop off at the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office.

Yes, in conjunction with the standard address sign. It is especially advisable to have a temporary sign in place if the new sign has not been installed yet or the old sign is awaiting replacement.

County ordinance dictates the sign installation location. If the location of the sign is troublesome or inconvenient, please contact the 911 GIS Coordinator. Relocation of the sign can often damage the sign's integrity.

Typically not, unless the mailbox is directly next to the access driveway and then the sign should be placed outside the roadway right-of-way. More often than not, signs seen attached to or by mailbox are out of compliance.

Yes. County ordinance states, The owner of each parcel of land that has been assigned a site identification number is responsible for the continued erection and maintenance of such sign. In the event a site identification number is damaged or removed, the property owner shall be responsible for the replacement cost of the sign within ten days of notice by the town or the 911 GIS Coordinator.

The Chippewa County Uniform Address/Driveway Authority Form is the official document assigning an address to a location. This document can be brought to the servicing Postmaster. If you do not have a copy of this document, the 911 GIS Coordinator can provide you with one or an official Clarification of Address letter.

The 911 GIS Coordinator can work directly with the United States Postal Service. Private companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. gather their routing lists in a different manner and often take longer to receive their updates from whatever source they use.

These services are not under the 911 GIS Coordinator's authority to fix or update. However, most allow for correction submission, especially Google. Reporting a roadway name or addressing error will often garner an update from the corresponding service provider. This can take some time to be implemented.

This does not affect emergency services. The 911 system is entirely separate and the 911 GIS Coordinator updates the dispatch center's mapping program directly.

Public roadways are dedicated and recorded for public use.

Private roadways are access drives that are not dedicated for public use and include driveways, easements, or any other type of access that may service 3 or more properties, building sites, or combination thereof that adds up to three or more. For emergency service addressing, private roadways shall be named and addressed accordingly.

For more information, please see Chapter 26-54. Signage. (c)(1-2). 

County ordinance states, Prior to excavation, construction, erection or placement of any improvement to land not already assigned a site identification number, the owner thereof shall submit a completed Chippewa County Uniform Address/Driveway Authority Form.

For all intents and purposes, any locations that may require service or response from emergency services may apply for an address.

Volunteers use their own vehicle and may choose to be reimbursement mileage for the delivery route. A W-9 form will be required if you choose to claim mileage reimbursement. If you choose not to request reimbursement, be assured that those dollars stay in the Meals on Wheels program thereby allowing us to serve more meals.

• Feel good knowing you are helping others by delivering a hot, nutritious meal. Many participants cannot provide adequate food for their health.
• Provide socialization to those who are homebound. For many, volunteers are the only people participants see and talk to.
• Help people stay in their own homes. This program often leads to other services that can help people stay and flourish in their own home. Volunteers can be the key to the connection.

A volunteer picks up meals at a designated location. You will receive the names and addresses of those who get a meal. You will deliver a hot, nutritious meal to those who are homebound and have difficulty preparing meals. Volunteers make sure the food is delivered safely by following delivery guidelines. Volunteers also provide socialization and a daily check.

• Most meals are delivered between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday, some a little longer depending on the route. No weekends or holidays.
• We have volunteers who deliver once a week, a couple times a month, as a fill-in, or even seasonally, like summer or winter. Businesses, organizations, and churches often form a group and take turns delivering. We know everyone is busy and will work with what fits your schedule.

Every thunderstorm needs:

• Moisture: to form clouds and rain.
• Unstable Air:  relatively warm air that can rise rapidly.
• Lift:  fronts, sea breezes, and mountains are capable of lifting air to help form thunderstorms.

Developing Stage

• Towering cumulus cloud indicates rising air.
• Usually little if any rain during this stage.
• Lasts about 10 minutes.
• Occasional lightning during this stage.

Mature Stage

• Most likely time for hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes.
• Storm occasionally has a black or dark green appearance.
• Lasts an average of 10 to 20 minutes but may last much longer in some storms.

Dissipating Stage

• Rainfall decreases in intensity.
• Some thunderstorms produce a burst of strong winds during this stage.
• Lightning remains a danger during this stage.

Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours, but can occur year-round and at all hours. Along the Gulf Coast and across the southeastern and western states, most thunderstorms occur during the afternoon. Thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon and at night in the Plains states. Thunder and lightning occasionally accompany snow or freezing rain. During the blizzard of March 1993, lightning resulted in power outages near Washington, D.C.!

• From Lightning: People who are: outdoors, especially under or near tall trees; in or on water; or on or near hilltops.
• From Flooding: People who are in automobiles when flash flooding occurs near them.
• From Tornadoes: People who are in mobile homes and automobiles.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) has the 511 webpage. This webpage contains great information on road conditions and traffic that is useful in making travel plans. Also on the website are up-to-date traffic cameras that show roadway conditions.

Driver licensing is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Please contact them at 800-924-3470.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contracts with an independent contractor for the removal of deer carcasses on the State and Federal Highway systems. When Highway Department staff spot a deer carcass on these highways, the independent contractor is notified. The carcasses are removed and transported by the contractor to an approved disposal site.

For all County Highways, the Chippewa County Highway Department does not remove deer carcasses unless they are a hazard to the traveling public.

In accordance with Section 86.04 of the Wisconsin Statutes, it is the landowner's or occupant's obligation to repair or replace damaged mailboxes.

Mailbox Guidelines (PDF)

Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for more information.

The Highway Department contracts with many municipalities in Chippewa County. However, the Highway Department, by law, is not allowed to perform hired work for the public.

The Highway Department sells a variety of supplies to municipalities throughout Chippewa County. Unfortunately, the Highway Department cannot sell supplies to private contractors or the public.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Department has contact information for on-call Highway Department supervisors at all times. Please call the dispatch center at 715-726-7701 with concerns related to safety on state/county highways, and they will contact Highway Department staff. For concerns that are not urgent, please contact the Chippewa County Highway Department at 715-726-7914 during normal business hours.

It is illegal (State Statute 346.915) to follow a snowplow closer than 200 feet upon entering any highway having a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph if the snowplow is engaged in snow and ice removal. The majority of the crashes involving snowplows and vehicles happen when a snowplow is rear-ended or hit while being passed. Snowplows have plow wings and can extend anywhere from 2 to 10 feet beyond the width of the truck. This wing is often not seen because of blowing snow kicked up by the plow.

It is unlawful to push snow or other materials onto or across roadways. It can cause accidents and/or death and is strictly prohibited under Wisconsin Statutes 86.01 and/or 346.94(5). Anyone who does not comply will be held responsible for all penalties and liabilities.

Mailbox Guidelines (PDF)

Rural mailboxes have been and are allowed on the highway right-of-way as a matter of convenience to the landowners or occupants and not as a matter of right. Encroachments upon the highway right-of-way are governed by Section 86.04 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, which states in part as follows:

86.04: "If any highway right-of-way shall be encroached upon, under or over by any fence, stand, building or any other structure or object......the County Highway Committee (in case of a County Trunk Highway)....may order the occupant or owner of the land through or by which such highway runs, and to which the encroachment shall be appurtenant, to remove the same beyond the limits of such highway within 30 days."

Thus, it is the intention of this policy that if a mailbox is accidentally damaged in the process of removing snow, mowing the right-of-way, graveling the shoulder, or any other act of maintaining the right-of-way, it is the landowner's or occupant's obligation to repair or replace the mailbox.

It is further the intention that the above policy shall also be applicable to tubes or boxes for newspaper delivery, and it is also required that such tubes or boxes be located adjacent to the mailbox, if any.

Should, for some reason, there be no mailbox for a particular residence, then the tube or box shall be located on the same side of the roadway as are the mailboxes which serve other residences along the route.

• Each qualified group takes responsibility for litter control along county roadways. Sections are approximately two miles in length.
• The group will notify the program coordinator of scheduled pick-up dates and organize cleanup efforts to take place on the approved section at least three times per year between April 1 and November 1.
• The Adopt-A-Highway program emphasizes safety. It is important to be very careful when working on roadsides. All members must watch the WisDOT safety video before participating in a cleanup. All members are expected to review safety materials on the WisDOT page prior to cleanup activities.
• Groups do not work in areas like medians, bridges, or steep slopes. These areas are generally more dangerous.
• Work is permitted on the approved section until the group notifies the department of their intent to abandon their section.

Any group organized for some special purpose or task can be a sponsor.

• The department furnishes safety vests, portable "people working" signs, WisDOT's safety training video, trash bags, trash bag pickup and disposal, and two acknowledgement signs marking your section of county roadway.
• The department will install one sign at each end of your approved section announcing your group's litter control sponsorship.
• Names must fit within a maximum of three lines and follow program naming guidelines. You will find specific information on the application form.
• Chippewa County reserves the right to work with the sponsors in revising group names or acronyms that may be offensive to the public.
• No fees will be charged to groups accepted into the Adopt-A-Highway program.

• Groups interested in adopting a county highway section should review the Chippewa County Adopt-A-Highway map to identify available sections. Adopted county highway sections are numbered and shown on the map with a thick, yellow line.
• Complete Adopt-A-Highway Application Form (PDF), noting your first, second, and third choice of preferred roadsides. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the program coordinator for assistance.
• Return completed application materials via email to the Chippewa County Adopt-A-Highway program coordinator or by mailing your completed form to Chippewa County Highway Department, Attn: Adopt-A-Highway, 801 East Grand Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
• Adopt-A-Highway sections are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• After the application has been approved, a signed copy will be returned to you for your records. This signed document will be your permit to work in the right-of-way along your approved section.
• Approved permits are effective indefinitely or until the department receives a Notice of Abandonment Form (PDF) from your group. This notice tells the department that your group has decided to cease its cleanup activities. That section will be made available to others wishing to Adopt-A-Highway.

The WI Circuit Court Access Database, WCCA, provides access to certain public records of the Wisconsin circuit courts.

Contact the Public Defender’s Office:

10 N Bridge St.
Suite 200
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: 715-908-8473
Wisconsin State Public Defenders website

Obtain a copy of the I-form (application for public defender) and call or go in person to the Clerk of Courts to complete the following:

Other Legal Resources

Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service

If you are represented by an attorney, contact them as soon as possible to discuss your options and next steps.

If you do not have an attorney, you may reach out to the judicial assistant to request a change to the scheduled hearing date. Keep in mind, however, that granting a new date is at the court’s discretion.

In most cases, the court expects you to appear as scheduled. Failing to attend without prior approval can result in serious consequences — including the possibility that the court will issue a warrant for your arrest.

Under Wisconsin law, individuals may request the court to change or modify an existing order or judgment. You are responsible for determining which option and forms best fit your situation, as Court staff cannot provide legal advice or select forms for you.

• Motion to change custody, physical placement, visitation, an/or child support checklist. 
  • FA-4170V - Notice of Motion and Motion to Change 
  • Order for Mediation
• Order to Show Cause and Declaration of Contempt Instructions

• Basic Guide to Divorce / Legal Separation (PDF)
• Chippewa County Requirements / Checklist (PDF)
• Parenting Class Options (PDF) – The final hearing for dissolution of the marriage will not be held until the parties have attended and completed a Parent Education Session.
• Self Help Law Center for Family - This site provides a guide to divorce and legal separation in Wisconsin and takes you through a series of questions, filling in most of the forms necessary for divorce and legal separation, including maintenance (alimony), child support, legal custody and physical placement, and property division. Printer required.

An annulment is a court procedure that declares that a marriage never existed. A court may annul a marriage only under limited circumstances. Short-term marriage is not a legal reason for annulment.

See Wisconsin Statute 767.313.

Fill out the petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs - Affidavit of Indigency and Order - Form CV-410A.

• You can request copies in person at the Clerk of Courts office in the county where your case was filed. Bring your case number or enough information for staff to locate the file. If the file is archived, a $5 search fee may apply.
• Copies can also be requested by phone or mail, but payment is required before documents are released or mailed.

Under Wis. Stat. § 767.43, grandparents may petition the court for visitation if it’s in the best interest of the child and the parents are notified.

Key Considerations:

• Grandparents must show an existing or attempted relationship with the child.
• Courts generally defer to a fit parent’s decision, so grandparents must prove visitation benefits the child.
• Special rules apply for children born to unmarried parents; paternity must be established.
• If visitation is denied or interfered with, enforcement options are available under § 767.471.

Filing Information:

• No forms provided; grandparents must draft their own petition.
• A filing fee required

Due to the complexity of these cases, consulting a family law attorney is strongly recommended.

• An attorney is not required. It's your decision whether or not to retain one. Court staff can not give legal advice.
• Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service

Small Claims Forms Assistant

The small claims forms assistant site guides you through the process of filing a small claims lawsuit in Wisconsin. By answering a series of questions, this interactive site will help you to fill out necessary forms, print blank forms, or download a basic guide to small claims actions for each county.

• Go to the small claims forms assistant, or get the forms at the Clerk of Courts Office
  • Summons and Complaint (PDF) and Declaration of Nonmilitary Service (PDF)
• File the forms.
  • Clerk of Courts Office
  • E-file
• Receive a return date
  • The return date is the initial appearance in the Small Claims case.
  • All parties must attend the hearing.
• Pay the Filing Fee
  • $94.50, plus possible service fee
• Service of Summons and Complaint
  • If personal service is required - you (the Plaintiff) are required to have the documents served by the Sheriff's Department or a private process server. If mail service is allowed, the Clerk of Courts will serve by mail for $2 per defendant.

File a Motion to Reopen (PDF). Must be filed within 12 months of default judgment. No filing fee.

The Court will grant allowable court costs.

• Docket the judgment
  • Pay a $5 fee at the Clerk of Courts to perfect a lien on the debtor's real estate
• Financial Disclosure
  • Debtor required to complete and return to you within 15 days of entry of judgment - If debtor does not complete Financial Disclosure, you may file a contempt motion.

The judgment was paid:

• Satisfaction of Judgment (PDF)
  • Plaintiff completes the form and provides it to the debtor for filing at the Clerk of Courts with $5 fee. This will clear the judgment.

If the judgment isn't paid:

• Earnings Garnishment Notice (PDF)
  • $92.50 Filing Fee
  • Creditor may start wage garnishment to recover the money owed.
  • Garnishment packet provided at Clerk of Court.
• Non Earnings Garnishment
  • Garnishment of accounts
• Execution
  • Creditor may obtain a Court order to the sheriff to seize and sell the (non-exempt) property and deliver the money to the creditor.

• In the county where the defendant resides or does substantial business
• Where the claim arose
• Where the subject property is located

• If it’s the Commissioner's decision, you can request a Trial De Novo.
• If it’s a Judge’s decision, you can appeal the case to the Court of Appeals.

• You may file a counterclaim up to $10,000
• Counterclaims over $10,000 may be filed but require a fee. The case will then be transferred out of Small Claims to the upper branch.

A Stipulation form can be used to put the agreement in writing. This can be filed before the return date for the Court’s signature, except in eviction actions.

• Money Claims
  • Limit of $10,000
• Evictions
  • Regardless of the amount of rent claimed
• Replevin
  • Return of property
• Tort / Personal Injury
  • Limit of $5,000
  • See the Small Claims Guide for other less common types of case

• You can check the DOT Occupational Eligibility website to find out your eligibility.
• Learn more about suspended or revoked driving privilege.
• Required waiting periods for occupational license eligibility
• Check your driver's license information.
• Occupational License Application (PDF)

• Payments with Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your citation number, pay location code 1116, and court date (if unknown, you may use today's date). A non-refundable fee will be charged to process the payment.
  • Online: GovPayNow
  • Call: 888-604-7888
• Payments can also be made using MasterCard, VISA, or an electronic check on the Wisconsin Court System website. A non-refundable fee will be charged to process the payment.
  • Online
    • MasterCard and VISA - 2.75% service fee.
    • Electronic Check - $2.50 flat fee.
• Note: Payments made on the Wisconsin Courts website, specific to citations, can only be made on closed cases.

If you missed your court date and would like to reopen the case, you will need to file a Motion to Reopen. A $50 fee may be charged if approved by the Judge.

• Motion to Reopen Form (PDF)
• Motion to Reopen Policy and Procedure (PDF)

• If the date on your citation is not a mandatory appearance, and you wish to plead Not Guilty, you may do this by mail or fax prior to the date on your citation.
• You must include:
  • The citation number, or a copy of the citation
  • A written statement of your plea with your current mailing address, phone number, signature, and date.
• This plea must be received before the court date on the citation.

Mail to

Chippewa County Clerk of Courts
711 N Bridge St.
Room 220
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Fax to

Fax: 715-726-7786

In-Person

You may complete a Not Guilty Plea (PDF) in the Clerk of Courts office.

Dropbox

There are two dropbox locations for your convenience.

• Location 1: Courthouse entrance 1 in the cul-de-sac on Spruce Street.
• Location 2: Clerk of Courts lobby entrance, Room 220.

If it is not a mandatory appearance and you do not enter a Not Guilty plea and do not show up to the initial appearance, you will be found guilty, and a default judgment will be entered. Payment will be due within 30 days from the court date.

• The court date cannot be changed. If you want to speak to someone about the citation, you would need to enter a Not Guilty plea prior to the court date.
• Without an appearance or a Not Guilty plea, you will be found guilty, and a default judgment will be entered against you. Payment will be due within 30 days.

The date indicated on your citation is the date and time of your initial appearance. If you do not have your citation, you can check WCCA for the date.

You can check the DOT Licensing Eligibility website to find out why your license is suspended or revoked. You can also reinstate your license from this site.

Jurors are randomly selected from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles driver's license and identification lists.

• You must be a United States citizen
• You must be a Chippewa County Resident
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You have not been summoned for jury duty for at least 4 years
• You must understand the English language
• If convicted of a felony, your civil rights must be restored

• Jurors are paid $12.50 for half a day of service, $25 for a full day, and 51 cents per mile.
• Once jury service is completed for the month, payment is processed by the Clerk of Courts Office and the Chippewa County Finance Department. Checks will be mailed to your home address.

• Notify your employer. Employers must grant employees a leave of absence for jury service per Wisconsin Statute 756.255
• Call 715-726-7785 or 800-746-4439 or check the Juror website the night before the trial you are assigned to.
• Report promptly at the time stated in the message.
• Dress - avoid halter / tank tops, offensive slogans - no hats
• Bring reading material if you wish. There is a break between orientation and the trial.
• If you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own meal; otherwise, lunch will be provided.
• Large bags, purses, and backpacks are subject to search.

• Requests must be in writing via letter or online juror services and received at least two weeks prior to your service. If granted, your service will be moved to a new week.
• If you absolutely cannot serve these dates and would like a short deferral, please contact the Clerk of Court's office at 715-726-7758, ext. 7.
• If any of the following apply at this time, please contact the Clerk of Court office by phone or by writing immediately:
  • You are no longer a Chippewa County resident,
  • You served on Jury Duty within the last 4 years, or
  • You are on probation or parole for a Felony.

• We will accommodate individuals with qualified disabilities.
• Hearing devices are available - just let us know

You will be notified by either text or email.

• Listen and observe
• Be open-minded
• Don't discuss the case
• Report problems to the court
• Watch the Juror Orientation Video

No. Mobile homes in parks or trailer court are not eligible.

All people included in the Life Estate would be required to sign all loan documents.

The land contract holder would need to sign the loan/mortgage documents also.

Funds cannot be used to pay for work completed prior to loan approval.

Yes, an owner may act as their own contractor but will not be paid for their own labor. They must provide evidence of their ability to do the work and materials must be purchased and installed prior to payment.

Yes, owners choose the contractor they will use. Participants are required to get 3 bids from contractors of their choice. Contractors must carry liability insurance and provide income tax identification information to the Program Administration.

Yes, but the value of the work or services is considered income for the tenant and it must be reported to the Authority. The income will affect the tenant's portion of the rent.

The tenant and the landlord must report everyone who lives in the unit. The names of household members will be included in the program paperwork and they must be included on the tenant's lease with the landlord as well. Anyone who is present in the unit 51% of the time or who stays at the unit more than 45 days in one year is considered a household member and must be reported to the Authority.

There are provisions for terminating participation after the first year. Termination requires proper written notice to the Housing Authority and the tenant.

Yes. The landlord maintains all of their rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin Rental Laws. If a tenant on rental assistance violates the lease, landlords are encouraged to take the appropriate legal action.

Tenants pay their portion of the rent directly to the owner. The owner is expected to enforce the lease if the tenant does not pay their rent. The Housing Authority pays its portion of the rent directly to the owner. Rent assistance is paid using a direct deposit system. Landlords who did not wish to participate in the direct deposit system will be required to pick up their check at the Authority office or provide self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing.

No. The Housing Authority determines income eligibility and monitors compliance with program regulations. Owners must determine whether a family will be a good tenant, and monitor their compliance with the lease while they rent your unit.

Basic 30% of income for rent and utilities.

Depends on household size and composition.

HUD requirement

Up to the landlord/lease

HUD requirement

No, there can be no side payments. Rents on the lease contracts must be what is actually being paid. Side payments are considered fraud and grounds for termination.

Yes, but the value of the work or services is considered income for the tenant and it must be reported to the Authority. The income will affect the tenant's portion of the rent.

No.

You must report absences of two weeks or more to the Authority.

You must report everyone who lives 51% of time or more than 45 days per year.

No. Subletting is fraud. Participant must use unit as their principal place of residence.

If there are assets that need to go through probate, the family may recommend to the Court who should be appointed Personal Representative. That person then transfers the assets to the decedent's heirs per the State's intestate statutes.

Yes. Wisconsin Statutes require a decedent’s ORIGINAL Will be filed with the Register in Probate Office within 30 days of the decedent’s death.

In a Formal Administration, you must hire an attorney. In the other probate proceedings it is not required. However, an attorney with knowledge of probate proceedings is able to assist the family in handling all estate matters from filing the paperwork to transferring the assets to the heirs of the estate. He/She may be able to complete an estate faster than an individual due to his/her expertise.

No. If there are assets that must go through probate to be transferred, the person nominated as Personal Representative in the Will petitions the Court to obtain the power to transfer the assets by filing the documentation to start a procedure. In Formal or Informal Administration, the Court issues Domiciliary Letters to the person nominated in the Will as Personal Representative. Those Domiciliary Letters give the person the authority to transfer the assets as directed by the Will. In the other types of probate, Domiciliary Letters are not issued, however, by Order of the Court, the assets may be transferred by the nominated Personal Representative.

Estimate the value of the decedent's solely-owned assets. There are different types of probate actions and which one you use usually is determined by the value of the estate:

• Transfer by Affidavit Under $50,000 - used for gross estates valued under $50,000
• Summary Settlement and Summary Assignment - usually these types of probate proceedings will be used for estates valued between $20,000 and $50,000
• Formal and Informal Administration - usually these proceedings will be used for estates valued at more than $50,000

Only if the person had solely-owned assets that cannot pass to his/her heirs without Court action. Solely-owned assets are assets ONLY in the decedent's name. Also, depending on how some of the accounts or property is titled, they may need to go through Probate.

We're checking for nitrates in your well water. Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, animals, air, soil, water, and some food. High levels of nitrates can be harmful, especially for babies and pregnant women.

Anyone in Chippewa County who uses a private well for their water.

We're holding several testing events across the county from now until June 2025. We'll be coming to different towns, villages, and townships. See the list on the Nitrate Screening page for upcoming events, and follow our Facebook page for updates!

1. Bring a sample of your well water to one of our events.
2. We'll test it for free while you wait.
3. You'll learn if your water is safe to drink.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services gave us a grant to help keep our community healthy.

What You'll Need

• A clean container that holds about 1 cup (8 ounces) of water.
• Glass containers work best, but clean plastic is okay too.
• Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid.

When to Collect Your Sample

Collect your water sample no more than 24 hours before the testing event.

Steps to Collect Your Sample

1. Go to the tap you usually use for drinking water.
2. Turn on the cold water.
3. Let the water run at full force for 5 minutes (This helps clear out any old water in the pipes).
4. After 5 minutes, fill your container almost to the top
5. Put the lid on tightly.

Tips

• Don't touch the inside of the container or lid.
• Don't let the tap touch the container when filling.
• Keep your sample cool, but don't freeze it.

Bring your water sample to the testing event. We'll screen it for nitrates while you wait!

The County Surveyor cannot survey for private parties. He only does field work for County projects. A list of private land surveyors can be found in your local yellow pages or can be found on the Surveyors List page.

Historically, a great number of parcels in the county were created by written legal description and not by field survey. Therefore, it is likely that there are no physical markers in the ground to show lot corners. Surveys are now required for certain new land divisions as determined by municipal or county rules/ordinances.

If your parcel has indeed been surveyed, it is likely that the lot corners are marked with an iron rebar or iron pipe. However, many other different objects have been used. The drawing on your survey map should indicate the type of monument set. Most often the monument will be set below the surface to help avoid disturbance.

Small rectangular signs are placed on metal posts near ties to government section corners. They are not marking the corner itself, but are placed around the corner in order to preserve its location. Please do not disturb or remove these markers!

There are many private licensed land surveyors who work in the county. They are independent, do not work for the county, and are not supervised/approved by the county. The county cannot determine 'who is right' in a property line dispute.

County parcel mapping and/or coordinates obtained from it are not to be used for surveying. Land surveyors follow specific rules and use legal descriptions and known points for their work.

You can dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors (such as EpiPens and insulin pens), infusion sets, and connection needles / sets.

We accept FDA-cleared sharps containers and strong, plastic containers with secure screw-on caps, such as those used for laundry detergent or bleach. We do not accept sharps in coffee cans, milk jugs, plastic bags, aluminum cans, or soda bottles.

To prepare sharps for disposal:

1. Use needle clippers to cut off sharp points, or put the cover back on the needles if they are your own.
2. Place sharps in strong, puncture-resistant containers with secure screw-on caps.
3. Label the container as biohazard, infectious waste, or sharps. If it's recyclable, mark it Do not recycle.
4. Seal the container tightly when full and take it to a sharps collection station.

No, sharps should not be disposed of in public trash bins. Always use approved sharps containers and follow the disposal methods outlined on the Sharps Disposal page to ensure safety.

If you have more questions or need further assistance, contact us at 715-726-7900 or visit our Harm Reduction page for additional resources.

The Chippewa County plat book is a compilation of the information contained in records housed in various county offices regarding land boundaries and land use.

We compile each page using the Chippewa County geographic information system (GIS). The GIS was created as accurately as possible, using survey information from the public and private sectors. Each land parcel was then created with the property tax information attached. This process lasted nine years until the entire county was completed.

The process of upgrading the GIS continues every year. Very few of the parcels were surveyed in the original work, so as we go forward we are adding new survey data every year. When we compute the acreage from survey data the results may vary from year to year because of what those new survey records show (See Why does my acreage change?).

Forties are not 40-acre tracts because they are defined as:

Quarter-Quarter Section, 40 acres more or less according to government survey.

The federal government survey was completed from 1850 to 1855 in Chippewa County. The survey crews commissioned to lay out the townships and sections used a 5-inch compass with two sighting veins (no telescope) and a 66-foot-long chain with 100 links for distance measurement. They were attempting to make sections exactly 5280 feet on a side as well as 90 degrees in the corners. Had they succeeded, Quarter-Quarter Sections would be 40 acres exactly. They failed in the attempt due to the tools and techniques available at the time. However, today we must still use the survey work they established. Therefore, some sections are long and some are short. By extension, some Quarter-Quarter Sections are long (greater than 40 acres) and some are short (less than 40 acres) as well.

When new survey data is added to the GIS, the computed acreage, rounded to the nearest acre, changes slightly. The parcel is still exactly what was always owned. The deed determines what you own, not the acreage.

Unless surveyed, a 1/4 to 1/4 section will be listed as a 40-acre parcel on the tax roll. Acreage on the plat book pages do not include land in roadways. Legal descriptions lying east, west, north or south of a creek, road, railroad right-of-way, etc. are estimated acres on the tax roll. The only way to know and calculate exact acreage is to have the property surveyed.

• Answer all questions asked by the telecommunicator.
• Listen to all instructions provided to you by the telecommunicator.
• Speak clearly so the telecommunicator can understand what you are trying to communicate to us.
• Remain calm so you can help the telecommunicator gather valuable information needed by our first responders.
• Stay on the line until the telecommunicator instructs you to hang up.

If you accidentally dial 911, please do not hang up. All you need to do is explain that you have dialed the wrong number. The Telecommunicator will confirm with you by asking a few questions to ensure you are safe and that there is no problem. If you do hang up without talking to a Telecommunicator, the following will occur:

• The Telecommunicator will try to re-contact you.
• If the Telecommunicator is unable to re-establish contact, law enforcement will be dispatched to respond. It is our policy to send police officers when a 911 caller hangs up and cannot re-contact the caller.

Telecommunicators are trained to get as much information as possible. Questions are asked to obtain details related to your emergency. Depending on the nature of the call, questions may be asked in order to help provide the caller with first aid instructions, life and personal safety instructions, the severity of injury, locations, people/property involved, etc. The information provided by callers will assist the responders in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harm's way. Telecommunicators are trained to multitask and will often be dispatching emergency response units while talking to you.

911 is to be used only in emergencies, which is when there is a situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department, or medical personnel. Typically, this involves danger to life, health, and/or property. If you are not sure if it is an emergency, call 911, and the dispatcher will be able to assist you in determining if it is an emergency.

• Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (CDC 2025)
• Adult Immunization Schedule by Age (CDC 2025)
• Pregnancy and Vaccination (CDC)

You aren’t just protecting yourself; vaccines during pregnancy give your baby some early protection too!

Find out about Pregnancy and Vaccines from the CDC. Topics include:

• Things to Know
• Vaccines Before Pregnancy
• Vaccines During and After Pregnancy
• Vaccines for Family and Caregivers
• Vaccine Safety for Moms-To-Be
• ...and more!

The Health Department does not have travel immunizations such as typhoid and yellow fever. Several pharmacies and clinics in town do have the immunizations and also provide travel consultations.

Find out about recommended immunizations for travel, plus more about Travelers' Health from the CDC.

Enter the Chippewa County Courthouse at door 4. Take the first left and check in at the front desk in Room 121.

We offer confidential, non-invasive services and compassionate care to make your appointment as comfortable as possible. After checking in at the front desk, a registered nurse will call you back to an exam room to go over basic paperwork and take your vitals. Services may include urinating into a specimen cup, pelvic inspection, or injections.

Signs / Symptoms of an STI

• Sores, rashes, itching, or swelling around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odor or discharge
• Vaginal bleeding or pain after sex
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Sensation of heaviness in the pelvic region
• Testicular pain
• Penile discomfort or discharge

Signs / Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

• Missed period
• Light spotting (light flow of pink or light red blood)
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• New or worsening fatigue
• Increased frequency of urination
• Mood swings

Guidelines for Pap Tests & Pelvic Exams

Pap tests aim to detect abnormal cellular growth and prevent the development of cervical cancer, whereas pelvic exams aim to assess the health of all female reproductive organs.

• Pap tests are not recommended for females under the age of 21.
• Females ages 21 to 29 should receive a pap test every 3 years, even when not sexually active.
• Females ages 30 to 65 should receive a pap test and HPV test every 5 years.
• Females over the age 65 should continue receiving pap tests and HPV tests if results have come back abnormal on previous tests.
• Pelvic exams are recommended as part of routine wellness exams for females who are sexually active and / or 21 and older.
• Pelvic exams are recommended for females experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and / or abnormal pelvic pain.

You must provide one copy for each person to be served. If you would like a copy with the Affidavit of Service, please provide an extra copy.

We attempt to serve papers as efficiently as possible, but cannot guarantee immediate service. Please allow sufficient time to locate the individual and serve the papers.

We will attempt to accommodate specific date/time requests. However, we cannot guarantee that our process server or deputy will be available to meet that request.

Some papers require personal service and must be served on the person named. Other papers can be served to someone else at the residence (at least 14 years of age) after 3 attempts have been made.

You will receive an Affidavit of Service in the mail (or via email per your request) once the papers are served.

You can bring your papers to Chippewa County Sheriff's Office at:

32 E Spruce St.
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Or mail them to the same address. The clerical window is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 to 4:30, and Friday, from 7:30 to 11:30, excluding holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving and July 5th. There is an after-hours drop box located in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office. Be sure to include payment, service information form and proper number of copies.

Yes, please see the fees table for information.

Contact Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128 or visit the Wisconsin Way Website under Quick Links.

State statues require papers to be personally served. In some cases, after multiple attempts have been made, we can mail the service and post at the recipient's residence.

No. You must provide a current physical Chippewa County address in order for us to attempt service.

Inmates will visit with friends and family from a video visitation terminal (see the example image) in their housing area. Friends and family will visit medium and maximum inmates from a similar visitation terminal in the public visitation room located in the main lobby of the Jail Lobby. These visits are referred to as "onsite" or "public" visitations.

The system will allow visitors to still come to the jail for visitation and it will now also allow friends and family to conduct a remote or at-home visit from home using a computer, webcam and high-speed internet connection. All inmates are eligible for at-home visits.

Each inmate is allowed one twenty-minute visit from friends or family members weekly at the jail. Inmates can have unlimited remote visits from home.

Friends and family can schedule on-site video visits with medium and maximum security male inmates at the following times:

• Saturdays at:
  • 1:00 pm
  • 1:30 pm
  • 2:00 pm
  • 2:30 pm

Friends and family can schedule on-site video visits with female inmates at the following times:

• Sundays at:
  • 9:00 am
  • 9:30 am

Visitations must be set up 24 hours in advance. Visits can be scheduled by either:

1. Using a video terminal in the public visitation area (open 8 am to 4:30 pm).
2. Using the Securus website; select "Schedule an Onsite Visitation" at the bottom of the page and follow the steps listed.

When you schedule your visit, be sure to write down the following items:

1. The date and time of your visit.
2. The six digit PIN number because you will enter this at the time of your visit.
3. The video terminal you are assigned to (i.e., Vis_1, Vis_2, etc.).

Each inmate will continue to receive one free onsite visit each week. Inmates can now receive unlimited remote / at-home visits each week. For the current remote visits pricing, visit the Securus Facilities and Pricing website. Once on the Securus Facilities and Pricing web page, scroll down to pricing.

On-site video visits with medium and maximum security male inmates at the following times:

• Saturdays at:
  • 1:00 pm
  • 1:30 pm
  • 2:00 pm
  • 2:30 pm

On-site video visits with female inmates at the following times:

• Sundays at:
  •  9:00 am
  • 9:30 am

A: At-home visits can be scheduled with any inmate for any day of the week:

• 7:30 am to 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
• 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

If you have a computer, high-speed internet access and a webcam, you can conduct visits from home. You will need to do the following:

1. Create a visitation account on the Securus website.
2. Request access to visit Chippewa County Jail. Your request is then reviewed by jail staff.
3. Once you are approved to be an at-home visitor, you can then schedule at-home visits.

Here is some other helpful information:

• Visits should be scheduled for either the "top of the hour" (i.e., 7 or 8 pm) or the "bottom of the hour" (i.e., 7:30 or 8:30 pm). If you schedule at a different time, your visit time may be moved.
• There will be no age restriction for visitation. However, all visitors 17 years of age and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Proof of this will be required before visitation is allowed. (Proof needed will be a Birth Certificate for parents or court papers for legal guardians)
• Photo ID will be required for all adult visitors. Acceptable forms of ID will be, but not limited to, Driver's License, State ID cards, School ID, and Military ID. Other forms of photo ID may be accepted if valid.
• Children not allowed to visit may not be left unattended in the lobby.
• If you have any questions about visiting from home, visit the Securus website for further information.
• Please arrive at the jail 10 minutes early for an on-site visit so you can check in and take your seat at your assigned terminal a couple minutes before your visit. Visits may be cancelled due to safety and security needs of the jail.