How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Marathon County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Marathon County Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Marathon County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Marathon County Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Marathon County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Marathon County Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Marathon County Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Marathon County Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Marathon County Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Marathon County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Marathon County Jail
   500 Forest St
   Wausau, WI 54403
   Phone: (715) 261-1700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Marathon County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Marathon County Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (715) 261-1700 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Marathon County Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Marathon County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Marathon County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Marathon County Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Marathon County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Marathon County Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Marathon County Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Marathon County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Marathon County Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Marathon County Jail operates an Electronic Monitoring Program as a key jail diversion initiative, allowing minimum-risk individuals to serve their sentences under in-home detention while being electronically monitored. This program represents the facility’s commitment to providing alternatives to traditional incarceration while maintaining public safety and accountability.

Beyond the electronic monitoring program, the Marathon County Jail typically provides various support services to help individuals during their incarceration. These may include educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and life skills training. The facility often facilitates counseling services, which might encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and anger management courses. Religious services and spiritual counseling are commonly available to meet the diverse needs of the incarcerated population.

The jail may also offer vocational training programs designed to help individuals develop job skills for successful reentry into the community. Work release programs might be available for eligible inmates, allowing them to maintain employment while serving their sentences. Additionally, the facility typically provides access to legal resources, medical care, and family visitation services. The Marathon County Jail’s approach appears to balance security requirements with rehabilitation opportunities, supporting individuals as they work toward successful reintegration into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Marathon County Jail, housed within the courthouse at 500 Forest Street in Wausau, operates as a 279-bed facility that has served the community since 1988. Following major renovations and a 120-bed expansion completed in 2000, the facility maintains structured daily routines typical of correctional institutions. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, or recreational time depending on their housing classification and security level. The facility serves not dedicated Marathon County jurisdictions but also houses inmates from law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin and other states, creating a diverse population with varying daily schedules based on their legal status and length of stay.

Communication with family and friends often represents a crucial part of daily life for inmates at the facility. While specific visitation policies weren’t detailed on the website, most Wisconsin county jails typically offer scheduled visiting hours throughout the week, along with phone privileges and potentially video calling services. The facility’s Electronic Monitoring Program provides an alternative for minimum-risk inmates, allowing them to serve their sentences under in-home detention while being electronically monitored, which can help maintain family connections and employment. This program serves as a jail diversion option that may reduce the daily population within the main facility while still ensuring compliance with court orders and public safety requirements.