Courts Reopen Monday, But Bring Your Mask

On March 17th the doors to the Newaygo County Courthouse closed. 
That day the Michigan Supreme Court handed down the following:
“Trial courts are ordered to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to no more than 10 persons, including staff, and to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only essential functions.”

And so after the close of business on March 17th the doors remained shut to the public with every intention of reopening April 6th  since the original order was to expire on April 3rd. Obviously that didn’t happen and the timeline continued to be pushed out into May and finally through most of June.

This Monday, June 29th, after a mere 104 days of operating much of the business of the court electronically, the public will once again be able to enter the courthouse doors.
The Newaygo County Courthouse will resume their normal business hours and courthouse visitors may bring filings, make payments and conduct regular business.

 But, of course, there are changes made  to accommodate the times we find ourselves in.

Occupancy restrictions related to COVID-19 will be observed as well as social distancing practices approved by the State Court Administrative Office. 
And seating has been removed in some parts of the courthouse to facilitate better social distancing and disinfecting. 

All visitors must: 
• Complete a health screening and have their temperature taken prior to entry. 
• Wear a mask while in the building. 
• Adhere to six-foot social distancing markers in lobbies, hallways and courtrooms. 
• Be prepared to wait outside, or in an alternate area, as advised by staff if common areas are too crowded until building occupancy is down and social distancing can be maintained safely. 
• Utilize hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to cleanse hands public areas for their protection. 

Although the courthouse is open to the public, a large number of hearings and business will still be completed remotely using the same structure as when the building was closed. Judges will utilize Zoom for remote hearings and filings can still be submitted to the appropriate court electronically for processing. 
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Please feel free to contact the correct court for more details on how to submit a filing electronically or if you require assistance with a remote hearing. Court sessions will continue to be livestreamed to provide public access. Hearings will be held in- person on a limited basis. 

From Hon. Robert D. Springstead, Chief Judge, Circuit Court Judge, Newaygo County Trial Courts: “Safety is of the utmost importance for the public and those working in the courthouse We look forward to working together to ensure accessibility to the public for courthouse services now and in the future. "
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For more complete details or to contact the appropriate court using the information below: 
Circuit Court Email: wjarvis@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7251 Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 Fax: (231) 689-7015 
District Court Email: dmr@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7228 Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 
Fax (231) 689-7258 
Probate Court Email: c2762nmp@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7274 Main: (231) 689-7270 Fax: (231) 689-7276 

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