Muskegon County to Lift the State of Emergency Beginning June 29th

MUSKEGON, MI — Muskegon County plans to lift all COVID-19 restrictions and return to in-person committee and board meetings beginning June 29, 2021.

In alignment with Governor Whitmer, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Muskegon County plans to resume all business operations with COVID-19 restrictions lifted. Board and Standing Committee meetings will once again be held in-person at the Hall of Justice.

“We have been waiting for over a year to hear this great news and return to a pre-pandemic order of operations,” said Chairman Bob Scolnik. “This is due to the efforts of all medical personnel, first responders and all essential workers who stood in the gap. I would especially like to thank the Public Health Director, Kathy Moore, for leading the charge during these long 15 months.”

This milestone has been reached because Muskegon County residents have done their part in stopping the spread by following the distancing guidelines and receiving vaccinations. Online services will still be in operation and are strongly encouraged.

MUSKEGON COUNTY CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS:

In response to updated guidance from the Michigan State Court Administrator’s Office, the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and in accordance with the recommendation of local public health officials, the Muskegon County Courts are able to increase in-person access to court operations. Permanent protective measures have been implemented, including new signage, installation of hand sanitizing stations, protective shielding, and physical barriers within court areas. A brief health screening will still be required, and can be completed using the QR code below for quicker entry into the Hall of Justice. Masks or face coverings will no longer be required for entry. Judges retain the discretion to require individuals in the courtroom to use masks generally or in specific cases, particularly cases involving persons who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Beginning Tuesday, June 29th, the general public will be permitted access to the Muskegon County Hall of Justice.

  • General Court Business-
    • District Court: 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
    • Circuit, Family & Probate Court-
      • Effective June 29th – September 5th: 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday; Limited Access Fridays
      • Effective September 6: 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Monday-Friday; Closed Labor Day
    • Circuit Court Records & Vital Records:
      • Effective June 29th- September 5th: 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Thursday; Closed Fridays, but Open Friday July 9th
      • Effective September 6: 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Monday-Friday; Closed Labor Day
    • All Other County Departments in the Muskegon County Hall of Justice-: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
  • Scheduled Hearings- Court proceedings will be scheduled using a hybrid model of in-person and remote hearing appearances, consistent with Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2020-6. Anyone with a scheduled hearing or pending court matter should follow the instructions on the notice they receive. Future hearing notices will be provided via the US mail, or by electronic notification, with specific instruction on how to appear.
    • Zoom Hearings- Anyone receiving a hearing notice to appear via Zoom should follow the instructions contained in their notice regarding how to appear remotely.
    • In-person Hearings- The court will continue to send out specific notices to appear in-person. Hearing notices will indicate the scheduled time of hearing.
  • Jury Trials- If you receive a juror summons, please follow the instructions on the summons to appear in-person
    • Circuit/Family/Probate Court- Scheduled to resume in-person immediately.
    • District Court- Scheduled to resume in-person the week of July 5th

The public is encouraged to continue to utilize email and/or phone communication, and electronic payment options.

Court officials will continuously monitor local COVID-19 data and adjust plans related to staffing and public access to court facilities, as needed. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding during this period of transition.