The Marshall County Courthouse and Annex buildings are expected to reopen to the public for limited purposes on Monday, May 4.
Marshall Circuit Court Judge Curtis Palmer, in consultation with the other local judges and County Clerk Deb VanDeMark, decided to hold necessary hearings beginning Monday, May 4. Plexiglass barriers have been installed in some offices while bench seating was replaced with individual chairs stationed at six foot intervals.
There are a few rules that visitors will need to follow.
Residents appearing for a hearing, the parties in the case, their lawyers and necessary witnesses should enter the courthouse while other patrons will be asked to remain outside until the hearing is over.
Children will not be allowed in the courthouse without prior approval from the judge or the clerk.
Masks will be worn inside the building at all times. A limited number of masks may be available at the security checkpoint at the Courthouse. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building. Patrons should remain at a social distance with other visitors at the courthouse as well as all county employees.
Anyone scheduled for a hearing who may by symptomatic or diagnosed with COVID-19, should reschedule the hearing by contacting the court by telephone.
The courthouse staff would like a majority of requests to continue to be conducted by telephone or through the county’s website at co.marshall.in.us. Many hearings can also be held online. Courts are utilizing the Zoom Meeting Platform to conduct hearings that may not require personal attendance. The meetings will be live-streamed on YouTube to ensure hearings are free and open to the public. Hearings that deal with juveniles or otherwise confidential information will not be broadcast.
