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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2021 46th Circuit Court Resuming Jury Trials Gaylord, MI, October 27, 2021 – The 46th Circuit Court, which covers Crawford, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties, today announced that it has resumed conducting jury trials in all three counties. Although jury trials are resuming, citizens serving as jurors should expect some different procedures when they report for jury duty compared to pre-pandemic service. Potential jurors should be aware that the Court takes the health concerns of jurors very seriously, and these changes are meant to address those concerns. Some examples of changes that the Court has implemented include different seating arrangements to maintain social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and providing physical barriers and staggered report times for jurors to limit the number of people in the courtroom at any given time. In addition, any potential jurors who are members of “at risk” groups or who would like to be excused from service based on COVID-19 concerns may be excused upon request. Juries are a fundamental part of the Court and are essential to the American system of justice. Even though COVID-19 still poses some risk, it is crucial that Courts continue to conduct jury trials and other proceedings. To that end, the Court will be making every effort to protect the health and safety of citizens who are fulfilling their civic duty in serving as jurors, while continuing to provide needed services to the community, including jury trials. Because no one can predict potential changes at the local, state, or national level, jurors should be aware that all aspects of jury trials and other Courtroom operations will continue to be modified when needed to best serve the public. Citizens who are summoned for jury service may direct any questions or concerns related to COVID-19 or other aspects of jury service to their local County Clerk’s office. For further information on the judiciary’s response to COVID-19 citizens may visit the Judiciary Response to COVID- 19 page at www.courts.michigan.gov. 46th Circuit Court George J. Mertz Chief Circuit Judge 225 West Main Street Gaylord, MI 49735 Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] 46th Circuit Court Crawford, Otsego and Kalkaska Counties www.circuit46.org 46th Circuit Court Colin G. Hunter Circuit Judge 200 West Michigan Avenue Grayling, MI 49738 Phone: [PHONE REDACTED]