Courthouse building begins reopening

St. Joseph County has started allowing the public to access certain departments within the Historic Courthouse building as of Monday.

Though conducting public business remotely is still encouraged, the courthouse will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. County officials ask that anyone coming into the building wear a face covering and that all social-distancing guidelines be followed.

Temperature of visitors will be taken upon entry to the office space.

Here’s a breakdown of department availability: county administration, by appointment only; clerk’s office, appointments required for CPLs and marriage licenses, staff available for all other walk-ins; register of deeds, appointment required for searches, staff available for all other needs; drain commissioner, treasurer’s office and equalization, no appointment needed; MSU Extension remains closed to the public; county parks are open; and Commission On Aging, refer to the website sjccoa.com.

The courts building is still closed to the public and will respond to direction from the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office.