Emmet County COVID-19 Info Page

EMMET COUNTY BUILDING & COURTHOUSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Before making a visit to the building, citizens are encouraged to first check the county website to see if some or all of your business can be handled using resources available online or over the phone. (Find County Department info here)

OPPORTUNITIES TO OBTAIN A COVID VACCINE

Check the schedule for nearby vaccination clinics and find other related information at the Health Department of NW Michigan website.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING SAFE
ENVIRONMENTS IN ALL COUNTY BUILDINGS

Please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any of the following symptoms:

fever over 100.4fever over 100.4

persistent coughpersistent cough

shortness of breathshortness of breath

atypical headacheatypical headache

sore throatsore throat

vomiting/diarrheavomiting/diarrhea

Michigan's Coronavirus Info Page

IMPORTANT COVID-19 RESOURCES

Health Department of Northwest Michigan
Health Department of Northwest Michigan

State of Michigan - coronavirus section
State of Michigan - coronavirus section

Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)


Choose a department below for contact information and notice of changes, if any, to its current operational status during the COVID-19 outbreak. All county departments are open during normal business hours unless otherwise noted. Procedures subject to change before updates here can be made so please check with individual departments before making a long trip.
  • ADMINISTRATION
    MIKE REAVES - County Administrator
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1701
  • 57th CIRCUIT COURT
    HON. JENNIFER DEEGAN - Circuit Court Judge
    CHERYL FITZGERALD - Court Administrator
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1741
    Go to court's webpage on county site
    Court forms are available on the State Court Administrative Office’s website here
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - Following a shutdown of nearly two months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Emmet County Building reopened to the public on Tuesday, May 26. Pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-02, court proceedings will be limited, allowing up to just 10 people, including staff. The courts will continue to encourage the use of two-way interactive technology for hearings when possible.
          Court dockets and hearing dates/times may be accessed through the record search function.
        In accordance with MSC Administrative Order 2020-02, the following also applies in the 57th Circuit Court:
             1. Any person entering the Courthouse must comply with applicable screening, social distancing, and other protective measures, including face coverings, ordered by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, the Executive Orders issued by Governor Whitmer, and the Administrative Orders of the Michigan Supreme Court. All persons arriving at the Courthouse to attend a court hearing will be asked screening questions then-required by the local health department. The required questions currently include the following:
                  a. Whether the person is experiencing the following symptoms: fever (defined as 100.4 degrees or higher), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or diarrhea.
                  b. Whether the person has had any close contact in the last 14 days with someone with a diagnosis of COVID-19.
                  c. Whether the person has engaged in any activity or travel within the last 14 days that fails to comply with current Executive Orders.
                  d. Whether the person has been directed or told by the local health department or their healthcare provider to self-isolate or self-quarantine.
             2. Upon satisfactory completion of the screening requirements, the person will be escorted to the appropriate courtroom for the hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the person will be escorted from the building.
             3. Physical access to court hearings will not be granted to any person who answers “yes” to any of the screening questions or who does not otherwise satisfactorily complete the screening requirements. Access may also be denied to ensure compliance with social distancing or other public health requirements, or as determined by the judge. A person who is denied physical access for these reasons, or any person unable to attend in person for other good cause, may request remote access by other means by contacting the Court at least one hour in advance.
             4. Whether observed in person or remotely, court hearings may not be recorded or distributed in any manner without the express permission of the judge presiding over the hearing. Recording, re-broadcasting, and/or distributing a recording of a hearing, in any manner, without the permission of the court is an act of contempt punishable by up to 93 days of incarceration and/or a $7,500 fine.
             5. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to limit the authority of the judge to control the courtroom, or of the court to close court proceedings to the public where required by statute or court rule or in accordance with MCR 8.116.
               Signed: Hon. Charles W. Johnson, 57th Circuit Court Judge
  • 90th DISTRICT COURT
    HON. ANGELA LASHER - District Court Judge
    AMANDA MILLER - Court Administrator
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1754
    Other Emmet County 90th District Court contact information:
          Main Line/Traffic Division:  (231) 348-1750
          Criminal Division:  (231) 348-1752
          Civil Division:  (231) 348-1751
          Probation Division:  (231) 348-0632
     Go to court's webpage on county site for more
     ------------------------------
       NOTICE - Effective Wednesday, November 18, 2020, the 90th District Court in Emmet County will be operating primarily on a remote basis.
       The following actions are being taken in response to MDHHS Emergency Order and 90th District Court LAO 2020-07J to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the risk posed to the public, court staff, and others while protecting the legal rights of our citizens. These measures will be updated as circumstances require.
       Until further notice, the following applies in the 90th District Court:
          • Proceedings will be conducted virtually to the maximum extent possible. In-person court proceedings will be allowed on a limited basis.
          • Probationers will continue to report as directed by their Probation Officer. In-person reporting continues to be suspended until further notice.
          • ALL business that can be conducted by Zoom, telephone, fax, or email should be conducted in such a manner.
          • All Sobriety Court meetings and hearings will be held remotely.
       Court forms are available on the State Court Administrative Office's website at https://courts.michigan.gov/administration/scao/forms/pages/search-for-a-form.aspx.
       Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact the court with any additional questions/concerns.
               Signed: Hon. Angela J. Lasher, 90th District Court Judge
  • 7th PROBATE DISTRICT COURT
    HON. VALERIE K. SNYDER - Probate Court Judge
    MATT MILLER - Court Administrator
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1764
     Go to webpage on county site for more
     ------------------------------
       NOTICE - REMOTE COURT OPERATIONS POLICY
       Effective Monday, November 16, 2020 and until further notice, the 7th Probate District Court in Charlevoix County and Emmet County will conduct most hearings remotely and will continue to encourage filings and other court business to be conducted electronically or by other remote means to the extent feasible. This policy applies to all matters in both the probate and juvenile divisions of the court.
       COURT PROCEEDINGS - All hearings may be attended via Zoom, except the following, which will be scheduled for in-person hearings:
          • Plea hearings
          • Probation violation hearings
          • Show cause or contempt hearings
          • Other matters that may be specifically ordered
       Cases involving a trial or contested evidentiary hearing will be set for a scheduling conference, at which in-person and remote options will be discussed.
       Juvenile drug treatment court meetings and hearings will be held remotely unless otherwise noticed.
       For hearings held in person, the Court will follow all requirements for facial coverings and social distancing.
       FILINGS & OTHER COURT BUSINESS - All filings should be submitted by mail or electronically at the email or fax listed below, if possible. The court's service windows will remain open for business that cannot feasibly be conducted by telephone, fax, or email.
       Juvenile probationers will have weekly contact with their probation officer either in person or by FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or other electronic communication.
       All visitors to the court will be required to complete a health screening before they are admitted to the building, and a record of visitors will be maintained.
       Court forms are available on the State Court Administrative Office's website at https://courts.michigan.gov/administration/scao/forms/pages/search-for-a-form.aspx.
       These actions implement the requirements of the Return to Full Capacity Plan and conesponding orders of the Michigan Supreme Court and are intended to reduce the risk posed to the public, court staff, and others while protecting the legal rights of our citizens. These measures will be updated as circumstances require.
       Requests for exceptions to an in-person hearing and questions may be directed to:
          Emmet County contact information: Matt Miller, Court Administrator, call (231) 348-1764 or by email [email protected]. Anyone needing to fax a document to the Emmet County court can do so to (231) 348-0672.
          Charlevoix County contact information: Tim Smith, Court Administrator, call (231) 547-7214 or by email [email protected]. Anyone needing to fax a document to the Charlevoix County court can do so to (231) 547-7256.
       Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
               Signed: Hon. Valerie K. Snyder, 7th Probate District Court Judge
  • ACCOUNTING / FINANCE
    PAM GIBSON - Finance Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Dept. Phone: (231) 348-1702
    Fax Number: (231) 348-0633
  • CIVIL COUNSEL / FOIA
    ROBERT ENGEL - Civil Counsel
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1722
    ------------------------------
    PRISCILLA MEYER - Legal Administrative Assistant
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-0678
    ------------------------------
    FOIA - Requests may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to (231) 348-1790. Please refer to the county website for more information and guidelines.
  • CLERK'S OFFICE
    SUZANNE KANINE - County Clerk
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1744
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - At this time the Clerk’s Office is operating as normal. However, we continue to encourage the public to make appointments for new CPL applications and fingerprinting. Please call the main line at (231) 348-1744 to make an appointment. We are also encouraging citizens to utilize our online services when applying for marriage licenses.
  • COMMUNICATIONS
    STACY COX - Communications Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1704
  • COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS
    DEAN COSENS - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-0680
    Go to department page on county website
  • CONSTRUCTION / BUILDING
    MARTIE VAN BERLO - Building Dept. Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Main Office Phone: (231) 348-1735
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The Building Department offices, located in the John R. Watson Community Resource Center on M-119, are open during normal business hours. The staff encourages the public to call or check the county website first before making a trip in to its office. The website has numerous forms and other information available for downloading as well as links to additional resources.
  • EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
    RANDY WESTON - EMS Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Main Office Phone: (231) 776-1000
  • EQUALIZATION / GIS
    MIKE LARSON - Deputy Director MAAO
    Email: [email protected]
    Main Phone: (231) 348-1708
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The office of the Equalization/GIS Department is open during normal business hours. The staff encourages the public to call or check the EQ/GIS website first before making a trip in to its office. The website has numerous forms and other information available for downloading as well as links to additional resources.
  • FRIEND OF THE COURT
    AMANDA GUARISCO - FOC Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1717
    Fax: (231) 348-0611
    Link to department page on county website
     ------------------------------
    *MESSAGE FROM FOC STAFF*
       Following a two-month shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Emmet County Building reopened May 26 and the Friend of the Court office has returned to normal business hours.
       Although payments are being accepted in the office, the Friend of the Court recommends utilizing one of the following methods of payment:
         1) Directly to MiSDU at www.misdu.com. To use this method, you must have your case/docket number (upper right hand corner of your order). There is a fee for using a debit/credit card. The system will automatically disburse your payment to your case. If you have more than one case, include each case number. The system will automatically pro-rate the payment to your cases.
         2) Credit and debit card payments can be made through the Emmet County website at www.emmetcounty.org. If you have more than one case, please make sure you clearly identify which case the money is to be applied. There is a 2.4% fee for this method of payment.
         3) Cash payments can be made at CVS, Family Dollar or 7-11 stores through a program called PayNearMe. Use this phrase with the clerk if you are making a cash payment.
       Children remain our first priority, and families need child support now, more than ever. Support will continue to be charged, collected and disbursed. You can check your account anytime online at www.michigan.gov/MiChildSupport.
  • HUMAN RESOURCES
    DENISE WHITE - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Main Office Phone: (231) 348-0676
  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
    TATEM PHELPS - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1706
  • MAINTENANCE AND GROUNDS
    JEFF SUMMERS - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1779
  • PARKS & RECREATION
    Ryan Bauman - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 330-1055
    Link to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - All park grounds remain open, but visitors are asked to put on a mask when entering any park building and to adhere to social distancing recommendations while enjoying the open spaces at the county's parks.
  • PELLSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT
    KELLEY ATKINS - Airport Manager
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 539-8442
    Go to airport's website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - Airlines are continuing to operate flights as normal at this time though that is subject to change at any time. Availability to use the airport’s upstairs conference room for meetings has been suspended until further notice. The airport’s restaurant, Hoppies Landing, is closed to indoor dinning at this time, but carryout is still available Wednesday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Call Hoppies at (231) 539-8990.
  • PLANNING & ZONING
    TAMMY DOERNENBURG - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1735
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The Planning and Zoning department offices, located in the John R. Watson Community Resource Center on M-119, closed to the public on Thursday, Nov. 12, and will remain closed until further notice. However, all staff members and inspectors are working remotely and continuing to handle departmental business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please review the department's memo to area contractors and permit holders concerning measures taken to comply with the State of Michigan Health Department Directives on the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
    JIM LINDERMAN - Prosecuting Attorney
    ------------------------------
    JEN BOYER - Office Manager
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1725
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The prosecutor's office is operating as normal at this time though some staff members may be working remotely when possible.
       All phone calls will be answered and directed appropriately via the main line at (231) 348-1725. Additionally, all emails need to be sent to [email protected] to allow anyone in the office or working remotely to access them, preventing any back-up during these ever-changing times. For those already using the general office email, please continue to use [email protected] to ensure everything is taken care of as quickly as possible.
  • PUBLIC WORKS - RECYCLING
    ANDI SHEPHERD - Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-0640
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - Please follow Emmet County's DPW-Recycling team online at emmetrecycling.org where updates about its services are being posted frequently.
  • REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE
    KAREN COSENS - Register of Deeds
    Email: [email protected]
    Main Office Phone: (231) 348-1761
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The Register of Deeds' office is operating as normal and still recording documents sent by USPS, UPS, FedEx or electronic recording. Title researchers are asked to call ahead to make an appointment due to the limited space.
  • SECURITY - COUNTY BUILDING
    CALCIE LUCIER - Head of Security
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-0660
  • SHERIFF'S OFFICE
    PETE WALLIN - Sheriff
    ------------------------------
    MIKE KEISER - Undersheriff
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1789
    ------------------------------
    BRENDA FORD - Jail Administrator
    Email: [email protected]
    Corrections Facility Phone: (231) 347-2032
    ------------------------------
    LT. RANDY KLOSS - Road Patrol Officer in Charge
    Email: [email protected]
    Enforcement Division Phone: (231) 439-8900
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - Due to efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Sheriff’s Office has updated some of the methods in which service will be provided to the public. All citizens are encouraged to check back at this webpage for the most current information. Please call (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for information and instructions on non-emergency matters.
       The lobby areas at all Sheriff’s Office locations will be closed for general admittance. Please check the website to determine if the service you need can be handled remotely. Other service changes include:
          • JAIL VISITATION: Suspended until further notice
          • PRELIMINARY BREATH TEST: Suspended until further notice
          • FINGER PRINTING: Suspended until further notice
          • PISTOL SALES RECORDS: Mail to Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, 450 Bay St., Petoskey MI 49770
          • PISTOL PURCHASE PERMITS: Suspended until further notice
          • BONDS: There are no interruptions in bond payments for any inmate at the Emmet County Jail and will be available 24/7.
          • FOIA REQUESTS: Requests for all reports may be submitted online here.
          • ACCIDENT REPORTS: Request forms and procedure available online here or by US Postal Mail.
  • TREASURER'S OFFICE
    MARY MITCHELL - Treasurer
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1715
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The Treasurer’s Office encourages taxpayers to look up tax information and pay via online credit card or by mail. Postmark dates will be accepted. To find tax information for a specific property, please visit the county's website here.
  • VETERANS AFFAIRS
    RICK WIERTALLA - Veterans Affairs Director
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: (231) 348-1780
    Go to department page on county website
    ------------------------------
       NOTICE - The department is closed at this time and not accepting walk-in visitors until further notice. Please call the office and leave a message if you have a matter to discuss with the VA staff.


Emmet County Government -- COVID News Releases

    ●  (June 23, 2021)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (May 15, 2021)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (May 5, 2021)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (June 2, 2020)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (May 21, 2020)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (May 4, 2020)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (April 29, 2020)  County's COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Update
    ●  (April 5, 2020)  Penalties May Be Imposed for Violations of State’s Orders to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 Virus
    ●  (March 24, 2020)  Sheriff Wallin Provides Update on "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Order
    ●  (March 23, 2020)  County Seeking Donations of Masks, Gloves
    ●  (March 23, 2020)  County Officials Revise Directive to Employees to Comply with Governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order
    ●  (March 23, 2020)  Building Closure Dates Changed Due to Governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order
    ●  (March 18, 2020)  Emmet County Building, Courthouse Closing to the Public
    ●  (March 17, 2020)  Emmet County Officials Working on Continuity of Services Plan; Some Changes Already in Effect
    ●  (March 17, 2020)  Emmet County Announces Changes to Upcoming Meetings, Screening at Building Entrance
    ●  (March 16, 2020)  County Changes Screening Process for Courthouse Entrance

Information on this page is presented to be accurate and current as of June 23, 2021. With an ever-evolving situation, content is subject to change at any time. Every attempt will be made to update this page when new information is available. Corrections or updates for this page should be emailed to Stacy Cox at [email protected].