Editor:

The Preble County Common Pleas Court recognizes the risks associated with exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and is taking a number of steps to reduce that risk for everyone who deals with the Court, including litigants, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement, attorneys, and Court staff.

Because of Constitutional and statutory obligations, closing the Court is not an option. For example, we must be open to conduct bond hearings when individuals are arrested and in order to hear petitions for civil protection orders.

However, we are continuing most hearings in civil and domestic relations cases through April 16. There will be no jury trials before April 20, and the county prosecutor is continuing the April grand jury to a date yet to be determined in May. As a result, it will not be necessary for any juror to be called to Court for the time being and just a few litigants and witnesses in the very limited cases that we cannot continue. And, if it becomes apparent that it is appropriate to extend those dates, we will do so.

All pre-trial and scheduling conferences set through April 16, will be conducted by telephone.

Everyone entering the courthouse is subject to a quick medical check at the front door. Everyone coming into a courtroom or court office will be required to wash their hands before entering and will be asked to sit at least six feet away from other people.

Finally, we are acquiring video equipment that will allow us to conduct some hearings remotely.

If you have a case pending in the Court, we would ask that you first contact your attorney with any questions. If you do not have an attorney, you can call the court at 937-456-8165 or send an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

We appreciate your cooperation.

Judge Stephen R. Bruns

Preble County Common Pleas Court