WBGZ Radio 12/30/2020 | By Ross Pearson - WBGZ Radio The State of Illinois Third Judicial Circuit Court of Madison County have announced that only essential court matters, and proceedings will be heard between January 4 th and February 1 The response is an effort to protect court patrons, staff, judges, and the general public. Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Madison County Bill Mudge tells the Big Z many matters of the court can be handled remotely. click play for Mudge's comments The order is an extension of Illinois Courts’ previous response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has been in place since last spring. Some exceptions for certain court services can be accommodated with approval from the assigned judge.