Madison County Chief Judge William Mudge continued all non-essential court matters to Feb. 1, 2021, “given the recent record number of COVID-19 infections and its rapid resurgence within Madison County.” Mudge issued the administrative order on Dec. 21, extending his previous order that “only essential court matters and proceedings shall be heard in the Third Judicial Circuit in order to protect the health and safety of court patrons, staff, judges and the general public.” “The court will continue to conduct hearings on only essential or time sensitive matters if the presentment of a motion or petition cannot be conducted remotely via telephone, Zoom or other electronic means,” Mudge wrote.