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This week, difficulty accessing court records emerged when attempting to obtain information on the Anaconda shooting suspect, Michael Paul Brown. Despite a public records portal, Brown’s case remains sealed, leaving unanswered questions about the proceedings. Arrested on Aug. 8 after a weeklong search, Brown faced a judge and was held on a $2 million bond, but charges remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency is raising eyebrows among legal experts.
Attempts to find Brown’s case record in neighboring counties were unsuccessful, leading to contact with Anaconda-Deer Lodge District Court Clerk Jodi Lechman. She confirmed that the case was sealed but offered no further details. The sealed status of the case, including the judge’s order, is uncommon, prompting calls to legal experts for clarification.
Lechman referred inquiries to County Attorney Morgan Smith, who confirmed the case’s sealed status. Attempts to obtain the sealing order and any associated legal briefs were met with similar resistance. Smith hinted at a possible change in the situation, noting a “substantial change” anticipated soon regarding the sealing of the case.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees a right to a “speedy and public trial,” yet Brown’s case remains shrouded in secrecy. As the story unfolds, legal experts and media seek transparency.
On the Dial 📱
The 406 area code is running out of room due to unassigned phone numbers counting toward the limit, prompting the state’s utility commission to explore solutions. Each prefix reserves 10,000 numbers, even before all are assigned, leading to the current situation. Montana may reach its capacity by 2028, officials say. One solution involves sharing prefixes across different areas, potentially freeing up number allocations.
Geographic prefix sharing could allow numbers in one area, such as Culbertson, to be assigned to another like Sidney, thus returning unused space to the pool. The Public Service Commission is examining this option to mitigate the issue.
Hot Potato 🥔
State officials, including the health department and the Board of Investments, are examining potential sites in Billings for a new mental health facility. This initiative aims to relieve pressure on the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. The search has raised questions among local officials regarding the facility’s specifics, such as size and service capacity.
Some local leaders have urged caution, citing resource constraints and difficulty recruiting healthcare workers. The Board of Investments has paused site deliberations until explicit guidance is provided regarding the facility’s purpose and location. The initiative originates from legislation allocating $26.5 million for a behavioral health facility.
Sen. John Esp authored the amendment in a broader infrastructure bill after a separate bill for an eastern Montana psychiatric facility failed. The Board of Investments seeks clarity on the project’s legislative intent and requirements.
The Gist 📌
Earmarks, once taboo after the Tea Party movement, have resurfaced in discussions about congressional funding. Rep. Troy Downing acknowledged this shift, encouraging requests for federal project support in Montana. Earmarks allowed the Milk River Irrigation Project to be prioritized in 2021, but not all officials agree with the practice.
The reintroduction of earmarks now branded as Community Project Funding Requests, allows representatives to advocate for local projects. Montana’s representatives have participated, but there remains a divide on the practice’s ethics.
Viewshed 🌄
August has been a travel-intensive month. This past week included visits to Billings and Laurel, collecting stories and images for MTFP’s archive. Susan Davidson, featured here, shared moments on her cattle farm for an upcoming story outside Huntley Project.
Highlights ☀️
In other news this week —
- A lawmaker from the Flathead area lost his appeal over $427,000 in unpaid federal income taxes.
On Our Radar 
Nora — I’m enjoying Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang. It feels like two friends chatting, with unique questions added by guest’s close friends. As a reporter, it’s insightful.
Zeke — Recent summer storms brought memories of Ohio. I relax listening to rain sounds on hot Montana days.
Mara — I discovered savory, cheesy dumplings from Italy’s South Tyrol. With fall approaching, I’m preparing to recreate these cozy dishes again and again.
Eric — In Billings for reporting, I experienced Shiloh Road’s roundabouts. I hope this navigation video helps next time.
Lauren — I’ve been binge-watching “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “My Life with the Walter Boys.” They offer a perfect escape into a world where everything resolves itself.
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