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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Judge Wants Bricks Over Courthouse Windows

From Staff And Wire Reports

Determined to have peace and quiet in the Bonner County Courthouse, First District Judge James R. Michaud has ordered the windows in the ground floor filled with bricks.

Some critics suggest the county is adopting a siege mentality, but Michaud said the bricks are only intended to keep noise to a minimum.

“We’re trying to do something about how noise affects court proceedings,” said Michaud, who ordered the change earlier this year.

More judges will use the facility starting early next year.

“I know those judges will want a courtroom they can use efficiently, and I’m trying to meet their needs as well as my own,” Michaud said.

But County Commissioner Bud Mueller thinks Michaud is afraid.

“I think he’s scared to death that somebody is going to shoot him.”

Mueller said he did not see the need for bricking up the windows.

“I’ve never had any problems in our commissioners meetings,” Mueller said. “We’re going to have noise no matter what.”

But Michaud said sensitive court tape recorders amplify nearby traffic sounds, making it difficult to hear testimony.

, DataTimes