Mineral County says goodbye to long-time clerk of court
Mineral County Clerk of Court Kathleen Brown is retiring Dec. 31. She has served the county since 1999 and won election three times. She made this quilt to thank county citizens for their support. It hangs in the county courthouse. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
It’s been a heck of a ride for Kathleen Brown as Clerk of Court of Mineral County but now her flaps are down and her landing gear has been dropped-and-locked for retirement Dec. 31.
Brown has been an employee of Mineral County since 1999. At first it was part time as a Deputy Clerk of District Court until 2006 when she was appointed Clerk of Court.
“I was subsequently elected in 2008, 2012, and 2016 by the wonderful voters of Mineral County” she said with a big smile. “I have been incredibly lucky with having good people in the office and Jaime Talbot, my Deputy and Clerk of Court elect, has been exceptional. I have thrown as much on Jaime’s plate over the past years, so her knowledge level is great.”
Talbot ran unopposed in the last election for Clerk of Court as Brown had made retirement plans earlier this year while grooming her replacement, if so elected. And she was with a 98% voter approval!
Brown learned the ropes and became a pillar of the court system in the county.
“She embodied professionalism and respect for the Court and its processes, while maintaining a friendly and supportive office for community members seeking passports and marriage licenses," Mineral County Attorney Ellen Donohue raved. "Additionally, she was a strong supporter of pro se litigants and advocated for low-income legal assistance through Montana Legal Services and the Pro Se Advocacy clinics.
“She is the consummate professional, even when required to keep a sometimes-unruly bunch of attorneys in line”!
As with every profession there comes both good and bad times.
“The hardest part of my job as Clerk of Court is watching people in pain and may be at a low point in their lives," Brown said. "The cases with children are heartbreaking and it never gets easier. We deal with felonies, probates and cases where children and CFS (Child Family Services) are involved.
"On the other hand, we also handle some fun and happy cases such as Adoptions and Marriage Licenses,” said Brown.
Looking back over the years we all learn important life lessons. Some are lessons we will certainly do, while others are how not-to-do with a particular assignment.
“The best lesson I have learned over the past 20 years in the office is not to judge people or assume you know their situation. Things happen, and by treating everybody the same and listening to them, it makes the process a bit less daunting.
"Mineral County is lucky to have five District Court judges who travel from Missoula County for court appearances and hearings and are readily available by phone and email.”
And finally, the goodbyes to co-workers.
“The things I will miss most are the wonderful people I work and interact with on a daily basis," Brown said. "Everybody tells me I will be busier after I retire than when I worked, and that scares me a little as I have always been busy.
“I have many hobbies and interests and I hope I can stay organized enough to get some new things done and hopefully get to travel once 2021 turns the corner with the COVID virus," she added. "I have been quilting for 40 years and in 2003 started a business of designing quilt patterns called Mountain Patchwork.
"I love creating quilt patterns and stitching by hand and spending more time on my business. There are many quilts I still want to make, and I can’t wait to get started.
As a heart-filled thank you, I made this quilt for the residents of Mineral County. I had some help from some wonderful ladies, including the center applique and the exquisite quilting. The quilt is hanging on the thrd floor before you enter the courtroom.
Thank you for many wonderful years as the Mineral County Clerk of District Court!”
Kathleen, thank you for your service to Mineral County!