Kimberly Smith in court today

The wife of the accused murderer of Kurt Milliman was in court today on her own charges. Kimberly A. (Holian) Smith, 28, appeared before Judge Joseph Condon with her attorney. Smith is in custody, apparently unable to post bail on her $15,000 bond.

Smith's case was continued to Friday, June 24, which is the same day that her husband, Timothy S. Smith, 26, will next appear on his first-degree murder charge and other charges.

Kurt Milliman's family was in court today to observe proceedings. Scott Milliman was given "preferential" treatment as he arrived at the main (West) entrance to the government center this morning, and he expressed to me his appreciation for the court security staff for their diligence in performing their duties at the entrance to the building. Milliman was carefully checked by security staff, and he thanks them for their attention to keeping the courthouse safe from anyone who might try to bring a weapon or contraband into the courthouse. Not that Scott Milliman would ever do that, because he was there to observe a hearing related to the murder of his brother.

Scott Milliman is a deputy of the McHenry County Sheriff's Department and temporarily on a medical leave (as ordered by Sheriff Nygren).

But perhaps others with devious motives might try to sneak a weapon (or, worse, that implement of mass destruction - a camera!) into the courthouse. I'm sure Scott felt safer, knowing that the court security officers were armed and ready to protect his family and him from harm.

Even Court Security Chief Howie Parth made time in his busy day of keeping all dangerous persons out of the courthouse to come to Judge Condon's courtroom and sit in on the proceedings of Kimberly Smith. He too must have wanted to make certain that no harm would come to the Millimans.

Now, I was a little worried about harm that might come to Judge Condon or attorneys or spectators in the courtroom, because I watched Judge Condon's bailiff and where he positioned himself as persons-in-custody entered and exited the courtroom via the door to the secured area and leading to the Jail.

Prior to observing what I considered a serious lapse in firearms' safety, I had wondered how a Court Security Officer of slight build and advanced age might be able to handle any physical confrontation that might arise in a courtroom. I've wondered about this in other courtrooms and also in regard to the physical condition of some of the jail staff who escort inmates back and forth. Why doesn't Chief Parth hire young, strong Court Security Officers, instead of old, retired, police officers and deputies?

The lapse in firearms' safety occurred today when the bailiff had his back turned to incoming and departing prisoners. I thought how easy it would have been for an uncuffed prisoner to grab the bailiff's handgun from behind the bailiff and then take control of the courtroom. Even a cuffed prisoner, taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, could have made a grab for the bailiff's weapon. I (being a person of not too slight build but definitely of advanced age, according to my birth certificate) was even prepared to try to vault over the railing and the attorney's table, if necessary, to try to disarm such a prisoner, hoping I wouldn't get shot for my effort or cause him to begin firing at the judge or an attorney or spectator.

Did Chief Parth notice that and make a mental note to provide a little "counseling" to, or re-training for, that bailiff? Or was he just there to protect Scott Milliman and his family?