Pubdate: Sat, 08 Jan 2005
Source: Bismarck Tribune (ND)
Copyright: 2005 The Bismarck Tribune
Contact:  http://www.bismarcktribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/47
Author: Tony Spilde, Bismarck Tribune

BISMARCK DRUG COURT CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS

Some pretty big suits filled chairs in a Bismarck courtroom on Friday morning.

They belonged to names such as Hoeven, Stenehjem and VandeWalle.

But it wasn't North Dakota's governor, attorney general and chief justice 
who were being celebrated. Nearly 80 people filled the courtroom in support 
of men and women with lesser-known names. Adrian, Tim and Don. Dennis, 
Jackie and Melissa.

Bismarck-Mandan's drug court -- the first in North Dakota -- turned 4 years 
old this week. South Central District Judge Bruce Haskell hosted a party 
Friday that included several dignitaries, a few drug court graduates and 16 
people currently enrolled in the program. People with names like Adrian or 
Melissa, who are trying to clean up their lives.

Drug court gives them that chance. Instead of jail, select individuals who 
have pleaded guilty to drug or alcohol offenses are enrolled in the 
intense, yearlong program. Drug court involves weekly meetings in front of 
a judge, random drug testing and counseling. Participants also must work, 
go to school or provide community service for 40 hours a week.

The Bismarck-Mandan model was followed by Grand Forks and Fargo.

Haskell said drug court would not have made it without the hard work and 
dedication of a great number of people, including Judge Gail Hagerty, who 
first saw the need for the program here.

"If it were not for Judge Hagerty, we would not be here today," Haskell 
said. "But as you can see, drug court has been a collaborative effort, and 
I think we've been successful. There are a number of graduates who've been 
able to take control of their lives that wouldn't have been able to otherwise."

The program has had 71 participants and 33 graduates.

Gov. John Hoeven spoke to some of the men and women who currently are 
involved in drug court and are receiving treatment.

"Drug court is about the challenges you face in rehabilitating your life 
and reclaiming your life," he said. "... This is about opportunity, about 
building a life. That's what America is all about."

Hoeven said drug court is an example of finding a better way to do things. 
He said he is interested in getting another such court started in the 
northwestern part of the state.

Drug court is for nonviolent drug or alcohol addicts, not drug 
manufacturers or dealers.

Judges Hagerty and Haskell preside over drug court in Bismarck. Penny 
Blotsky is the program's probation officer and Michelle Gayette coordinates 
treatment services.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman