A system that mimics daylight illuminates Lono Ho'ala's grow room at the Eagle's Nest Wellness Center in Cascade, where cannabis plants as tall as corn stalks are pampered in a temperature-controlled and specially ventilated environment that's laced with carbon dioxide to accelerate growth.

Ho'ala is patient, waiting until leaves start to turn yellow to harvest the sticky, ripe buds, the only part of the plant that's used to make the medicinal products that he sells.

[continues 1220 words]

TERRE HAUTE -- During a recent court proceeding, the judge asked an offender if she had anything else to report.

The young woman smiled shyly, saying, "I took my GED test."

The judge, smiling, said, "My, you have had a lot of good news today -- I think that deserves some popcorn."

Several chuckles could be heard through the room, but Judge Barbara Brugnaux wasn't kidding. Reaching across to her clerk, the judge took an unopened pack of microwave popcorn and handed it down from her platform to the young woman, saying, "Here you go. Keep up the good work. You're free to go."

[continues 1546 words]

TERRE HAUTE -- Much of the behind-the-scenes work of the 11-year-old Vigo County Drug Court happens across the street from the courthouse - -- at the Community Corrections building -- where lab technicians collect and process hundreds of drug screens each week.

Drug court participants attend regular one-on-one meetings with caseworkers, group meetings focused on addiction and their regular court appearances -- but one of the primary elements of drug court is testing.

In addition to Judge Barbara Brugnaux, who presides over drug court each week, the staff includes Paul Southwick, coordinator of the drug court and case manager, and Eve Fears, a case manager.

[continues 604 words]