DESPITE DISPUTE, DRUG COURT CONTINUES OPERATION

Jackson County Drug Court operated normally today, following a dispute over
the contract regarding drug-treatment services.

The contract with the new vendor, Addiction Recovery Services Inc., was put
on hold Tuesday when Jackson County Executive Katheryn Shields issued an
emergency purchase order for $44,500 to continue paying the current
drug-court vendor, County Court Service Inc.

Shields' order came after County Court Services sued the Jackson County
Legislature, alleging it had illegally awarded the treatment contract to
Addiction Recovery, which was the low bidder. However, outside evaluators
gave higher marks to County Court Services.

In its lawsuit, County Court Services had asked for a restraining order to
stop the contract with Addiction Recovery. However, a court hearing on the
matter was tabled after Shields issued her order.