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.