The Steele Waseca Drug Court is set to mark its 10-year anniversary with a ceremony and community events on July 16. The formal proceedings will take place at noon in the second-floor courtroom of the Waseca County Courthouse, located at 307 N. State St. Following the ceremony, a picnic and volleyball game are scheduled from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Johnson Pavilion in Clear Lake Park.
Chief Judge Joseph Bueltel of the Third Judicial District expressed pride in the program's achievements, stating, “We are so proud of our drug court program and this is an excellent way to show our appreciation to both the graduates and the community.” He emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “It takes an entire community to make a court like this successful, and we want our community to know how much its support means to this court.”
The Steele Waseca Drug Court offers a voluntary program that lasts at least 18 months. A judge leads a team of professionals who provide various services such as emergency financial assistance, chemical dependency counseling, mental health support, employment training assistance, and temporary housing. Participants must adhere to program requirements or face removal if they reoffend during treatment.
Nicole Grams, the drug court coordinator, noted the challenges participants face: “This program is not easy,” she said. “Although we work collaboratively to assist the participant, the judge holds that person accountable every step of the way.”
During the anniversary event, three graduates will share their experiences with attendees. Former graduates and their families are invited along with members of the recovery community and those involved with the drug court.
For further details about attending these events or participating in future programs, interested parties can contact robin.hoesley@courts.state.mn.us.