Another graduates from drug court

The St. Croix County Drug Court honored another graduate, James Ristow, of Somerset in a ceremony at the Government Center Nov. 12.

The Drug Court started over two years ago and has had four graduates. Ristow was commended for his hard work and dedication in comments by Judge Edward Vlack and the Drug Court team. Vlack presented Ristow with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

According to Vlack, approximately 66 percent of all people sentenced to prison need treatment for substance abuse issues, but there are not enough treatment programs.

The county Drug Court was created in April 2006 to monitor non-violent felony offenders who commit crimes and who need intensive treatment to address their chemical addiction.

Each participant is required to complete a six-month treatment program, maintain full-time employment, attend support groups and do other treatment and counseling as is determined by the Drug Court team.

The goal is to make productive taxpayers out of individuals who had previously only cost society money.

“Mr. Ristow has worked hard to successfully complete the Drug Court program, which lasts at least 18 months,” said Vlack. “He has also been an inspiration and mentor to other Drug Court participants.”

St. Croix County’s Drug Court is a joint project of St. Croix County Circuit Court, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, the county Department of Human Services, the Wisconsin state public defender, the county sheriff and district attorney offices.

It is funded by the county, the state Department of Corrections and by contributions from local businesses and organizations.

More information is available at www.co.saint-croix.wi.us, click on county departments, then Drug Court; or call coordinator Amber Perry, (715) 386-4723.

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