PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Dec. 4, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031
James Valley Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.—As part of Impaired Driving Prevention Month, James Valley Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. CST at the Davison County Fairgrounds, 40698 West Havens Ave., Mitchell. The featured speakers will be J.P. Skelly, news director at KORN News Radio, and Kern P., a former graduate of Drug & DUI Court.
The graduation ceremony is evidence of the tremendous impact James Valley Drug & DUI Court has had on its community. With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have gone through this intensive program and have successfully completed all phases will be honored. The event is open to the public, and a reception will follow the graduation ceremony.
James Valley Drug Court began operation in 2013, adding a DUI Court track in 2014. The mission is to provide community-based rehabilitation through the use of intensive treatment and supervision to stop the cycle of repeat offenders and substance use disorders, thereby creating safer communities and reducing the cost of corrections.
According to Impaired Driving Solutions, treatment courts provide individuals who have repeat impaired-driving offenses with the accountability, treatment and recovery support services needed to address the underlying causes of impaired driving—substance use and mental health disorders. This is a win-win for South Dakota as our roadways are made safer while these individuals receive the help they need.
Treatment courts across the nation are this month holding special events to raise awareness of the dangers of and community-oriented solutions to impaired driving, while celebrating the individuals learning to make healthier and safer choices every day. Learn more about South Dakota’s treatment courts.
For more information about James Valley Drug & DUI Court, contact Coordinator Sharon Kraft at 605-995-8993 or sharon.kraft@ujs.state.sd.us.
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.