Northern Hills Drug Court to Hold Graduation on September 29
Northern Hills Drug Court invites the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the treatment court program.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 21, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605.773.2031
Northern Hills Drug Court to Hold Graduation on September 29
PIERRE, S.D.—Northern Hills Drug Court invites the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the treatment court program.
Northern Hills Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at noon MDT in the downstairs courtroom of the Meade County Courthouse at 1425 Sherman St. in Sturgis. The featured speaker will be Chanel P., a former graduate of Northern Hills Drug Court. Each graduate will also share their personal experiences with the treatment court process and be presented with certificates by Treatment Court Judge Francy E. Foral.
Fourth Circuit Treatment Courts cover Butte, Lawrence and Meade counties in western South Dakota. Fourth Circuit DUI Court is held in Deadwood, and Northern Hills Drug Court is held in Sturgis. These weekly courts began in 2007.
Treatment courts combine accountability, supervision and treatment. Participants are expected to follow court requirements, attend treatment, remain engaged in recovery, meet regularly with supervision staff, submit to drug and alcohol testing when required, and appear before the judge for ongoing review of their progress. Participants are held accountable for their choices through consistent responses to both progress and noncompliance.
Treatment court teams include judges, probation officers, treatment providers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement who work together to address participant needs while maintaining a focus on public safety and accountability. Evidence-based treatment and recovery services are paired with structured supervision to help participants reduce behaviors associated with future criminal activity and build the skills needed for long-term stability.
Graduation represents more than completion of treatment. Graduates have met the requirements of a rigorous court-supervised program and demonstrated sustained progress toward recovery, personal responsibility and positive change.
Learn more information about South Dakota Treatment Courts. For more information about Fourth Circuit Treatment Court, contact Coordinator Chris Riley at 605-222-0077 or via email.
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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 about UJS.