Drug Court grad says arrest was a 'blessing in disguise;

James Bickel, 28th Circuit Court Presiding Judge, takes an opportunity on Thursday, Nov. 19, to pose with Catherine Nowak, the newest graduate of the Vernon County Adult Drug Court program after her graduation ceremony at the Bowman Building cafeteria. --Rusty Murry/Herald-Tribune

More than 70 friends, family members, drug court participants and committee members gathered in the Bowman Building cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, to celebrate the occasion of Catherine Nowak graduating from the Vernon County Adult Drug Court Program.

The Honorable James R. Bickel, presiding judge of the 28th Circuit Court welcomed the celebrant and guests and Vernon County Associate Circuit Judge Neal Quitno introduced the Drug Court Committee members in attendance before Bickel took the floor to say a few words about the drug court program and Nowak.

Bickel quoted Nowak as saying that her "arrest was a wake up call, a blessing in disguise." He went on to say that the drug court program is "an intense program" that it takes most people at least 19 months to finish. Calling Nowak "a good example of how drug court works," Bickel said she made it through without any slips even though she had some problems along the way. Bickel introduced Stan Ford of Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare.

Ford was Nowak's treatment provider during her time in the program who related a brief anecdote about Nowak's propensity to talk and then he presented her with a Recovery Bible, a Vernon County Drug Court tradition.

Vernon County prosecutor Lynn Ewing III informed Nowak and the audience he had filed a petition with the court that all charges against her be dismissed with prejudice, which means that those charges can never be filed again.

Bickel said the petition had been granted.

Area 28 Missouri State Public Defender Rebecca Elliston requested the court grant a lien for the legal fees Nowak accrued during her time in the program. Bickel denied the request saying, "you have to work for free this time." Nowak took the floor to say, "I really want to thank the whole drug court committee; I couldn't have done it with out you. She spoke briefly about her struggle with addiction and she thanked a number of those in the audience. Many of whom took a moment to express their love for her and their pride in her accomplishment.

After a few photos, the ceremony was adjourned to refreshments.