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Abel Successfully Completes Drug Court Program

Over 20 people attended the White County Drug Court commencement ceremony Wednesday, February 1, 2023, in the Carmi City Council room. Surrounded by families, friends, and community leaders, Joseph Abel was recognized for successfully completing the intensive probation program.

Drug Court Judge Mark Shaner spoke about the work and commitment required to complete the program. Drug court requires frequent probation reporting, court reviews, drug testing, treatment, attendance at support meetings, finding and keeping employment, and completing at least 180 hours of volunteer, or public service, work. Judge Shaner noted, “Everyone who has ever completed the drug court program will tell you it is not easy. It is never easy. But it is very worthwhile.”

Joseph Abel was admitted to drug court on March 25, 2021. Throughout his time in drug court, he consistently maintained employment. He was also recognized for having completed Moral Reconation Therapy, a critical-thinking skills program, having performed over 180 hours of public service, and successfully working to obtain driving privileges.

Also attending were the many of the White County Drug Court team members who had helped Mr. Abel on his recovery road, including former White County Assistant State’s Attorney Chris Neal, Drug Court Probation Officer/Coordinator, Chelsea Glenn, Carmi Police Chief Jason Carter, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Provider with Egyptian Health, Jerri Baxley-Brown, and Peer Recovery Specialist, Haley Smith, also with Egyptian Health.

8 comments
  1. Bill
    Bill
    March 25, 2023 at 12:03 am

    Congratulations

    Reply
  2. Daisy
    Daisy
    March 25, 2023 at 7:31 am

    Great job

    Reply
  3. Kim Mullen
    Kim Mullen
    March 25, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Congratulations !!

    Reply
  4. Kim D
    Kim D
    March 25, 2023 at 11:06 am

    When I first saw thos I thought to myself, another public shaming )like my local “news” loves to do. This was different, though. Reporting on the positive abd acknowledging the difficulty faced by affects.
    Congratulations to this man for his hard work and preservative.

    Reply
  5. Stacey Miller
    Stacey Miller
    March 25, 2023 at 3:42 pm

    I am so proud of you Joseph!!! Keep up the good work! And we’ll done Jerri and Haley! Appreciate the drug court being available in White County.

    Reply
  6. The Craddocks
    The Craddocks
    March 25, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    Congratulations Joe,

    Reply
  7. Diane Churchwell
    Diane Churchwell
    March 26, 2023 at 7:25 am

    This is so great….please help others to be strong enough to succeed too…I’m out west watching my hometown stumbling so this is great….Bravo Joseph!!!

    Reply
  8. Ethan Grobb
    Ethan Grobb
    March 26, 2023 at 6:05 pm

    Congrats dude!

    Reply

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