Posted by Anne Decker on Jan 13, 2022
Lima Municipal Court's Treatment Court is giving addicts the opportunity to change their lives.
Lima Municipal Court's Treatment Court was created to supervise and rehabilitate people charged with misdemeanors who have a substance abuse problem. Judge David Rodabaugh told us that candidates are screened to make sure they meet the qualifications. These include conviction of their third OVI in ten years or a conviction related to their drug or alcohol usage, like theft or possession of drugs. Treatment Court is an intensive but non-adversarial program that works to modify behavior and encourage participants to take responsibility for their actions. The treatment team includes the judges, probation officers, prosecutor, court administrator, defense counsel, law enforcement officers, the treatment court coordinator and social service agencies. They provide supervision, counseling, encouragement and rewards for progress. They also help with things like employment and family issues. There are currently 50 participants in Treatment Court. It takes a year to a year and a half for participants to graduate from the program. Lima Municipal Court also offers a Veterans Court with many of the same goals, but geared specifically to veterans. 
 
Also at Monday's meeting, Tracie Sanchez gave us an update on the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater. Rotary has transferred the land to the city of Lima, and bids for the construction are currently being accepted. The contractor should be selected in February and it is hoped that construction can begin in March with completion at the beginning of 2023. Wannemacher Enterprises presented the Lima Rotary Foundation with a $50,000 check for the amphitheater project. Thanks so much to Andy, Donna and Greg Wannemacher! If you would like to make a donation, contact Tracie or click the Amphitheater button in the menu above.
 
Lima Rotarians gave generously at Monday's meeting to help the victims of the tornadoes that ravaged Kentucky. We passed the bucket and collected $367 for the relief effort.