Judge highlights first recovery‑court graduate as milestone for Sawyer County program

A judge reported to the Sawyer County Public Safety Committee that the county’s recovery court produced its first graduate in November, calling the event a significant milestone after roughly several years of building the program.

The judge said the program has been gradual and time‑intensive, with attrition expected, and noted the court has learned more about addiction and recovery through the process. “I just wanted to come and report that and and and say that that was a great milestone that we've had,” the judge said, and recognized law enforcement, JusticePoint, treatment providers and the two judges who have worked on the program.

Committee members and the judge discussed how reports from the recovery court should be scheduled going forward. The chair noted the committee had agreed to run recovery‑court updates through the clerk of courts on an every‑other‑month basis when information is available; the judge said they will attend when possible or send staff to present a brief report.

The judge cautioned that graduation is not a guarantee of long‑term success for individuals but described the program as an opportunity to provide participants with support and structured oversight. The committee did not take any formal action on the report; it was received for information.