Codington County Treatment Court Honors Three Graduates in Watertown, SD
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Treatment Court marked a milestone moment on Wednesday afternoon, honoring three individuals during a commencement ceremony held at the Codington County Courthouse.
Coinciding with International Recovery Day on September 30, the ceremony recognized Jeremiah Johnson, Dawn Rolla, and Lindsay White as the 70th, 71st, and 72nd graduates of the county’s drug court program.
Presided over by Circuit Court Judge Carmen Means and Court Services Officer Paula Grupe, the ceremony highlighted the tremendous discipline, accountability, and community backing required to complete the intensive court program.
Perfect Sobriety and No Sanctions
All three graduates achieved a rare distinction during their tenure in the program. Each participant wore a gold cord signifying that they received no formal sanctions, alongside a purple cord representing 100% negative drug and alcohol tests throughout their entire time in treatment court.
"To our graduates, you have come a long way, you have worked hard, and you have earned the right to be sitting here today," said Court Services Officer Paula Grupe, who delivered the closing remarks.
In addition to the graduating class, participant John Heemeyer joined graduate John Rolla in signing the court’s "500-Day Board," celebrating over 500 consecutive days of verified sobriety.
Stories of Resilience and Transformation
Each graduate’s journey reflected profound personal growth and overcoming severe life hurdles:
· Jeremiah Johnson completed 559 days in the program and 559 days of continuous sobriety. He logged 223 treatment hours, completed 100 hours of community service, and submitted 137 negative drug screens. Johnson maintained his sobriety through the grief of losing his mother last year. Moving forward, Johnson plans to assist in establishing an active treatment court alumni network to mentor future participants.
· Dawn Rolla celebrated 504 days of continuous sobriety, completing 222 hours of treatment across seven substance use and mental health programs, 139 negative drug screens, and 100 hours of community service. Introduced by addictions counselor trainee Rochelle Robey, Rolla was commended for living an honest life, rebuilding relationships, and finding a passion for volunteering at GSI.
· Lindsay White marked 441 days sober, completing 158 treatment hours and 129 negative drug screens. Introduced by Judge Means, White spoke candidly about breaking the cycle of addiction and generational trauma for his children. During his time in the program, White secured full-time employment, moved into a family home, and was recognized as the two-time reigning champion of the local Recovery Fest Cornhole Tournament.
Powered by Community Support
Judge Means and Grupe both emphasized that the treatment court operates as a true community partnership. Local organizations recognized for their ongoing support included Office Peeps (which donated roughly 90 appointment planners circuit-wide), County Fair Foods (which provides graduation cakes), and United Way (which funds intake backpacks containing hygiene kits and resources for new participants).
"International Recovery Day is a global celebration recognizing that recovery is real and possible for everyone," Grupe concluded. "Together, we can celebrate recovery, elevate lived experiences, and help create communities where people feel supported rather than stigmatized."
The Codington County Treatment Court team includes Judge Carmen Means, CSO/Coordinator Maria Wendte, CSO Paula Grupe, Deputy State’s Attorney Scott Polski, Defense Counsel Rebecca Morlock Reeves, Melody Tesch and Cora Lowry of the Human Service Agency, Sgt. Trevor Barthel of the Watertown Police Department, and Shawna Carter of the Codington County Sheriff’s Office.
