CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Six residents of Pickaway County celebrated a significant milestone in their recovery journey at the Recovery Court Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Starkey Pavilion in the Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Community Park. The event, which marked the completion of an intensive treatment program, was attended by around 60 people, including friends, family, elected officials, and community supporters.
Judge P. Randall Knece, who began working with the program several years ago, proudly presided over the ceremony and recognized the achievements of the four graduates from his court, highlighting the effort and commitment required to successfully complete the fourteen-to-eighteen-month recovery program.
“When this program succeeds, it’s a major accomplishment, said Knece, “I like to tell the participants that, in my opinion, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It takes at least a year to get through this program. You’ll hear about the statistics—things like drug screens and the progress they make—but for many of these individuals, this is the first real accomplishment they’ve had in their lives. Many of them don’t have a high school diploma, they don’t have jobs, and they haven’t had the support they needed. So for them, this is the beginning of a new chapter.
We’ve got four graduates today, and yes, I’m incredibly proud of them. I’m probably their biggest advocate. When I first started this program, I had my doubts, but now, after running it, I can honestly say that I’m their biggest cheerleader and supporter. Even when they stumble—and some of them do—they feel worse about it because they don’t want to let me or anyone else down.
One of the unique things about this program is that the participants have to ask to be part of it. I don’t make them do it, and I don’t order them to join. They come to us because they genuinely want to make a change in their lives. That’s the first sign that they’re ready for something better.
This is a victory not just for the individuals, but for their families and the entire community. And I do believe that programs like this are part of the solution to the drug epidemic. We’re addressing the demand side of the problem here in Pickaway County. As for the supply side, I think that’s something the federal government needs to address—like working on securing the borders—but here, we’re doing what we can to help people. I believe this program is a big step in the right direction.”
The Circleville Municipal Recovery Court, which was implemented by Judge Elisa Peters in March 2021 and certified by the Ohio Supreme Court in March 2022, aims to support individuals facing substance abuse and addiction. The program is designed to help participants overcome challenges and build sustainable, healthy lives through a comprehensive treatment approach that includes frequent court appearances, probationary oversight, regular substance screenings, and close collaboration with local treatment providers.
Judge Peters spoke about the challenges and rewards of the program, acknowledging that the Municipal Recovery Court offers a different kind of approach than other court systems in Pickaway County. “We don’t wield the hammer of a felony prison sentence or permanent loss of custody of children,” Judge Peters explained. “Our program is focused on providing the support, encouragement, and skills that our participants need to pursue long-term goals, rebuild relationships, and achieve a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.”
The Circleville Municipal Recovery Court is one of three similar programs in Pickaway County, with Judge Shelly Harsha presiding over the Juvenile Family Treatment Court and Judge Knece overseeing the Common Pleas Drug Court. All three courts work in partnership to provide a range of treatment options for individuals at different stages of their recovery.
The program’s four-phase structure begins with weekly meetings with the judge and probation officers, as well as daily or weekly contact with treatment providers. Participants are also required to undergo a minimum of two substance screens per week. The goal is to offer continuous support and accountability while encouraging personal growth and long-term sobriety.
At the ceremony, families of the graduates shared their pride and joy in seeing their loved ones successfully complete the program. The event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those in recovery, as well as the community’s role in supporting them.
For many participants, the journey through recovery court is not just about overcoming addiction but also about rebuilding relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. As Judge Peters concluded, “This is not just about avoiding prison or losing children—it’s about giving these individuals the tools they need to reclaim their lives and their futures.”
Lets proudly congratulate six people on a job well done – Tara Scurlock, Megan Macioci, Shannon Schwalbauch, Tim Francis, Randy Connolly, and Lindsay Coke.
