 After months of planning by justice system and tribal officials, a proposal to establish a joint White Earth Nation Monoman County Drug Court program has received final approval from the Minnesota Judicial Council. That's the policy-making body of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This new drug court program represents a partnership between state, local and tribal governments aimed at reducing drug abuse throughout Monoman County and the greater White Earth Nation tribal lands. The program officially is called the White Earth Tribal in Monoman County Healing to Wellness Drug Court. It targets high-risk, high-need felony offenders whose substance abuse programs or problems caused or contributed to their current involvement with the criminal justice system. The ultimate goal is to address the underlying addiction that resulted in the offender's criminal offense and have them leave the program sober, law-abiding and with a stable living situation. The drug court convenes weekly but alternates hearing locations between the Monoman County Courthouse before Judge Rasmussen and the Becker County Courthouse before Judge DeGroot. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.