Nov. 29, 2007 – Thirty-four Rotarians and guests were present for this program on the Drug Court program presented by the Honorable Judge Harold F. Woelfel, Jr. Judge Woelfel began his service on the bench in Snyder County in 1990.  He has seen a substantial increase in the amount of crime and in the amount of crime that occurs as the result of addition to alcohol and other drugs.  Currently, no options exist other than putting someone in jail at great annual expense, with little chance that that person will “reform.”  40 to 60 % of offenders repeat.  Statistics indicate that implementation of a “problem solving court” model, reduces recidivism to about 15%.  This model allows the defendant to choose to have case referred to drug court, and, if accepted, includes assessment, out patient rehab, meeting with a probation officer and/or counselor daily, appearing before the judge every two weeks.  “Creative discipline” is applied with the person receiving positive reinforcement if they are making good progress.  It is the goal to have the drug court up and running in Snyder/Union County by July 1.  John Bickhart introduced guest Joel Patch, a Susquehanna student, who is serving an internship with the Borough.