District Judge Daniel Creitz came before county commissioners Tuesday to request funds for the drug court commencing in 2013. IOLA CITY ADMINISTRATOR Carl Slaugh proposed a tentative date for a follow-up joint meeting between the city of Iola and Allen County, regarding a merger of EMS services.
Creitz said the funds would be distributed through the program to pay for transportation and drug testing for people involved. He said the coordinators of the program will be conducting routine and random drug tests at the defendants’ homes.
The city of Chanute has in mind giving $2,000 to the program, Creitz said. The Iola Police Department also wants to contribute, he said. Allen County Sheriff Tom Williams said he has been approaching local businesses in order to receive funds from private donors.
“I have been going everywhere to find funds,” Williams said.
Commissioner Dick Works said the county has money available in the budget, under “alcohol and drug program funds.”
Commissioners Robert Francis and Works said they would take a closer look at the amount of money in the budget, and consult with Commissioner Gary McIntosh, who was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.
Creitz said the program works with drug offenders under heavy surveillance to reduce the amount of repeat drug offenses in the district.
Commissioners agreed on Feb. 4 for the meeting. Slaugh said he hopes to arrange Creitz Hall in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center for the meeting, as well as Fred Heismeyer as the mediator once again. He said he will get approval from the Iola city council before confirming the meeting.
By February, Jim Talkington and Williams will be serving as county commissioners, replacing Francis and McIntosh.
Creitz seeks funds for drug court
