The Columbia County Juvenile Justice Committee was formed in May of 1999 as a reaction to an increase in school violence.As a result of staff writing a grant to combat this increase in violence, the committee formed Columbia County Connects.After Columbia County Connects began, the Juvenile Justice Committee continued to meet and grow and agreed to maintain their affiliation with Columbia County Connects.
The Committee has a focus of changing policies and laws to create safer environments for youth through the reduction of underage drinking and drug use.
- Provide information on the legal aspects of the enforcement of underage drinking and other substance abuse laws
- Provide support for Teen Court restorative justice for first time offenses
- Support the STARS and BOYS groups
Members include: Jane Kohlwey; Columbia County District Attorney, Jay Yerges; Columbia County Sheriff's Department, Teresa Lutey; Columbia County Victim/Witness Protection, Bob Harm; Portage Community Schools Psychologist, Karen Nelson; UW-Extension, Wayne Edwards; Pardeeville Area Schools District Administrator, Michelle Cross, Barry Erath; Aspen Family Counseling, Dan George; Columbia County Judge, Mark Hahn; Portage Police Department, Patti Hardt; Columbia County Health & Human Services, Dr. Thomas Hayes; Pauquette Center for Mental Health, Brad Johnsrud; Fall River School District, Genevieve Kirchman; Columbia County Connects Advisor, Ron Knecht; Pauquette Center for Mental Health, Kathy Koenecke; Columbia County Health & Human Services, Craig McCallum; Poynette Schools, James Miller; Columbia County Judge, Bonny Oestreich; Portage Community Schools Nurse, Linda Pfeiffer; Pauquette Center for Mental Health, Mike Rufer; Columbus Police Department, Jenny Skadahl; Columbia County Health & Human Services, Melissa Simonson; Columbia County Health & Human Services, Anne Thompson; Lodi School District, Klaude Thompson; Portage Police Department, Dr. Douglas Varvil-Weld; Pauquette Center for Mental Health, Andy Voigt; City of Portage Attorney, Rick Zabriskie; Pauquette Center for Mental Health, and Meg McCullough; Community Advocacy/Teen Court Coordinator.
Some items the committee is working on is a uniform underage drinking policy and an education diversion class.
