Douglas County to launch drug court program on Thursday

A new court focused on helping people overcome substance abuse is set to begin operating this week.

Douglas County will launch its drug court on Thursday by taking referrals for the program, county officials told the Journal-World on Monday. Shannon Bruegge, who will serve as the drug court’s probation officer, said she was excited to get to work to help local residents.

“It’s been the most rewarding for me to see entire families or an individual’s life change,” said Bruegge, who has worked in community corrections for about 25 years. “We hope to help a lot of folks find a different way to live life and live at their fullest potential possible.”