Bickel honored as outstanding Missourian by the Missouri House of Representatives

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Presiding Circuit Judge James Bickel, 28th Circuit Court, was recently honored by the Missouri House of Representatives for his service in and beyond his judicial duties.

By Laurie Wade

Nevada Herald

Circuit Judge Jim Bickel was recently honored as an "outstanding Missourian" by members of the Missouri House of Representatives.

House resolution 2069, presented to Bickel by House speaker Rod Jetton and freshman State Representative Barney Fisher, salutes the judge for leadership activities with the Nevada Rotary Club and the Elks Lodge, the VFW, the Nevada Optimist Club, the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce, Nevada's United Methodist Church and the Dr. Vern T. Bickel Medical Scholarship Fund.

"It was a great honor." Bickel said. "I was surprised when Barney Fisher mentioned that he needed me to come to Jefferson City. I think it's in large part due to the work with the drug courts we're doing."

In Vernon County, the Drug Court began in 2001 and is modeled after the first nationwide program and is successful in rehabilitating those involved with drug-related crimes by offering participants a chance to have their case dismissed after successful completion of the intensive program.

The program has garnered tremendous support from the community. Medical professionals have reduced rates for participants screenings and evaluations. Others have also helped with housing and employment as well and employers know that Drug Court participants will be closely supervised.

Bickel was also named Citizen of the Year by the Nevada Rotary Club in February of 2005, another honor he is particularly proud of for his service in and beyond the judicial branch.

"My recent selection from the Rotary club as Citizen of the Year was a tremendous honor." Bickel said.

When Bickel received his Citizen of the Year award, Rotary President Corey Johnson said, "Everyone in here will be better people because this man is in our town."

Bickel was accompanied at the state capitol to receive his "outstanding Missourian" award by his wife, Sherri, his sons Barry and Trent and several friends, including those which he shares office space with in the Vernon County Courthouse.

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I have had the pleasure of knowing Judge Bickel now for several years, unfortunately from the wrong side of the law. It wasnt until my last charge that I really began to understand and know him as a person. Most of my life had been made up of drinking and not feeling any emotions. My last charge of dwi changed my life forever. I had heard of a new program in vernon county called adult drug court. A chance to live a better life alchol and drug free. My couenselor J B had pleaded and got me into the program and for the next 22 mo would be the beginning of a new life for me. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for judge bickel and the entire drug court committee for their tiredless efforts and dedication to such a wonderful program and a great deal of respect for judge bickel. I have been sober now for several years and have recently got married to the sweetest and most beautiful woman and this would not have been possible without participating in the adult drug court program.

-- Posted by carlcarpenter58@yahoo.com on Thu, May 28, 2009, at 8:18 AM

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