Sunday, September 24 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Winona County Courthouse

171 W Third St, Winona, MN 55987

 

The Winona County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) in partnership with event sponsors – the Drug Court of Winona County, the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), the Winona County Attorney’s Crime Victim’s Services Office, Project FINE, and the Winona County Historical Society – invites community members and visitors to attend the Winona County Courthouse Open House.

This event will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Winona County Drug Court program and 10th anniversary of the Winona County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) existence.

The Courthouse Open House will feature many different activities:

• Drug Court session and individual graduation ceremony (1:00 pm)
• “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” mock trial performances illuminating the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors. The Mock trial features performances by actual criminal justice professionals, and visitors can volunteer to play parts. Everyone can decide the verdict! (11:30 am and 2:30 pm)
• A self guided tour of the Courthouse. Guidebooks will be available to help visitors navigate through various learning stations. 
• Spanish and Hmong interpreters will be available for assistance.

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Please email [email protected] or call 507-474-2727 with questions.

Spring and summer is an exciting time of year because of warmer weather, and the many high school prom and graduation parties. Alcohol also tends to become more accessible to students as drinking parties become more prevalent this time of year. Approximately 3 in 10 middle and high school students in Winona County felt there was slight or no risk in binge drinking once or twice per week (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). We want to help parents and students make healthy choices when facing risky situations involving alcohol or other drugs.

Parents Who Host, Lose the Most (PWH) is an awareness campaign that runs from April 11- June 11 to provide information on the health and legal risks of underage drinking. We encourage families to participate in our events [listed below], and utilize resources [listed below] to have conversations with their students about making healthy choices. Celebrating milestones is important this time of year, but not when it can cost you $3,000 in fines or a year in jail for allowing alcohol to minors.

PARENT SURVEY – Parents! We want to hear from you, please give us 5 minutes to respond to this survey and tell us what you think.

PARENT PLEDGE – Many parents wonder if their student will be safe at a friend’s house. Sign this pledge card online and receive a free yard sign to display so other parents know it will be safe.

ANONYMOUS TIPS – Parents and students can earn cash for providing anonymous tips online to the Winona Area Crime Stoppers.

Events:

APRIL 10 – COMMUNITY TALK EVENT – WINONA, MN

How can you have a safe party? Students and families are invited to participate in this campaign kick-off event and conversation about underage drinking. You will hear from a local mother who lost her son to an underage drinking party, and watch a skit performed by students to learn how to host a safe party. The event is taking place at the East Rec Center (210 Zumbro Street) in Winona, MN from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

MAY 4 & 5 – LAW DAY EVENT – WINONA, MN

Sixth graders in Winona County will participate in this half-day event at the Winona County Court House to visually learn about the criminal justice process. Students will receive a tour of the court house, and witness a mock trial involving students and an underage drinking party provided by an adult. Be sure to have a fun conversation with your student following the event as you both learn from each other.

MAY 5 – MOCK CRASH EVENT – LEWISTON, MN

Approximately 1 in 10 Eleventh graders in Winona County reported driving a motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). Alcohol, cell phones, food, and other passengers serve as distractions. Lewiston-Altura High School students are organizing a mock crash event before prom with a guest speaker from the Winona County Attorney’s Office to educate their peers. Families are encouraged to talk with their students after the event.

MAY 12 – MOCK CRASH EVENT – WINONA, MN

Approximately 1 in 10 Eleventh graders in Winona County reported driving a motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). W-Club student athletes are organizing a mock crash event and a victim-impact presentation right before prom for Winona area high school students. Seniors will experience a scripted mock crash event outdoors, and juniors will hear from a victim-impact presentation in the auditorium during the first hour of school. Parents are encouraged to talk with their students after the events.

JUNE – STICKER SHOCK OPERATION – WINONA & LEWISTON, MN

During the month of June, high school students in Winona and Lewiston will cover countless cases of beer with thousands of campaign stickers. These students want to remind young adults and parents not to supply alcohol to young people because an individual can face up to $3,000 in fines or a year in jail for providing alcohol.

We thank the following retailers for their support in the past:

• Third Street Liquor
• Warehouse Liquor
• HyVee Wine & Spirits
• Fifth Street Liquor
• Midtown Wine & Spirits

Resources:

• Know the facts
• Party tips
• List of things to do
• Truth about underage drinking

Proclamations (2016):

• City of Winona – Mayor Mark Peterson
• City of Goodview – Mayor Steve Baumgart
• Winona County – County Commissioner Marie Kovecsi

Press (2016):

• “Celebrating teens safely: Winona County ASAP warns against underage drinking” (Winona Daily News, May 2016)

• “What are you serving at your kid’s graduation?” (Winona Post, May 2016)

• “Think before you let teens drink” (Winona Post, June 2016)

• “Sudden death leaves nothing but questions: Winona-area woman continues to share story on dangers of teen drinking” (Winona Daily News, June 2016)

We strive to equip our members and partner organizations in doing great work that positively impacts local communities by practicing “cultural humility”. This is described as the life-long process of enhancing self-awareness and respect for differences so individuals can develop mutually beneficial partnerships with everyone. We organized training workshops on this subject, and continually seek ways to be more inclusive and equitable. Our partners include Winona State University, Winona Senior High School, Winona Area Public Schools Diversity-Equity Committee, and guest presenter Earl Greene.

Past events

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 workshops at the Tau Rotunda and Winona Senior High School

95 people attended one of the “Cultural Humility” workshops for the first time to hear Earl Greene present on cultural humility. He provided numerous analogies to explain the lifelong process of engaging in self-evaluation and how to relate effectively with cultures other than our own.

Download Earl Greene’s PowerPoint presentation

A handful of students will be selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Initiative in Atlanta, GA at the Marriott Marquis from July 23-27, 2017. This summer trip is a great opportunity for students to have fun meeting new people, develop their leadership abilities, and gain volunteer experience with a purpose.

What is the National Youth Leadership Initiative (NYLI)?

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) national organization hosts this leadership training twice a year for hundreds of students across the country to gain the knowledge and skills to become young leaders who can impact their communities. They will learn what true leaders are, and how to effectively respond to a community problem using 7 environmental strategies.

Click or tap here to view the official event webpage

Who can attend the NYLI?

Any high school student who displays a desire to positively impact their community. Freshmen and Sophomores are strongly encouraged to apply.

How much is the entire trip?

The total cost of the trip per student is $99. This includes transportation, lodging, and meals. Any additional expenses such as souvenirs and snacks are the student’s responsibility. Winona County ASAP is paying for majority of the necessary expenses.

Application process:

1. Deadline to apply is May 26
2. Apply Here

 

Students will travel with Program Coordinator, Phil Huerta. Please email [email protected] or call 507-474-ASAP with any questions.