Drug court graduate restores family ties, mentors others

John Larson is proof that it’s never too late to make a change.

He is the 112^th graduate of the Steele-Waseca Drug Court – and, at age 77, likely the oldest.

“John came to us a little different than some of the others in our program,” said Nicole Grams, coordinator of the drug court.

He was a high school graduate; he had a home and a career in farming. He also had a problem with alcohol.

“John was referred to our program on a felony DWI (case), which was his second one,” Grams said. “He told me he didn’t need this program; he declined it and was going to take his chances.”

The charge had a mandatory 36-month prison term pending, should Larson violate the terms of his probation.

“Several months down the road, John got another felony DWI,” Grams said. “He came into the program on that one. John chose to make some pretty big life changes, and we’ve been able to sit on the sidelines and listen to John, how happy he is, restoring relationships with family, spending quality time with family, continuing to work.”

Despite his success in drug court, Larson is still on probation and still at risk of going to prison if he were to go back to drinking and drinking and driving.

“What we know is that this program restores citizenship,” Grams told the friends and family gathered for the graduation. “If John wasn’t here today, in drug court, he would be serving a mandatory (prison term) of up to 48 months. So we know that by having him here, he’s continuing to be a contributing member of our community.”

Beyond that, she said, “we’ve gotten feedback that John has extended help in the recovery community, and he has mentored others. Not only has he received benefits from our recovery community, but he’s given back.”

Kate Hendrickson, a drug and alcohol counselor for South Central Human Relations Center, confirmed it.

“I often ask clients who they look up to, and multiple times, I heard your name,” she told Larson. “They say, ‘I want to be like John. He shares his wisdom, he’s a hard worker and he teaches everyone something,’ whether it’s about farming, about field conditions, or your sobriety.”

As of his graduation on Oct. 30, Larson had 572 days sober.

“You should be very proud to see all the people that came here today, and of yourself, John,” said Steele County Commissioner Rick Gnemi, who attends most drug court graduations. “I also give you total kudos, as far as your willingness to change your life, at your age – we’re close to the same age – so I really mean that.”

Gnemi was one of several people who spoke to and about Larson, including defense attorney Scott Cody.

“Maintaining sobriety isn’t easy,” he said. “Drug court is definitely not easy. These are hard things, and on top of it all, you’ve got the pressure of what’s hanging over your head if it doesn’t go the way you want it to go. It takes a lot of work and dedication, and it’s truly impressive you’ve made it all the way to this point.”

Steele County District Court Judge Joseph Bueltel also read a letter to Larson from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, congratulating him.

Mikayla Ebnet, also a drug and alcohol counselor for SCHRC, met Larson when he first entered drug court about 18 months ago.

“We worked together individually for about three months,” she said, “and it was an absolute blessing to work with you. I’m so proud of you, and I’m so thankful I get to be here today. I just want you to continue loving your family, continue the work of farming and continue being a support for everybody in this community.”

Several members of his family, as well as close friends, also spoke of their pride in his accomplishments; his daughter said it “has definitely been a life-changing occurrence for him. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but he’s a Larson; he’s stubborn, like the rest of us, and I’m just really proud of him.”

When it was his turn, Larson reluctantly spoke of his success.

“Before drug court, I didn’t spend a lot of time with family,” he said. “I spent a lot of time working, a lot of time drinking after work with friends. I didn’t take time to do things that I enjoy… I believe that drug court gave me what I needed to change my life.”

It became clear that Larson’s focus has changed; he spoke of his plans for the future, all of them full of family.

“He really does want to do the right thing,” Bueltel said, before presenting Larson with a plaque and a coin commemorating the event.

“Time and time again, you’ve talked about your family and friends, and what a positive influence that is for you,” Bueltel said.

“There are a lot of people your age who don’t work anymore,” he continued. “Retirement: ever heard of that? If somebody needs him for something, he’s willing to do it.”