Vintage clock symbolizes journey for Drug, DWI participants
Posted 11/7/19
By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor As he was graduating from the DWI Court program, Philip Hauther had a surprise for those who helped steer him to a better life. Hauther presented team members …
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Vintage clock symbolizes journey for Drug, DWI participants
Posted
By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorAs he was graduating from the DWI Court program, Philip Hauther had a surprise for those who helped steer him to a better life.Hauther presented team members with a 1950s vintage clock which he says symbolizes the journey that participants go through in their fight against drug and alcohol addictions.“(The clock is) here because it got the proper care and maintenance,” Hauther said. “That is what we do for each other. We give each other maintenance to help each other get off our addictions. The clock also starts over each time the battery is changed. That is what everyone here does. They help us start a new life.”Last Thursday marked the start of a new chapter in Hauther’s recovery. A graduation ceremony was held to celebrate his completion of the DWI Court program. Convicted of drunk driving three times, Hauther has been sober since his last run-in with law enforcement.Hauther is thankful for the opportunity to enter the program and the support he received from family, friends and other participants.“The court is not an easy one,” he said. “If you follow it, it will help you learn and teach you things. In here it has taught me respect, honesty and discipline again.”The DWI Court program was implemented in 2008 in Warren County and mirrors the county’s drug court.The one main difference between the two programs is the DWI Court does not erase a person’s pervious convictions. Instead, participants must follow guidelines that will help them with their commitment to remain sober and avoid significant jail time.Some of the requirements of the minimum 18-month program include attending weekly court and counseling sessions, obeying a nightly curfew and performing community service. In addition, participants must submit to drug tests when requested and cannot leave the county without permission.“It was a way better path than what I was on,” Hauther said.Mike Wright was prosecutor the last time Hauther was convicted of driving drunk. Last week, Wright was the judge overseeing the graduation.“I was on both sides of the fence,” Wright commented. “You have done a wonderful job to find out who you are.”Hauther understands that challenges still lie ahead. He spent 10 years sober prior to his last conviction, but is not taking anything for granted.“My attitude is where it all starts,” Hauther said. “I need to keep a positive attitude and stay on my new path God has made for me.”
Phillip Hauther shows off a 1950s vintage clock, a gift he presented to DWI Court team members during his graduation last Thursday, Jan. 8. Hauther said the clock symbolizes the journey participants go through, a process that includes care and maintenance.Tim Schmidt photo.
