Community Court celebrates two new grads

EPHRATA — Two more Grant County residents have gotten back on track after a lot of hard work on their part with support from the Grant County Community Court program, overseen by District Court Judge Brian Gwinn. 

“We are super proud of you,” Gwinn told graduate Mikayla Miley. 

Miley was joined by Erin Schnebley in graduating from the Community Court program. Both had come to the courtroom with a variety of charges. Through their work with the court, Miley had her charges reduced while Schnebly had her charges dismissed. 

Miley’s court issues began with DUI charges prior to entering the program. However, after a great deal of effort to stay away from alcohol and hard work to meet the conditions imposed upon her by Gwinn and under recommendation from the prosecutor and caseworker, charges were downgraded to two counts of negligent driving. The maximum penalty for each charge was 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, Gwinn said. However, due to her dedication to the program, both penalties were suspended. Miley remains on unsupervised probation for a two-year sentence and must use an ignition interlock device if required by the Department of Licensing.  

Community Court Specialist Alma Farias said Miley flourished during the program, despite having initial misgivings. Hard work on Miley’s part, support from her mother and grandmother and a changing mindset were keys to Miley’s success.  

“She’s been through a lot,” Farias said to the room before turning to Miley. “And, I think you’re a great example to your siblings. And I’m excited for you to keep going and do big things.”  

Miley said she was especially grateful for Farias’s guidance and help as she navigated the program, and that she encouraged anyone eligible for Community Court to enroll in it and work hard. 

Schnebley agreed that the program was well worth the effort it took, despite hours of community service and other inconveniences. The program provides a way forward that’s productive for participants, she said.  

“They give us a solution,” she said. “They help us.”  

Schnebley also said it is a great deal of work for the participant, but it is worth it in the end. Her own charges were dismissed and now that she’s gotten sober and graduated from the program, she and other graduates of the program are going to form a support group. The idea is to keep moving forward with the foundation Community Court helped them develop while supporting those still working with the court.  

“I’ll deal with other alumni, and then we’ll work with Community Court hand-in-hand, and help other members that are coming up through it,” Schnebley said.  

Gwinn expressed appreciation for Schnebley’s willingness to head up the alumni support group for the court. He said she has already been a key player in supporting other Community Court participants, even while she was going through the process herself.  

“We’re really glad you wanted to be part of that and stepped up. You’ve been pivotal in helping a lot of the other members,” Gwinn told Schnebley. 

Due to her efforts, charges stemming from Schnebley’s May 12, 2023, arrest were dismissed at the prosecution’s recommendation. While she said that result was helped by Community Court staff and others, Schnebley said it also involved a great deal of work on her part, which was well worth it. 

“If you put the work in, you get the work out, and you have a great support system. And that’s what a lot of people just don’t have. It’s what they need. (Community Court) provided everything for me, and I’m forever grateful,” Schnebley said.  

    Erin Schnebley, left, and Mikayla Miley, right, graduated from the Grant County Community Court program after working hard to avoid alcohol and controlled substances and sticking to a court-supervised recovery program.
  

    Judge Brian Gwinn watches as Erin Schnebley and Mikayla Miley sign the Community Court graduation banner. Gwinn said he is proud of both women for their dedication to getting clean and helping others along the way.