Winona County will begin its new drug court in October with or without full funding.

That's the word from County Administrator Duane Hebert who told a Winona Radio audience the county is awaiting word on a request for a grant for 136-thousand dollars.

The full program is expected to be funded through a three-year, 300-thousand dollar federal grant.

Hebert said the drug  court will be similar to the drug court in Wabasha County which hs been successful in assisting drug offenders in getting their lives straightened out.

The drug court will be used to divert drug offenders from the criminal justice system.....