The Winona County Board formally accepted a 350-thousand dollar grant from the federal justice department to begin an adult drug court next month.
                   
The funds allow the county to operate the special court for adult drug offenders for three years.
  
County Attorney Karin Sonneman said the new program represents some lengthy preparations and will allow the
county to save money by giving offenders a chance to stay out of jail.

Commissioner Marcia Ward called for the program to become self sufficient after the three-year grant runs out.

The new program still needs the approval of the Minnesota Judical Council and that is expected later this month.....