BOONEVILLE - Mississippi's newest drug court, the 1st Judicial District's court based in Booneville, joined with similar programs around the nation in celebrating National Drug Court Day on Friday.

Circuit Judge Jim Pounds opened his regular drug court session with a special presentation in honor of the occasion.

"Nationwide graduations are being held today, but our year-old court is not ready for that yet," Pounds said. "We're celebrating the success rate of these courts in helping people recover from drug addiction."

The Prentiss County Bar Association made a donation of $500 and some books to the court in memory of Matthew Hatcher, the late son of Chancery Judge John Hatcher.

"Matthew Hatcher had problems in his life like you," said Booneville attorney Thomas Comer in making the presentation.

Part of Matthew Hatcher's legacy, Comer told drug court participants, will be the benefit they get from the money and the books. Matthew Hatcher died last year from injuries suffered in an auto accident, but also had been treated for drug problems.

"My wife Kathy and I appreciate the labor of love by all who work with this program," Judge John Hatcher said. "We want you to fully succeed in what you're trying to accomplish."

The drug court seeks to "reduce the impact of drug-related crime on the community" by helping to rehabilitate substance abuse offenders. Referrals to the court may be made from any of the seven counties in the 1st Judicial District - Alcorn, Tishomingo, Prentiss, Pontotoc, Lee, Itawamba or Monroe.

Contact Lena Mitchell at 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.