Volunteer news from around the state

The first CASA graduate class for the 20th Judicial District was sworn in recently. The class includes, front row, from left - Carol Banghart, Bernie Beighle, Cary Blacker, Joe Blacker and Loretta Jepson; back row from left - board member Lee Manning, judicial assistant Rose Bridenstine, Pat DeVries, Dick Banghart, Dick Beighle, Joan Platko, program director Kim Leibenguth, Lou Jepson and Jolene Frey. Judges C.B. McNeil and Kim Christopher stand in the back.

20th Judicial District Graduates First CASA Class

Lake County CASA swore in 11 volunteers, including several couples, in late October in the first CASA training class. CASA volunteers must complete 30 hours of training before taking a case.

Judge McNeil (L) and new CASA Dick Banghart (R) were college classmates

Judge C.B. McNeil, left, and new CASA volunteer Dick Banghart were college classmates.

The fall class of volunteers for the CASA/CAN program in Great Falls were sworn in Oct. 26, 2004.

The fall class of volunteers for the CASA/CAN program in Great Falls was sworn in Oct. 26, 2004. Seated left to right: Patty Bimler, Clara Noble, Diane Knorr and Lauren Fleming. Second row: Jenny Yoneji, Dawn Goulet, Theresa Bates, Lorna Kennedy, Debbie McLaughlin and Shelley Evans. Last row: Bill Wiseman, Mike Preciado (Board member and experienced guardian), Judge Dirk Sandefur, Deputy County Attorney Matt Robertson and Ernie Wallen.

Gail Rossmiller, a CASA/CAN volunteer in Great Falls, was awarded the volunteer recognition award from KFBB television in October.

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