My name is Jared Hogue, the same name that appeared in the paper many times for meth arrests to high speed chases. I just wanted to say thank you to Judge Daniel Petre for allowing me the treatment that I needed to turn my life around.

This is the reason I’m writing this letter. People believe that if a person is addicted to drugs, we should lock them up and throw away the key. I don’t believe in this.

I was in prison twice before in my life for things I had done while under the influence of meth. The only thing it did for me was teach me how to be a criminal.

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Then in 2006, after a slew of felony charges, I was given the chance to go to a serious rehabilitation program. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I planted my feet and said, “I can beat this disease.”

Now, almost seven years later, I’m still drug free. This program gave me the opportunity to build a life for myself after the wreckage I had created.

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I now have a good career doing something I love. I won custody of my daughter after a year-long process through the courts. I have a wonderful woman in my life now. I love life.

Addiction is a disease, and it’s treatable. Addicts do things they would never do sober when they are under the influence of drugs. But rehab doesn’t come easily. It’s a hard, long process, and the addict has to be willing to make a change.

Thanks to an awesome attorney and Judge Petre, and even the district attorney, I was given an opportunity that changed my life forever. Change is possible with the right intervention.

So as I sit here after a night shift at work, thanking God for the life I am able to live, I was reflecting on addicts and treatment. We need more long-term treatment for addicts.

Thank you, Judge Petre, I am forever indebted to you for your wisdom.

Jared Hogue

Aurora

Thank you to the Post Independent for its all-inclusive-coverage of high school wrestling at the Region 1 qualifications in Montrose, leading up to the state tournament in Denver.

Parachute’s only delivered newspaper provided minimal coverage of our area schools because of its inclination to feature far West Slope area teams. The Post Independent’s Sunday, Feb. 12, edition, which is easily accessed on the Internet, contained a detailed summary of the success of our Team Grand Valley.

The Grand Valley High School recognition with our six qualifiers was on a par with the paper’s coverage of Rifle with its nine qualifiers and Coal Ridge with its two in the finals next weekend. It is great for the wrestlers and their coaches to get name recognition and plaudits for their achievements.

Sports Editor Jeff Caspersen’s article named names with listed weight classes and contained meaningful quotes by the coaches for all the participants.

As an “old man wrestling fan,” I simply want to express my best wishes to all these accomplished and talented young men who have achieved their goals in reaching the finals.

I will look forward to the Post Independent’s coverage of this event.

Go Bears and Titans, but especially – go Team Grand Valley!

Richard Doran

Parachute