The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Special court aimed at families

Wed, Nov 25 2009

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Wendy Lowe (left), Michael Bakke (right) and their daughter, Morgan, celebrated Bakke’s graduation from Family Dependency Court this week. Bakke is the first to graduate from the new problem solving court, which started in October.
Dan Nienaber

Michael Bakke and his 8-year-old daughter, Morgan, left the Blue Earth County Justice Center after Bakke’s child in protective services case was officially closed this week. He once again has full custody of the girl.
Dan Nienaber

District Court Judge Kurt Johnson has been an avid supporter of problem solving court options. He congratulated Michael Bakke, the first graduate of Family Dependency Court.
Dan Nienaber

Special court aimed at families

First 'graduate' goes through Family Dependency Court.

By Dan Nienaber
Free Press Staff Writer

“It was every night that I had to baby-sit,” Lowe said. “He was passing out with lit cigarettes in his hand.

“Now he wouldn’t even think about taking a drink.”

John Forsyth, a friend who spoke on Bakke’s behalf during the graduation ceremony, said Bakke and Lowe have both changed since the children were taken away. He called the experience a “wake up call.”

“He wasn’t going to see it until something like this hit him upside the head,” Forsyth said. “He’s learning how to live now when, before, he wasn’t able to commit to not drinking.

“He wants it now. His kids are very important to him.”

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