Northern Division Court Convened at BHS

by Lisa Gallagher, Barnesville Area News

Photos by Macy Palmer, BHS Student

Barnesville juniors and seniors observed Belmont County Northern Division Common Pleas Court with Judge Adam Myser presiding on Monday, May 7, 2025. Holding court in our local high schools began with Judge Myser’s predecessor, Judge Frank Fregiato. When asked about becoming a judge, Judge Myser stated, “I thought it was a great opportunity to continue my legal career, but also to have the ability to impact the community, to be a part of the judicial process, obviously, but to also continue with some of the programming, like today, going and being an ambassador for the legal system.”

Students observed six cases during the morning docket, which focused on criminal misdemeanors. Probation Officer Chad Moore shared that high school students are learning about the government and the different branches in school. “The traveling court allows students to view how the government works and to see the court process,” Probation Officer Moore said.

After the court was adjourned, Judge Myser informed the students about the court’s general operations and gave the students five helpful tips to avoid being a defendant in his courtroom: 1) Do not drive a vehicle unless you have an authorized license, 2) Do not operate a vehicle while you are intoxicated, 3) Do not do drugs, 4) Do not take things that are not yours, and 5) Be Kind.

Judge Myser concluded, “Just make good choices, be kind to one another.” Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Norman added, “Drugs are getting substantially worse. Please take the judge’s advice and don’t do them.” Norman also stated that drug use can ruin your life and any future plans. Public Defender Bruce Clark shared his advice. “If you find yourself in court,” Clark said, “take responsibility for your poor choice, and make a bad situation better.” Judge Myser further explained that this is why the court asks for input from the State of Ohio, the defense, and the defendant. All of these factors allow the court to fashion an appropriate sanction that punishes the individual, protects the community, and serves as some rehabilitation, but a prohibition from future poor behavior.