ADDRESS: Carter County Courthouse 20 B Street SW Suite 101 Ardmore, OK 73401
PROGRAM SPONSOR:
Courthouse Open House!Chris Schroder, Executive Director of the Association of County Commissioners, was able to stop by today to view the Early Settlement Mediation – South Central office space in the Carter County Courthouse. Chris serves as a member of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board which provides guidance to the Director of the Courts and State Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution System in operating the Early Settlement Programs statewide. Chris is pictured with Jaxie Johnston, South Central Program Director.
The South Central program strives to provide conflict resolution services that are fair, effective, expeditious, and FREE of charge to the communities and courts of South Central Oklahoma.
Early Settlement-South Central Program News
Volunteer mediators from the South Central Program joined over a hundred other volunteers from all over the state at our Annual Volunteer Conference. It is a wonderful time for our volunteers to network and learn additional skills in mediating. Program Site Visit!Jaxie Johnston, Program Director, welcomed Phil Johnson, State Director for a site visit recently at the Early Settlement – South Central program office in the Carter County Courthouse.
Civic Club Presentation
Rotary Club!Jaxie Johnston, Program Director, had the opportunity to speak to the Rotary Club in Durant about the upcoming Basic Volunteer Mediator Training. The training is scheduled in Durant for December 11-12, 2026. Contact our office today for an application. (Pictured L to R are Jaxie and volunteer mediator and Rotarian, Theresa Hrncir.)
Court Improvement Conference
Court Improvement Conference! Directors from the Early Settlement Mediation regional programs recently staffed an information table with brochures at the Court Improvement Conference in Norman. The Early Settlement Mediation program provides FREE mediation services for child permanency cases when court ordered. Pictured L to R: Phil Johnson, State Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System & Jaxie Johnston, Director, South Central Program.
Carter County Courthouse Open House
Court Visitors! The Springer schools summer program visited the Carter County Courthouse recently. Pat Madden (Assistant District Attorney), Melanie Blackburn (Local Attorney), Jaxie Johnston (Early Settlement Mediation Director), Judge CarsonBrooks, and Renee Bryant (Court Clerk) spent the morning explaining each role they play on a daily basis at the courthouse. It was a great learning opportunity, and the children asked excellent questions!
Kiwanis Club Program Overview
The South Central Program Director, Jaxie Johnston, recently spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Ardmore about the Early Settlement Program. Jaxie shared that the South Central Program mediates over 300 cases in their area each year, and encouraged the group to consider becoming a volunteer mediator. Pictured from left is Brandon Naifeh, Kiwanis President; Jaxie Johnston, Early Settlement Director; and Craig Ladd, local attorney and Kiwanis member.
Volunteer of the Year! Tim Boatmun is the nominee for the South-Central Program. Tim has been a volunteer for the South Central program for the last four years. He is trained in basic and family mediation and currently resides in Durant, OK. Tim is an Adjunct Professor at Southeastem Oklahoma State University. He has spent many hours volunteering and giving back to his community over the years. Tim has volunteered for the Durant Trails and Open Spaces organization and Families Feeding Families.
“It is my honor to nominate Tim for this prestigious award.” Jaxie Johnston, Program Director, said.
