Witte Pleads Guilty To Second DUI

Wessington Springs School Superintendent Lance Witte has pleaded guilty to a second offense drunk driving charge. Witte made the plea during his initial appearance on the charges Wednesday mornng at the Hanson County Courthouse in Alexandra. Witte’s lawyer Doug Dailey of Mitchell asked that the 30-day intensive alcohol treatment program Witte took part in be counted as any possible jail time. Dailey also told Judge Sean O’Brien that Witte is Superintendent of a district that covers some 40 square miles and that he does extensive travel for work , requesting an expanded work permit to include all work related driving purposes. Dailey also said Witte is faced with possible losing his job over the two DUI’s and that the Wessington Springs School Board has agreed to keep Witte at least through his current contract, but that Witte has taken a pay cut. Witte has also spoken to the student body about what has happened. Witte spoke on his behalf saying he’s struggled with the disease of alcoholism and that it runs in his family. He said he though he could handle drink after being sober for eight years and was tyring to be too many things to too many people, saying he was trying to be perfect. He said quote “I was trying to be God, instead of looking up to one” end-quote. Witte said he has found support in a number of people in the Wessington Springs Community. O’Brien sentenced Witte to 90 days in jail of which 82 days were suspended. Witte must serve the remaining 8 days in jail on weekends, which must be completed by December 3rd. Witte paid 600 dollars in fines 84 dollars in court costs and 144 dollars for testings costs after the hearing. His license is revoked for a year, and must wear an alcohol detecting SCRAM bracelet. Witte must be a law abiding citizen for one year, will receive an expanded work permit for driving to school related functions and must continue attending AA meetings.