MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) – At 2 o’clock this past Wednesday afternoon (8/5/2026), folks gathered in front of the Rutherford County Recovery Court at 525 N. University St. to name the facility to honor Senior Judge Don R. Ash and Founding Director Mary C. Schneider, LAPSW, two people whose work didn’t just shape the program—they built its backbone. A new monument now stands proudly marking their legacy for anyone who walks through those doors.
During the ceremony, Ash reflected on 26 Years of change. He founded what was originally known as the Drug Court Program back in 2000. At that time Ash was the circuit court judge for the 16th Judicial District. What started as a bold idea—treatment instead of incarceration, accountability paired with compassion—has grown into one of Tennessee’s most respected recovery court models.
Judge Ash told WGNS, “I am truly honored. It is also so important we recognize the work of Mary as our first director. This community has been such a blessing to Rita and I. Special thanks to the staff of the recovery courts plus Mayor Carr and our county commission.”…