Bergman School District Superintendent Joe Couch pleaded guilty Thursday to driving while intoxicated in the Boone County District Court.
"I just wanted to go ahead and get it done and get that behind me and move forward," Couch said by phone Thursday.
Couch was scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 18 but requested to move his court date to Thursday, District Judge Fred Kirkpatrick said. Couch appeared in court and entered his plea.
Couch, 62, was arrested after a Boone County sheriff's deputy saw Couch's vehicle weaving in its lane and crossing the center line on U.S. 65, just south of Harrison, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy administered a sobriety test and a breath alcohol test that showed an estimated blood-alcohol concentration of 0.14, above the state limit of 0.08.
Couch was released Nov. 20 after posting a $970 bond.
On Thursday, Kirkpatrick assessed Couch $870 in court costs and fees, which was satisfied by the bond. Kirkpatrick said Couch would receive a refund for the balance.
Kirkpatrick also gave Couch a suspended jail sentence of one year and ordered Couch to attend a driving-while-intoxicated school scheduled for next week.
Kirkpatrick dismissed a charge of driving left of center.
The state Department of Finance and Administration also has suspended Couch's driver's license for six months.
The Bergman School Board put Couch on paid administrative leave with pay Nov. 20. The board voted Monday to reinstate him. Couch returned to work Tuesday.
-- Brenda Bernet
NW News on 12/05/2014