Watertown doctor to present her story of addiction and recovery in Lake County in October

An eye doctor from Watertown who spent time in jail because of her addiction to opioids will bring her story of addiction and hope to Lake County students and community members in October. Dr. Melanie Weiss started taking prescription pain medication after having three surgeries from 2007 to 2010 and her addiction grew from there until she was arrested in 2016 after going into someone’s home and stealing medication.

Lake County Sheriff Tim Walburg said that Weiss did a presentation on her story at a convention in Deadwood this past spring, and he thought that it would be a good message for Lake County middle and high school students and community members.

Walburg said that on Wednesday, October 9th, Weiss will talk with middle and high school students at Oldham-Ramona and Rutland, as well as Chester and Madison. On the evening of the 9th, Weiss will tell her story of addiction and recovery to the Madison area community at Madison High School starting at 6:30 p.m.

Walburg said there are a number of different addictions that Lake County residents are dealing with and he hopes that her message will help some of them.

Walburg said that along with the Sheriff’s Office and the Madison Police Department, Weiss’ presentation is also being sponsored by Madison businesses Classic Corner, Dairy Queen, and Great Western Bank. He said he hopes that Dr. Weiss’ message will hit home for addicts and their families.