MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Daniel O’Toole and Permanency awards, honoring efficient processing and caseload management, were presented to the 4th Judicial Circuit Friday afternoon at the Nodaway County Courthouse.

Missouri Supreme Court Judge Zel Fischer presented the honors to the circuit’s presiding judge, Roger Prokes. It marks the first time the circuit — which includes Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties — has won the O’Toole Award. This is the fourth time the circuit has won the Permanency Award.

The O’Toole Award was given to the circuit for efficient management and processing of cases during fiscal year 2009.

The Permanency Award is given for successfully holding timely hearings during the fiscal year in child abuse and neglect cases, in which children removed from their homes are to be reunited with their families or placed in other permanent homes as soon as possible.