A former Starke County elected official was sentenced Tuesday on charges of Invasion of Privacy.
Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman was serving as a special prosecutor in the case. He says the incident occurred in March of this year after former Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen allegedly traveled to his former wife’s workplace in Hamlet. The action violated a previously authorized protective order.
Jennifer Davis has presided over her final meeting as president of the Starke County Commissioners. Instead of seeking reelection to that body, Davis opted instead to run for a seat on the Starke County Council.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve,” Davis said at the conclusion of Monday’s county commissioners meeting. Democrat Don Binkley is taking her place.
Davis attended yesterday’s reception at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department in honor of Sheriff Oscar Cowen. He’s held that office for eight years and is stepping down due to term limits. Democrat Bill Dulin will take over as sheriff in January.
Bridgett Markin of First Source Insurance and Sheriff Oscar Cowen came before the Starke County Commissioners yesterday to present an inmate catastrophic insurance proposal. By not having such a policy, the county was responsible for all catastrophic expenses incurred by inmates while incarcerated.
The policy selected came with $250,000 maximum coverage and $10,000 deductible. Sheriff Cowen said that many Indiana counties have this type of policy.
In the end, the commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the policy that costs $17,500 annually.
Tony Kerby lost his life in the Yellow River attempting to save his younger brother’s life. The good looking boy went in the treacherous waters to save his 8-year-old brother Dominick when the youngster slipped off a rock. Dominick was saved when a person in the park pulled him to safety, but Tony could not swim to the banks.
Community members were so saddened by the death that a cross was put at the site to honor his efforts and his life. The memorial was created by Shelby Clemons of North Judson, his wife, Danielle, and Misty Baldridge of Knox.
The Starke County Democrat swearing in ceremony was held Thursday night at the Knox Community Center. Former Starke County Circuit Court Judge Marvin McLaughlin swore in the various county and township elected officials. Following the event, friends and family of the candidates enjoyed refreshments.
It was the primary election of 2010 and the Starke County Sheriff’s race was one talked about by citizens around the County. Of course, Sheriff’s races always create interest, but this one was different. Deputy Bill Dulin came out early with signs, a sure sign that this was to be a serious effort. Even though Dulin worked hard during the campaign the political pundits game him little hope of upsetting incumbent Oscar Cowen. On Election Day itself, most predicted a sizable win by Cowen.
