A Walkerton woman was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court on Tuesday morning on a Level 5 Felony charge of attempted trafficking with an inmate.
Walkerton Woman Sentenced on Attempted Trafficking Charge
Knox Man Sentenced to Home Detention, Probation in Hearing
A Knox man was sentenced per the terms of a plea agreement in a hearing in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon.
Frank Matkovich admitted to Judge Kim Hall that he was driving under the influence of alcohol while his license was forfeited for life in the area of McGill and Washington Streets in Knox on July 18, 2017. He said a police officer recognized him behind the wheel of his vehicle knowing that he had a suspended driver’s license.
Two Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court on Drug Charges
Two defendants charged with a felony level of possession of methamphetamine were sentenced in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Debra Trusty, 46, pleaded guilty in a plea agreement with the prosecutor’s office to the charge. She admitted that she was in possession of the drug while in a police vehicle while enroute to the Starke County Jail on Dec. 5, 2015. Trusty’s attorney, Leslie Baker, explained that she successfully completed treatment and is gainfully employed. She is also attempting to make changes in her life to keep herself sober.
Races Set for May Primary
The races are set for May’s primary elections. In Starke County, one hotly-contested office is county clerk. Current auditor Kay Chaffins is challenging incumbent Vicki Cooley for the Democratic party nomination. The winner would presumably face Republican Bernadette Welter-Manuel in November’s general election.
Candidate Filings Continue as Deadline Approaches
The deadline is approaching for candidates to file to run in the May primary. Candidates have until Friday at noon to file their paperwork with the county clerk’s office.
Knox Mayor Names New Police Chief, City Attorney
The City of Knox has a new police chief. Mayor Dennis Estok last night appointed Harold Smith to that position. He replaces Clint Norem, who served under Mayor Rick Chambers. Continue reading
Trial Date Set for Accused Murderer
A trial date has been set in the case of a man who is accused of murdering his estranged wife.
Gary Chavez appeared for a status hearing in Starke Circuit Court on Monday afternoon with his attorneys, Leslie Baker and Dave Welter. Starke County Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff indicated that there were some discovery issues with several pieces of evidence. Dave Welter told the judge that some medical reports are also needed and Chavez may require another surgery.
