Two Starke County Community Corrections employees will now have access to a debit card for specific purchases.
Starke County Council, Commissioners to Meet Tonight
The Starke County Council members will meet tonight to consider several items.
Credit Card Requested for Starke County Community Corrections
Costs for incentive picnics and other travel expenses for training and conference purchases through Starke County Community Corrections are asked to be put on a credit card instead of staff members using their own money upfront and then later be reimbursed.
Starke County Commissioners, Council Discuss Jail CAD System
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin shared information with the Starke County Council and Starke County Commissioners Monday night about the need for a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for emergency services.
Mattraw Named New Chief Probation Officer, Arrests Made in Recent Compliance Check
Starke County Community Corrections Director Retiring
The Director of Starke County Community Corrections for the past nine years is entering retirement after Friday, April 6.
Robert Hinojosa has spent the past 30 years in community corrections with the majority of his experience in Lake County. He says Starke County has grown in the past nine years with communication between departments.
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.
Four Women Graduate Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program
Four women received their certificate of completion of the Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program at the Starke County Justice Center.
The inmates took part in the 14-week program provided by officials from Porter-Starke Services. The program focused on overcoming addictions while rethinking behaviors and life choices. Participants develop skills to manage stress, anger, cravings, triggers, critical thinking and decision making. The program was facilitated by Chemical Dependency and Addictions Therapist Leo Smith who has 27 years of experience in the field working in corrections, outpatient, residential and detoxification.
Inmates Graduate from Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program
Eight inmates from the Starke County Justice Center are now graduates of the Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program.
The program allowed inmates the opportunity to obtain counseling services and substance abuse education while incarcerated in the Starke County Justice Center. It was a 14-week treatment program facilitated by Porter-Starke Services and led by Chemical Dependency and Addictions Therapist Leo Smith. Therapists assisted inmates in restructuring behaviors and thoughts in addiction remediation. Skills taught included the management of stress, anger, cravings, triggers, critical reasoning and decision making.
Starke County Community Corrections, Probation, Sheriff Asks for Letter of Support
The Starke County Community Corrections, in partnership with the Starke County Probation Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, are working to submit a grant request for programs and funding.
Community Corrections Director Robert Hinojosa said this is the ninth year of requesting funding for community corrections and the second year for jail treatment programs and pretrial funding.
Nine Inmates Complete Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program
Nine Starke County Justice Center inmates recently graduated from a Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program.
The program focuses on addiction thought processes and criminal behavior. The inmates learn how to overcome their addiction while restructuring thoughts and behavior.
Porter-Starke Services therapists dedicate time to help the inmates conquer the program. Inmates focus on self awareness and self improvement in treatment sessions over a period of 14 weeks. Inmates develop skills to manage stress, anger, cravings and appropriate ways to respond to triggers. Critical reasoning and decision making skills are also taught in these courses. Continue reading
SCCF Grants Awarded Year-Round, Funds Still Available for Interested Non-Profits
This year the Starke County Community Foundation eliminated deadlines for their grant applications which allows them to accept applications and award grants all throughout the year. Nearly $23,000 of community grant money remains available to Starke County non-profits who submit grant applications to the SCCF.
So far this year, the SCCF has awarded more than $284,000, with around $12,000 going toward community grants. The foundation is looking to award the remaining $22,900 by the end of 2017. Continue reading
Starke Council Proposes Annex 2 Utility Split
The Starke County Council has come up with a proposal to pay for utilities at the former jail. Now known as Annex 2, it houses the probation and health departments, Starke County Community Corrections and Purdue Extension. Continue reading
Judge Lowers Bond for Augusta Hadden, Imposes Conditions on Potential Release
The woman charged in connection with last month’s murder of a Knox man may soon be out of jail on bond, but she will still be subject to strict restrictions. Augusta Hadden, 39, is charged with the level 5 felony offense of assisting a criminal. Court documents indicate she threw a cell phone out of a truck driven by murder suspect Edward Blackburn after he fatally shot Cord Colgrove at a rural North Judson residence on March 3rd. Continue reading
Open House Showcases Starke County Building Renovations
Visitors to the Starke County Courthouse will notice some major changes thanks to recent building renovations. Public access is now limited to the west entrance, which faces the Knox Moose Lodge. It is fully handicap accessible. All visitors will be greeted by a uniformed security officer and asked to pass through a metal detector. Anyone in possession of a weapon will be asked to return it to their vehicle before entering the building. Continue reading
Renovated Courthouse, Former Jail to Be Dedicated Today
Starke County residents will have a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the recently renovated former jail and courthouse during a program today. The facilities will be dedicated during an 11 a.m. ceremony on the courthouse lawn. Afterward tours of both buildings will be offered. Continue reading
Starke Commissioners to Discuss Community Corrections Lease
The Starke County Commissioners have a light agenda for their meeting this evening. It begins an hour earlier than usual, with a 5 p.m. scheduled start at the annex building. Continue reading
Starke County Jail Adds Additional Inmate Drug Treatment Program
Starke County Jail inmates who are awaiting trial on drug offenses now have access to a treatment program. It launched last week and is led by Porter-Starke Services substance abuse counselor Leo Smith. Sheriff Bill Dulin says it’s separate from the Department of Corrections Therapeutic Community. Continue reading
Starke County Jail to Offer Drug Treatment for Local Inmates
Starke County Jail inmates who are awaiting sentencing will soon have access to voluntary substance abuse treatment while they are locked up. The county recently got a grant from the Indiana Department of Correction to add a local program. Continue reading
Courthouse Renovation Plans, Costs on Starke County Commissioners Agenda
The Starke County Commissioners will have a better idea of the scope of renovations to two county buildings after their meeting tonight. Representatives from architectural firm DLZ and contractor Skillman Corporation will share final design plans for the revamped courthouse and renovated former jail. They will also provide a breakdown of costs for the work. Continue reading
