Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin asked the county commissioners last week if a vehicle impound fee could be implemented.
Police Catch Burglary Suspects in Knox Middle School
One adult and two juveniles were taken into custody early Monday morning after they reportedly broke into the Knox Middle School.
Bass Lake Beach Erosion Prevention Project Underway
A project to reduce future erosion at the Bass Lake Beach is finally underway. During Tuesday’s Starke County Park Board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said that the delivery of glacial stone was set to begin yesterday. The goal is to protect the beach and patio from incoming waves.
Two Arrested on Drug Charges after Traffic Stop
Two people were arrested Thursday morning after an officer with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop.
Jury Returns Verdict in Zachary Christian Trial
Zachary Christian has been found guilty of domestic battery, but not the Level 6 felony charge of criminal confinement, according to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office. Christian was accused of hitting a woman, refusing to let her move from a couch, and trying to take her phone when she tried to call police, in an incident back in February.
Probation Compliance Check Leads to Arrest
A probation compliance check at a home in Starke County apparently revealed the presence of drugs.
Two Defendants Sentenced on Burglary, Theft Charges
A former Starke County resident who has been arrested at least 50 times was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court last week.
Two Sentenced for Failure to Pay Child Support
Two defendants were sentenced in Starke Circuit Court this week after they failed to pay child support.
The F.A.R.M Program at the Starke County Justice Center Continues to Grow!
The garden at the Starke County Justice Center has quadrupled in size compared to last year thanks to the dedicated efforts of jail staff and the trustees who participate in the Fostering a Recovery Mentality or F.A.R.M. Program. Continue reading
Goble, Stamper Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall accepted several negotiated plea agreement between the state and the defense during a hearing on Tuesday afternoon.
Jordan Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
A Winamac man was sentenced to probation in a plea and sentencing hearing Tuesday morning in Starke Circuit Court.
DEA Drug Take Back Event Set for Today
Jury Finds Jan Dollahan Jr. Guilty of Criminal Recklessness, Invasion of Privacy
Jan Dollahan Jr. has been found guilty of Criminal Recklessness and Invasion of Privacy, after neighbors say he shot multiple rounds at their property, in an incident in May of 2016. Starke County Prosecutor Nick Bourff says a jury took less than an hour to return the guilty verdicts in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday.
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 Arrested after Traffic Stop in Starke County
A traffic stop in the 2500 E. block of 150 S. in Knox resulted in two arrests late Thursday night.
North Judson Resident Arrested after Traffic Stop
A North Judson woman was arrested late Thursday night after a traffic stop in the area of State Road 39 and 50 E. in North Judson.
Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department pulled over the vehicle for an alleged speeding violation. Police say the two people in the vehicle switched spots when the deputy was approaching the vehicle.
Starke County Justice Center Garden Expands, Trustees Start Planting for the Season
The Starke County Justice Center gardening program continues to grow!
According to Therapeutic Community Coordinator and Jail Warden Phil Cherry, the garden has quadrupled in size since last year. Justice Center has received multiple awards for the garden and the program in the three years since it’s been implemented.
Despite the dreary weather Thursday morning, a handful of trustees were out planting some “cold weather” items such as onions and potatoes. Though only about 6 inmates were working on this task, Warden Cherry shared that anywhere from 30 to 40 individuals will eventually be involved. Continue reading
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.
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.
LaPorte Man Arrested after Police Pursuit in Starke County
A La Porte man remains in the Starke County Justice Center after a weekend police pursuit in Starke County.
Members of the Starke County Traffic Safety Partnership were conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, March 17, on U.S. 30 and 600 E. when the driver of an orange colored passenger car allegedly disregarded a stop sign at that intersection. The vehicle then traveled west on U.S. 30 at a high rate of speed.
