Individuals involved in Starke County’s criminal Justice System will now have increased access to available treatment services and resources thanks to a $60,000 grant that was recently awarded by the Indiana Office of Court Services.
Continue readingKnox Man Sentenced to 25 Years on Child Molesting Charge
A Knox man pleaded guilty in a negotiated plea agreement on a Level 1 Felony charge of child molesting.
Continue readingJacob Decker Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
A plea agreement between the State of Indiana and the defense attorney for Jacob Decker was accepted by Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall Wednesday morning.
Continue readingStarke County Sheriff Updates Commissioners on CAD System
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin and IT Director Richard Franks are working on updating the Computer Aided Dispatch system.
Continue readingCounty Receives SHSP Grant to Help Fund CAD System
The Starke County Commissioners learned last week that the county is the recipient of a grant to help pay for a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
‘Hope Restored’ to Bring Sober Living Home into North Judson
Some inspirational individuals impacted by drug addiction came before the North Judson Town Council this week to discuss the steps they’re taking to bring a sober living home into the community.
A building at the corner of Sycamore and Lane Streets in North Judson is currently being transformed into the ‘Hope Restored’ rehabilitation center and living facility.
Recovered addict Zach Howisen shared that while he was incarcerated on drug-related charges, he felt compelled to change his ways and wanted to do something to give back to the community. Continue reading
Starke County Court Services Director Reports Smooth Transition, Following Merger
The process of merging Starke County Community Corrections with the County Probation Department has been a smooth one, so far. That’s according to Shawn Mattraw. He’s the director of the new entity, known as Starke County Court Services. “Some of the concern some folks have shared is they felt maybe the Probation side might be swallowed up by Community Corrections, that we just want to take over everything, and that’s not the intent,” he says. “The intent is we want to make sure that we can provide our probation officers more resources to do their job more effectively.”
Starke County Probation Department, Community Corrections Merge
The recent merger of Starke County Community Corrections with the County Probation Department will result in better services, as well as cost savings. That’s according to Shawn Mattraw. He’s the director of the new entity, known as Starke County Court Services. “Well, the big difference is that it’s going to [be] a cost savings,” he says, “The past structure, when we were separate entities, we had a director in Community Corrections and a chief probation officer. Those positions were funded pretty nicely. Now, those positions have been eliminated, and it’s just me.”
Starke County Court Services to Help Fund CAD System
The combined offices of the Starke County Probation Department and Starke County Community Corrections are helping to fund a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Probation Compliance Check Leads to Arrest
A probation compliance check at a home in Starke County apparently revealed the presence of drugs.
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.
Jason Cooke Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
Jason Cooke was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court Monday afternoon.
Cooke pleaded guilty in an amended plea agreement to count of robbery as a Level 2 felony. Cooke admitted to robbing Sescoe Wireman of Knox of money, prescription medication, an Indiana ID card, and multiple credit cards. Cooke hit Wireman during the robbery causing severe injury. Wireman was hospitalized and later died. The incident happened on or about Oct. 6, 2015, at Wireman’s home in the 100 block of East 500 South in Knox.
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.
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
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 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
Knox Woman Arrested on Meth Charge
A Knox woman faces drug charges following a Tuesday search of her residence by officers from the Starke County Major Crimes Unit and Starke County Probation Office. Continue reading
Starke, Pulaski Counties Join Juvenile Justice Initiative
Starke and Pulaski Counties will have more options for juvenile offenders thanks to an expanded state program. They are among 13 counties the state is adding to the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) this year. It seeks to improve outcomes for underage offenders while ensuring public safety. Continue reading
Child Molester Sentenced in Starke Circuit Court
A Knox man who admitted to molesting a 13-year-old boy in February at his Heaton Street home is heading to prison. Continue reading