The pool of candidates interested in becoming Starke County’s next sheriff may shrink based on pending action by the county council to drastically reduce the pay for that position during the next term. Incumbent Sheriff Oscar Cowen earns $102,000 per year in salary plus proceeds from tax warrants, based on the terms of the contract he negotiated with the county. That can’t be changed, but state law does allow the county council to set the next sheriff’s compensation rate prior to the election. A law passed in 1993 requires the sheriff to earn at least 60-percent of what the prosecutor is paid, and that salary of roughly $125,000 is set by the state based on the county’s population. That means the next Starke County sheriff will be paid at least $75,000. Continue reading
Knox Man Jailed on Heroin Charge
A Starke County Community Corrections inmate faces new charges after he was reportedly found to be in possession of heroin during a recent compliance check. Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office accompanied corrections officials to check on Kurtis Singleton at a home northeast of Knox on Friday. They reportedly found heroin in his cigarette pack and arrested him for possession of heroin and maintaining a common nuisance. A female juvenile was also arrested.
Three Arrested on Meth Charges at Hamlet Motel
Law enforcement officers conducting a welfare check at a local motel arrested three people on a cache of drug charges. Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and officials from Starke County Community Correction went to the Stay 4 Less Motel on U.S. 30 in Hamlet yesterday to check on 57-year-old Michael Campbell of Knox. When they arrived, they reportedly saw occupants of room 4 run into a bathroom and hide. The officers found Brian Back, 28, and Monica Hunt, 26, both of Plymouth, hiding in the bathroom and reportedly saw several items used to make meth in plain view. They contacted Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall, who issued a search warrant for the room. Members of the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team assisted with the search, which reportedly turned up precursors, paraphernalia and meth. Back, Hunt and Campbell are jailed on charges of possession of meth, precursors and paraphernalia, manufacturing meth and maintaining a common nuisance. Formal charges are pending.
Meth Investigation Nets One Arrest
A Starke County man is jailed on meth charges after an investigation yesterday by deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. They found Henry Wood and his dog sitting in the passenger seat of a tan vehicle parked at 3131 South State Road 39 in North Judson. Wood consented to a search of the vehicle, and deputies reportedly found an inactive meth lab and other articles used in the manufacture of meth. Wood faces charges of dealing in methamphetamine. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called in to assist with the cleanup.
Oregon-Davis Schools On Lockdown Following Weekend Threat
A local school is on lockdown today after officials discovered some disturbing graffiti in a boys restroom over the weekend after a basketball game. Oregon-Davis Superintendent Dr. Steve Disney says school officials met yesterday with officials from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and are taking the incident very seriously. He says officers from the sheriff’s department are at the school and all students are remaining inside the building.
Disney says the campus will remain on lockdown throughout the day. He stresses that school officials cannot take any threats lightly in this day and age. Disney adds that he wants parents to be aware of what’s going on and says he understands if they want to keep their children home today. The graffiti incident remains under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. Stay tuned to WKVI throughout the day for more on this developing story.
Bond denied for murder suspect
A Starke County woman police say fatally shot her boyfriend in the chest at their rural Knox home last week remains in jail. Bond was denied for Kathleen Holt, 51. She reportedly called 911 after shooting Ron Worker on Feb.13 and confessed to the crime. Holt pleaded not guilty during her initial court appearance last Friday. She faces up to 55 years in prison if she’s convicted. Investigators with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office have yet to release a motive in the shooting. Holt’s trial is set to start May 22.
Bond denied for accused murder
A Starke County woman police say fatally shot her boyfriend in the chest at their rural Knox home last week remains in jail. Bond was denied for Kathleen Holt, 51, during a Monday court appearance. She reportedly called 911 after shooting Ron Worker on Feb.13 and confessed to the crime. Holt pleaded not guilty during her initial court appearance last Friday. She faces up to 55 years in prison if she’s convicted. Investigators with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office have yet to release a motive in the shooting. Holt’s trial is set to start May 22.
Police arrest Knox woman on murder charge
A Knox woman is jailed on a murder charge after reportedly shooting her boyfriend. Kathleen Holt, 51, shot the victim, Ron Worker, 46, also of Knox at a residence on CR 550 E. Near CR 200 S. in Knox around 3:30 p.m. Hold called 911 and told Starke County dispatchers she had just shot her boyfriend, according to police. Worker was was pronounced dead at IU Health Starke Hospital. An autopsy is scheduled later today. Holt’s bond hearing is set for 9 a.m. Friday. Police have recovered the weapon they believe was used in the shooting.
