Posted on December 13, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
A Starke County Community Corrections officer was honored with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department Life Saving Award Thursday morning.
Officer Alyssa Cook was presented with an award and a life saving insignia for helping to resuscitate an inmate in the jail following a reported overdose.
Jail Warden Phill Cherry said Cook and three officers took quick action.
“We had a male and female arrested on September 28th and they came in around 9 a.m., ate their lunch, and then at about 1:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. the female started showing signs of distress. Jail officers moved her out of the holding cell. Miss Cook was here interviewing somebody for Community Corrections and they started doing CPR. They hit her with, I believe, four shots of NARCAN. By then, she came around, the ambulance came and she was taken to the hospital. The four of them really did a great job.”
In a brief ceremony Thursday morning at the Starke County Justice Center, Jail Commander Nathan Caudill recounted Cook’s heroic actions and presented her with the award.
“Miss Cook, here’s the Life Saving Award along with the Life Saving Pin. We at the Sheriff’s Department appreciate your actions,” announced Caudill.
Cook was surrounded by her colleagues as she was honored for this action. The other three officers who were involved in the effort will be honored tomorrow evening during the staff’s holiday gathering.
Showing posts with label Starke County Sheriff's Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Sheriff's Department. Show all posts
Friday, December 14, 2018
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Starke County Sheriff’s Department Fundraiser Helps Pay Off Negative Lunch Accounts at Local Schools
Posted on December 5, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County elementary school students in need of some financial assistance recently benefited from a fundraising effort through the Sheriff’s Department.
Last month, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department participated in “No Shave November.” Staff members were permitted to grow out their facial hair and residents were able to make donations essentially “sponsoring” an officers’ beard and mustache.
The purpose of the fundraiser was to gather some money to help pay off negative lunch accounts at the Oregon-Davis, Knox and North Judson-San Pierre Elementary Schools. Sheriff Bill Dulin said no child should go hungry just because of their economic status.
The Department managed to raise a total of $900 and donated $300 to each school district.
On their Facebook Page, Starke County Sheriff’s Department officials publically thanked everyone in the community for their donations to this often overlooked cause. They noted that the smiles on the faces of the kids was worth it all.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County elementary school students in need of some financial assistance recently benefited from a fundraising effort through the Sheriff’s Department.
Last month, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department participated in “No Shave November.” Staff members were permitted to grow out their facial hair and residents were able to make donations essentially “sponsoring” an officers’ beard and mustache.
The purpose of the fundraiser was to gather some money to help pay off negative lunch accounts at the Oregon-Davis, Knox and North Judson-San Pierre Elementary Schools. Sheriff Bill Dulin said no child should go hungry just because of their economic status.
The Department managed to raise a total of $900 and donated $300 to each school district.
On their Facebook Page, Starke County Sheriff’s Department officials publically thanked everyone in the community for their donations to this often overlooked cause. They noted that the smiles on the faces of the kids was worth it all.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Koontz Lake Gas Station
Posted on December 4, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an armed robbery at the Marathon Gas Station at Koontz Lake.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin says around 7:30 p.m. CT on Monday, Dec. 3 an off-duty officer responded to the scene after hearing radio traffic of the incident occurring. The officer was able to get to the gas station within two minutes with an officer from the Walkerton Police Department.
The scene was secured and additional officers from Starke County, Knox, Hamlet, Walkerton, Marshall County and DNR established a perimeter in the area and used four K9 officers to aid in the search.
Police were looking for several armed subjects who reportedly entered the gas station wearing masks and bullet proof vests. Police say numerous shots were fired, but no injuries were reported. Investigators believe the suspects left the store into a wooded area. They reportedly left behind some cash and latex gloves at the scene.
The Indiana State Police Crime Scene Technicians were brought in to help process the scene.
If anyone has any information that could lead to the arrest of the armed robbers, call the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an armed robbery at the Marathon Gas Station at Koontz Lake.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin says around 7:30 p.m. CT on Monday, Dec. 3 an off-duty officer responded to the scene after hearing radio traffic of the incident occurring. The officer was able to get to the gas station within two minutes with an officer from the Walkerton Police Department.
The scene was secured and additional officers from Starke County, Knox, Hamlet, Walkerton, Marshall County and DNR established a perimeter in the area and used four K9 officers to aid in the search.
Police were looking for several armed subjects who reportedly entered the gas station wearing masks and bullet proof vests. Police say numerous shots were fired, but no injuries were reported. Investigators believe the suspects left the store into a wooded area. They reportedly left behind some cash and latex gloves at the scene.
The Indiana State Police Crime Scene Technicians were brought in to help process the scene.
If anyone has any information that could lead to the arrest of the armed robbers, call the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Navy Veteran Joins Sheriff’s Department as Officials Deliver Wreaths to Starke County Cemeteries
Posted on November 10, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Navy Veteran Charles “Chuck” Johnson accompanied officials from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department Friday morning as they placed wreaths on the entrances of local cemeteries to commemorate service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Johnson is one of two remaining WWII Veterans at the V.F.W Post 748 in Knox where serves as the Chaplain. He is actively involved with the alumni association for the USS Colorado BB-45, which is the ship he served on. Chuck shared that he enlisted at 17 and turned 18 aboard the ship. He was in the service from September of 1943 until March of 1946.
Once he left the military, Chuck went onto work as a railroad engineer for more than 40 years. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday and mentioned that one of his favorite pastimes is line dancing, which is how he met his wife Sandy.
Mr. Johnson noted that bringing the wreaths to the cemeteries was a great way to show respect for the veterans who sacrificed it all for this country.
The wreaths were delivered to cemeteries all over the county. The officials behind the initiative were Sheriff Bill Dulin, Justice Center Warden Phill Cherry, Jail Commander Nathan Caudill, Maintenance Director Tony Mildice and Chief Detective Adam Gray.
The Veterans Day wreaths were created by trustees in the Justice Center Fostering A Recovery Mentality (F.A.R.M.) Program.
They utilized branches and pine cones from the trees that line the property at the facility. The flags that were affixed in the center of the wreaths were donated by the Knox V.F.W and American Legions.
Jail Commander Caudill said the inmates were shown an online tutorial about how to properly fold the flags and they spent a great deal of time carefully folding each and every one.
Sheriff Dulin shared that the flags will be collected and retired by the Knox V.F.W. after they’ve been displayed.
One of the trustees commented that the wreath project is a good extension of the F.A.R.M program since colder temperatures limit what they can do with gardening.
Another individual mentioned that he was really grateful for this opportunity to show gratitude to those who served.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Navy Veteran Charles “Chuck” Johnson accompanied officials from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department Friday morning as they placed wreaths on the entrances of local cemeteries to commemorate service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Johnson is one of two remaining WWII Veterans at the V.F.W Post 748 in Knox where serves as the Chaplain. He is actively involved with the alumni association for the USS Colorado BB-45, which is the ship he served on. Chuck shared that he enlisted at 17 and turned 18 aboard the ship. He was in the service from September of 1943 until March of 1946.
Once he left the military, Chuck went onto work as a railroad engineer for more than 40 years. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday and mentioned that one of his favorite pastimes is line dancing, which is how he met his wife Sandy.
Mr. Johnson noted that bringing the wreaths to the cemeteries was a great way to show respect for the veterans who sacrificed it all for this country.
The wreaths were delivered to cemeteries all over the county. The officials behind the initiative were Sheriff Bill Dulin, Justice Center Warden Phill Cherry, Jail Commander Nathan Caudill, Maintenance Director Tony Mildice and Chief Detective Adam Gray.
The Veterans Day wreaths were created by trustees in the Justice Center Fostering A Recovery Mentality (F.A.R.M.) Program.
They utilized branches and pine cones from the trees that line the property at the facility. The flags that were affixed in the center of the wreaths were donated by the Knox V.F.W and American Legions.
Jail Commander Caudill said the inmates were shown an online tutorial about how to properly fold the flags and they spent a great deal of time carefully folding each and every one.
Sheriff Dulin shared that the flags will be collected and retired by the Knox V.F.W. after they’ve been displayed.
One of the trustees commented that the wreath project is a good extension of the F.A.R.M program since colder temperatures limit what they can do with gardening.
Another individual mentioned that he was really grateful for this opportunity to show gratitude to those who served.
Friday, October 12, 2018
You’re Invited to Tomorrow’s Howl-oween Event at the Starke County Justice Center
Posted on October 12, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Fall time is officially upon us and to celebrate the season, families are invited to attend Saturday’s Community Howl-oween Fall Fest at the Starke County Justice Center.
From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on October 13th, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and the F.A.R.M Program are hosting a fun, outdoor event in the west parking lot of the facility with a variety of activities scheduled.
Feel free to don your Halloween costume a little early as a costume judging contest will be held around 11 a.m. The top three costumes will be awarded a prize.
There will also be hayrides into the pumpkin patch and kids have a chance to choose between a couple of wooden Halloween themed cutouts to draw and paint on.
Warden Phil Cherry said that kids 12 and under will receive a free goody bag and will be able to have a hot dog, popcorn and a drink for free. Anyone over 12 can get those items for a minimal charge. They will also have chili available.
F.A.R.M artists will have some holiday and seasonal decorations for sale, including ones with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas designs. All proceeds raised go back into the Justice Center’s Therapeutic Community programs.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Fall time is officially upon us and to celebrate the season, families are invited to attend Saturday’s Community Howl-oween Fall Fest at the Starke County Justice Center.
From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on October 13th, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and the F.A.R.M Program are hosting a fun, outdoor event in the west parking lot of the facility with a variety of activities scheduled.
Feel free to don your Halloween costume a little early as a costume judging contest will be held around 11 a.m. The top three costumes will be awarded a prize.
There will also be hayrides into the pumpkin patch and kids have a chance to choose between a couple of wooden Halloween themed cutouts to draw and paint on.
Warden Phil Cherry said that kids 12 and under will receive a free goody bag and will be able to have a hot dog, popcorn and a drink for free. Anyone over 12 can get those items for a minimal charge. They will also have chili available.
F.A.R.M artists will have some holiday and seasonal decorations for sale, including ones with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas designs. All proceeds raised go back into the Justice Center’s Therapeutic Community programs.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
County Receives SHSP Grant to Help Fund CAD System
Posted on September 25, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
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.
The system would be $253,555 for dispatch, mobiles, Mobile RMS and InterAct RMS, while the JailTracker software would be an additional $55,394 for a total cost of just about $309,000. After the second year of usage, an annual maintenance fee will go into effect that is $23,597.
Starke County EMA Director J. Nier helped secure a $100,000 State Homeland Security Program grant to help toward the cost of obtaining the new system that will better update calls and information. In addition, the Starke County Probation Department will help with the cost with $30,000 in funding along with $15,000 from Starke County Community Corrections.
Another $50,000 grant is still outstanding for part of the system as well.
County Attorney Marty Lucas found a few things that needed to be changed in the contract that the company, Caliber, agreed to and the commissioners signed the paperwork.
A kick off meeting to determine the installation timeline is set for Wednesday.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
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.
The system would be $253,555 for dispatch, mobiles, Mobile RMS and InterAct RMS, while the JailTracker software would be an additional $55,394 for a total cost of just about $309,000. After the second year of usage, an annual maintenance fee will go into effect that is $23,597.
Starke County EMA Director J. Nier helped secure a $100,000 State Homeland Security Program grant to help toward the cost of obtaining the new system that will better update calls and information. In addition, the Starke County Probation Department will help with the cost with $30,000 in funding along with $15,000 from Starke County Community Corrections.
Another $50,000 grant is still outstanding for part of the system as well.
County Attorney Marty Lucas found a few things that needed to be changed in the contract that the company, Caliber, agreed to and the commissioners signed the paperwork.
A kick off meeting to determine the installation timeline is set for Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Starke County Council Discusses Additional Staff for EMS, Sheriff’s Department
Posted on September 18, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Council members discussed requests from the Starke County EMS Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department for additional staff members in 2019.
The Starke County Commissioners previously approved three additional full-time paramedics and three additional full-time EMTs for the EMS Department. It came before the council members Monday night where Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie outlined how the salaries would work and explained how much money the department would save on overtime costs. She said overtime is what is currently killing their budget and they anticipate asking for an additional appropriation soon to help keep that fund solvent through the rest of the year.
The council members agreed that the additional full-time paramedics and EMTs would save the county in the long-run and approved the request.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin previously went before the commissioners to request one additional jailer and one additional patrolman for 2019 and it met their approval. The pay for both positions would be paid for out of the Therapeutic Community Fund. Since the commissioners approved the recommendation, the council followed suit and approved the additional positions.
In addition, the sheriff and Office Manager Pam McDonald presented a more detailed funding outlook and what changes are anticipated in the sheriff’s budget in 2019 which was well received by all of the council members and the commissioners.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Council members discussed requests from the Starke County EMS Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department for additional staff members in 2019.
The Starke County Commissioners previously approved three additional full-time paramedics and three additional full-time EMTs for the EMS Department. It came before the council members Monday night where Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie outlined how the salaries would work and explained how much money the department would save on overtime costs. She said overtime is what is currently killing their budget and they anticipate asking for an additional appropriation soon to help keep that fund solvent through the rest of the year.
The council members agreed that the additional full-time paramedics and EMTs would save the county in the long-run and approved the request.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin previously went before the commissioners to request one additional jailer and one additional patrolman for 2019 and it met their approval. The pay for both positions would be paid for out of the Therapeutic Community Fund. Since the commissioners approved the recommendation, the council followed suit and approved the additional positions.
In addition, the sheriff and Office Manager Pam McDonald presented a more detailed funding outlook and what changes are anticipated in the sheriff’s budget in 2019 which was well received by all of the council members and the commissioners.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Starke County Justice Center Warden Recognized as Jail Commander of the Year
Posted on August 14, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A Starke County Sheriff’s Department employee who goes above and beyond for this community was recently recognized for his outstanding work.
Warden Phil Cherry was presented with the Jail Commander of the Year Award at the annual Indiana Sheriff’s Conference in French Lick on Thursday, August 9th.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin commented that Warden Cherry’s tireless approach and out of the box thinking with incarcerated people is second to none. Sheriff Dulin said he is very grateful for the much-needed humility that Cherry brings to the job.
Cherry reportedly came on board in late 2015. Since he has been Jail Warden, the Starke County Justice Center has become the model for small and medium-sized county jails. The Justice Center provides an exceptional example of how jails should operate in the current jail culture with the recognition of substance abuse and mental illness as some of the main causes of incarceration.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A Starke County Sheriff’s Department employee who goes above and beyond for this community was recently recognized for his outstanding work.
Warden Phil Cherry was presented with the Jail Commander of the Year Award at the annual Indiana Sheriff’s Conference in French Lick on Thursday, August 9th.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin commented that Warden Cherry’s tireless approach and out of the box thinking with incarcerated people is second to none. Sheriff Dulin said he is very grateful for the much-needed humility that Cherry brings to the job.
Cherry reportedly came on board in late 2015. Since he has been Jail Warden, the Starke County Justice Center has become the model for small and medium-sized county jails. The Justice Center provides an exceptional example of how jails should operate in the current jail culture with the recognition of substance abuse and mental illness as some of the main causes of incarceration.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Starke County Court Services to Help Fund CAD System
Posted on July 3, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
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.
Starke County Court Services Director Shawn Mattraw made the announcement during the Starke County Commissioners meeting on Monday night.
“Commissioners, I’m pleased to announce that Starke County Court Services will be making a one-time monetary donation in the amount of $45,000 to go to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department to be used to defray the cost of the CAD system,” said Mattraw. “I’d like to publicly acknowledge Probation Supervisor Chuck Phillips and Community Corrections Office Manager Jennifer Strickland for their respective roles in allocating these funds to assist the Sheriff’s Department.”
A portion of that allocation is from grant money while the other is coming from the CTP fund within the Starke County Community Corrections budget.
Sheriff Bill Dulin and IT Director Richard Franks are still working out the details to secure the program and more work is being done to gather the funds to purchase the Caliber CAD system. The quote is around $250,000 and that quote has been extended from the end of June.
Dulin said he will talk to the company this week to let them know that financing is still in the works. Starke County EMA Director J. Nier added that she’s also submitted a grant to help fund the purchase, but the award notification may not be for another 60-90 days.
A fund will be included in the budget as money comes in for the CAD system.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
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.
Starke County Court Services Director Shawn Mattraw made the announcement during the Starke County Commissioners meeting on Monday night.
“Commissioners, I’m pleased to announce that Starke County Court Services will be making a one-time monetary donation in the amount of $45,000 to go to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department to be used to defray the cost of the CAD system,” said Mattraw. “I’d like to publicly acknowledge Probation Supervisor Chuck Phillips and Community Corrections Office Manager Jennifer Strickland for their respective roles in allocating these funds to assist the Sheriff’s Department.”
A portion of that allocation is from grant money while the other is coming from the CTP fund within the Starke County Community Corrections budget.
Sheriff Bill Dulin and IT Director Richard Franks are still working out the details to secure the program and more work is being done to gather the funds to purchase the Caliber CAD system. The quote is around $250,000 and that quote has been extended from the end of June.
Dulin said he will talk to the company this week to let them know that financing is still in the works. Starke County EMA Director J. Nier added that she’s also submitted a grant to help fund the purchase, but the award notification may not be for another 60-90 days.
A fund will be included in the budget as money comes in for the CAD system.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Starke County Coroner Updates Commissioners on Autopsy Costs, Testing
Posted on April 20, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The autopsy pricing deal that Starke County officials thought was a good one through the Lake County Coroner’s Office isn’t as good as initially thought.
On Monday night, Coroner Dannie Hoffer gave the commissioners an update on his recent discussion on that topic with Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey.
“She said that the autopsies are going to be $1,100, plus $400 for the rental of the hospital and the assistant, plus the cost of the toxicology report which is about $260,” reported Hoffer. “We’re about right where we are by doing them here.”
The county is currently paying around $1,800 for autopsies. Commissioner Kathy Norem, along with Councilman Dave Pearman and Adam Gray from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department all recall the previous conversation with the Lake County Coroner that it would be a flat $1,000 fee to do autopsies in Lake County. Apparently, that’s not the case.
Hoffer added that he was to have a meeting with Ashley Dickinson at LaPorte Hospital this week to discuss an opportunity to do pre-screen toxicology quick labs at Starke Hospital to determine if a full-blown autopsy needs to be done on a suspected opioid death or if a complete toxicology lab needs to be ordered. Hoffer said a toxicology test would be much cheaper. Starke Hospital does not currently offer that service.
Hoffer recently learned that Starke County is one of the top five counties in the state with high opioid-related deaths. With that, the Indiana State Board of Health has agreed pay for any toxicology test the county conducts that proves the victim died of an opioid overdose.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The autopsy pricing deal that Starke County officials thought was a good one through the Lake County Coroner’s Office isn’t as good as initially thought.
On Monday night, Coroner Dannie Hoffer gave the commissioners an update on his recent discussion on that topic with Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey.
“She said that the autopsies are going to be $1,100, plus $400 for the rental of the hospital and the assistant, plus the cost of the toxicology report which is about $260,” reported Hoffer. “We’re about right where we are by doing them here.”
The county is currently paying around $1,800 for autopsies. Commissioner Kathy Norem, along with Councilman Dave Pearman and Adam Gray from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department all recall the previous conversation with the Lake County Coroner that it would be a flat $1,000 fee to do autopsies in Lake County. Apparently, that’s not the case.
Hoffer added that he was to have a meeting with Ashley Dickinson at LaPorte Hospital this week to discuss an opportunity to do pre-screen toxicology quick labs at Starke Hospital to determine if a full-blown autopsy needs to be done on a suspected opioid death or if a complete toxicology lab needs to be ordered. Hoffer said a toxicology test would be much cheaper. Starke Hospital does not currently offer that service.
Hoffer recently learned that Starke County is one of the top five counties in the state with high opioid-related deaths. With that, the Indiana State Board of Health has agreed pay for any toxicology test the county conducts that proves the victim died of an opioid overdose.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Starke County Sheriff’s Department to Utilize Third K9
Posted on February 7, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department will have a third K9 unit.
Sheriff Bill Dulin asked the Starke County Commissioners for permission to officially approve the addition to the department Monday night.
“We’ve got a unique opportunity to have a third K9 on the force at no cost,” said Sheriff Dulin. “We hired an individual who already had a certified K9 from another department. The dog is five years old. He’s certified as dual purpose like the other dogs. I contacted Carrie Block with First Source Insurance and it will be $75 or $100 extra a year.”
The commissioners unanimously approved the request and added that it will be a great asset to the county.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Sheriff’s Department will have a third K9 unit.
Sheriff Bill Dulin asked the Starke County Commissioners for permission to officially approve the addition to the department Monday night.
“We’ve got a unique opportunity to have a third K9 on the force at no cost,” said Sheriff Dulin. “We hired an individual who already had a certified K9 from another department. The dog is five years old. He’s certified as dual purpose like the other dogs. I contacted Carrie Block with First Source Insurance and it will be $75 or $100 extra a year.”
The commissioners unanimously approved the request and added that it will be a great asset to the county.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Inmate Health Care Costs Create Challenges for Starke County Sheriff’s Department
Posted on September 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Health care for jail inmates has led to some budgetary concerns for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county commissioners last week that what inmates pay for medical services isn’t covering the cost of providing them. “Currently, inmates are charged $15 for each visit for nurses, doctor visit, dentist, mental health visits, and they’re also charged five dollars for medication that they receive,” he explained. “From January until now, we brought in $2,217 and some change. The way that it’s going now, it’s not sustaining what we’re doing.”
He added that simply raising those charges won’t help, since many inmates are unable to pay the fees as it is. County officials plan to look into using other funds, including the Jail CEDIT, to help cover the deficit of nearly $5,600.
Another challenge is that inmates with untreated medical conditions are coming into the jail, meaning it’s now up to the county to cover the cost of treating them. Dulin pointed out that two inmates currently need surgery. “This one guy, in particular, got into a car wreck a month ago,” Dulin said. “And now he’s coming in, and now he wants his arm fixed.”
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department is taking steps to reduce health care costs. Dulin said he’s hired a dentist who’s willing to see inmates in the jail, saving the cost transporting them and several guards to a dentist’s office. But that’s led to another problem. The dentist’s bill apparently left out several important pieces of information, like which inmates were seen, when, and what treatment was provided.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said that could lead to some legal issues. “What I would want to see if you’re going to continue to work with the guy, definitely you got to, you just got to get that level of documentation because the trouble is then so we pay for the dental services and then the person says we didn’t give them dental services,” Lucas said. “We get sued for not giving them dental services after giving them dental services, we pay for the dental services, and lose the lawsuit, too.”
Those concerns have caused a dental bill of over $13,000 to be left unpaid until now. Sheriff Dulin recommended that the commissioners approve the payment, with the understanding that more detail will be required going forward.
At the same time, the sheriff’s department plans to help eligible inmates sign up to receive Medicaid benefits upon their release. The goal is to help former inmates get treatment for mental health and other issues, so they don’t end up back in jail.
While the commissioners supported the idea, Commissioner Kathy Norem wasn’t entirely convinced it would do much good. “It might help somewhere in a bigger city or somewhere,” she said, “but here, where we have nothing but drug addicts, it’s not a problem of them getting off their meds. They had too many meds.”
Dulin said the Medicaid sign-up program will be offered to inmates once a month and will cost the county $15 per person.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Health care for jail inmates has led to some budgetary concerns for the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bill Dulin told the county commissioners last week that what inmates pay for medical services isn’t covering the cost of providing them. “Currently, inmates are charged $15 for each visit for nurses, doctor visit, dentist, mental health visits, and they’re also charged five dollars for medication that they receive,” he explained. “From January until now, we brought in $2,217 and some change. The way that it’s going now, it’s not sustaining what we’re doing.”
He added that simply raising those charges won’t help, since many inmates are unable to pay the fees as it is. County officials plan to look into using other funds, including the Jail CEDIT, to help cover the deficit of nearly $5,600.
Another challenge is that inmates with untreated medical conditions are coming into the jail, meaning it’s now up to the county to cover the cost of treating them. Dulin pointed out that two inmates currently need surgery. “This one guy, in particular, got into a car wreck a month ago,” Dulin said. “And now he’s coming in, and now he wants his arm fixed.”
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department is taking steps to reduce health care costs. Dulin said he’s hired a dentist who’s willing to see inmates in the jail, saving the cost transporting them and several guards to a dentist’s office. But that’s led to another problem. The dentist’s bill apparently left out several important pieces of information, like which inmates were seen, when, and what treatment was provided.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said that could lead to some legal issues. “What I would want to see if you’re going to continue to work with the guy, definitely you got to, you just got to get that level of documentation because the trouble is then so we pay for the dental services and then the person says we didn’t give them dental services,” Lucas said. “We get sued for not giving them dental services after giving them dental services, we pay for the dental services, and lose the lawsuit, too.”
Those concerns have caused a dental bill of over $13,000 to be left unpaid until now. Sheriff Dulin recommended that the commissioners approve the payment, with the understanding that more detail will be required going forward.
At the same time, the sheriff’s department plans to help eligible inmates sign up to receive Medicaid benefits upon their release. The goal is to help former inmates get treatment for mental health and other issues, so they don’t end up back in jail.
While the commissioners supported the idea, Commissioner Kathy Norem wasn’t entirely convinced it would do much good. “It might help somewhere in a bigger city or somewhere,” she said, “but here, where we have nothing but drug addicts, it’s not a problem of them getting off their meds. They had too many meds.”
Dulin said the Medicaid sign-up program will be offered to inmates once a month and will cost the county $15 per person.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Starke County Council to Review Officer Pay
Posted on July 21, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin asked the county council members to review the pay scale for the sheriff’s department.
Sheriff Dulin said he’s losing officers to other departments and the salary offered is not competitive with other departments. In fact, he told the council that he’s lost four officers. He said it’s hard to attract applicants with what he’s able to offer. Dulin mentioned that his department is the lowest paid department in the county and the eighth lowest in terms of competitive salaries in the state.
The sheriff added that his department has not gotten any sort of raises outside of the cost of living in 25 years. He has submitted a $5,000 pay increase for officers in the 2018 budget.
A committee will be put together to analyze the budget and what kind of salary amendments can be brought to the table. In addition, the matter of officer retention will be discussed and leadership with the commissioners and council.
Budget discussions are set to begin Aug. 11 at 9 a.m.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin asked the county council members to review the pay scale for the sheriff’s department.
Sheriff Dulin said he’s losing officers to other departments and the salary offered is not competitive with other departments. In fact, he told the council that he’s lost four officers. He said it’s hard to attract applicants with what he’s able to offer. Dulin mentioned that his department is the lowest paid department in the county and the eighth lowest in terms of competitive salaries in the state.
The sheriff added that his department has not gotten any sort of raises outside of the cost of living in 25 years. He has submitted a $5,000 pay increase for officers in the 2018 budget.
A committee will be put together to analyze the budget and what kind of salary amendments can be brought to the table. In addition, the matter of officer retention will be discussed and leadership with the commissioners and council.
Budget discussions are set to begin Aug. 11 at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Commissioners and Sheriff to Share Cost of Jail Sewer Screen
Posted on October 18, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have approved the purchase of a screen to keep commissary trash from the jail out of the city’s sewer system.
Vendor Duperon will custom build the screen for a cost of $77,850. Jail Maintenance Director Tony Mildice says installation over the existing sewer outlet will not be a problem, as the necessary electrical conduit is already in place. Waste that gets caught in the screen will empty into a receptacle which will be emptied once or twice a week by the jail maintenance staff.
Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons says the device will be adequate to address sewer line problems caused by trash flushed down the toilets by inmates.
The commissioners last week agreed to pay $20,000 towards the screen from the cumulative capital development fund. Sheriff Bill Dulin agreed to cover the rest of the cost from his department’s commissary account. Payments will be spread over six months, with the first due after the screen is delivered.
Mildice says it is expected to take between eight and 12 weeks to build.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners have approved the purchase of a screen to keep commissary trash from the jail out of the city’s sewer system.
Vendor Duperon will custom build the screen for a cost of $77,850. Jail Maintenance Director Tony Mildice says installation over the existing sewer outlet will not be a problem, as the necessary electrical conduit is already in place. Waste that gets caught in the screen will empty into a receptacle which will be emptied once or twice a week by the jail maintenance staff.
Knox Wastewater Superintendent Kelly Clemons says the device will be adequate to address sewer line problems caused by trash flushed down the toilets by inmates.
The commissioners last week agreed to pay $20,000 towards the screen from the cumulative capital development fund. Sheriff Bill Dulin agreed to cover the rest of the cost from his department’s commissary account. Payments will be spread over six months, with the first due after the screen is delivered.
Mildice says it is expected to take between eight and 12 weeks to build.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Law Enforcement Agencies form Starke County Major Crimes Unit
Law enforcement agencies throughout Starke County are joining forces to combat the local drug epidemic. During last night’s drug symposium hosted by the Knox Police Department and DCS, Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff announced a partnership that’s been two years in the planning. The Starke County Major Crimes Unit is an investigative task force made up of officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, the Knox Police Department and the Hamlet Police Department.
Bourff says the North Judson Police Department’s formal participation is on hold due to the recent death of Town Marshal Doug Vessely, who was very involved in the discussions.
He says the unit has been formed to investigate felony-level narcotics cases within Starke County and will also be conducting full investigations into overdose-related deaths. Knox Police Chief Harold Smith, Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin, Hamlet Town Marshal and Knox Police and Detective Dave Combs of the Knox Police Department, who is the unit commander.
Bourff says members of the Starke County Major Crimes Unit have made 29 drug-related arrests in the past two weeks. He credits their success to teamwork.
Anyone with knowledge or suspicion of drug activity to report it by calling the Starke County Sheriff’s Office at 574-772-3771. Tips can also be submitted via their website at www.starkecountysheriff.com or on their Facebook page.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Starke County Sheriff’s Office to Expand Police Presence Through Reserves Program
Residents of Starke County’s smaller communities will see an expanded police presence thanks to the new sheriff’s reserve program.
Starke County reserve captain Joe Reed says the program lets residents help out the Sheriff’s Department on a part-time basis, “It’s bringing in people from the community maybe that would like to do police work but are not able to because they have other jobs. Maybe they’ve taken other career paths, and they really enjoy police work. The sheriff invests quite a bit of time in them, hundreds of hours of training to get them prepared to do police work. They don’t do exactly the same calls necessarily as a police officer would do to a full extent, but they do have full arrest powers through the state of Indiana.”
Sheriff Bill Dulin says the program’s a big help, “It provides better visibility. It provides more cars that are on the road, quicker response times as we have more officers on the road, and it provides backup for full-time officers – we usually have three or four on in a shift. It provides better coverage in Koontz Lake, San Pierre, Ober, Ora, and Bass Lake.”
Reserve members go through more than 400 hours of training as they move through the program’s different levels. So far, the program’s had one class of four officers complete training and become full reserve officers. Reed says it’s already leading to some noticeable improvements, “There’s a good example this weekend where we had coverage on: I know we had a response time of a residential alarm – we were there within one minute because we had extra coverage on. I know there was a reserve officer that spent over two hours patrolling nothing but Koontz Lake, and I know there was another reserve officer that spent over two hours in San Pierre, where a full-time officer might not have the ability to spend that much time in one place. So it really gives better coverage for the county.”
Sheriff Dulin says the reserve program allows his department to do more with fewer resources, “The reason why we’re kind of pushing for this is, budgetary-wise, we’re kind of limited on our access as far as officers and how much officers we can ask for. Right now, the budget’s kind of limited in what we can do, so the reserve program is a huge, huge asset to the county, the citizens, and the Sheriff’s Department in providing police activities to the citizens.”
The sheriff says they’re looking to add five more members to the reserve program. Applicants must be over 21 with no felony on their background. Dulin says they’re looking for people who are willing to work and learn the activities provided by the reserve program.
Residents can fill out an application form at www.co.starke.in.us/forms.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Starke County Sheriff’s Department Adds Crime Mapping to County Website
Published: March 4, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Visitors to the Starke County government website now have access to information about incidents reported to the sheriff’s department. County information technology director Joe Short recently added the Crime Mapper tool to the existing Starke County GIS on the website. Visitors can click the crime button and view calls from the last seven or 30 days or can search a customized date range.
Sheriff Bill Dulin hopes sharing this information will raise awareness of the types of incidents his department deals with on a daily basis.
“We’re being transparent with the public. They will see what kind of activities are going on in their neighborhood and also what it could do is prevent future crimes,” Dulin told WKVI News.
He adds map does not share any identifying information about the people involved in the incident, nor does it provide a complete street address. He notes several types of calls are represented, including house and commercial alarms, 911 calls, medical calls, battery reports and automobile accidents
The map refreshes each morning at 6 a.m. Short says visitors also have an option to customize the information they receive by subscribing to alerts for a specified area or radius.
Visit the Starke County Crime Mapper at http://thinkopengis.starke.in.wthengineering.com/.
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Visitors to the Starke County government website now have access to information about incidents reported to the sheriff’s department. County information technology director Joe Short recently added the Crime Mapper tool to the existing Starke County GIS on the website. Visitors can click the crime button and view calls from the last seven or 30 days or can search a customized date range.
Sheriff Bill Dulin hopes sharing this information will raise awareness of the types of incidents his department deals with on a daily basis.
“We’re being transparent with the public. They will see what kind of activities are going on in their neighborhood and also what it could do is prevent future crimes,” Dulin told WKVI News.
He adds map does not share any identifying information about the people involved in the incident, nor does it provide a complete street address. He notes several types of calls are represented, including house and commercial alarms, 911 calls, medical calls, battery reports and automobile accidents
The map refreshes each morning at 6 a.m. Short says visitors also have an option to customize the information they receive by subscribing to alerts for a specified area or radius.
Visit the Starke County Crime Mapper at http://thinkopengis.starke.in.wthengineering.com/.
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