St. Joseph Probate Court

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter says most child support hearings before Magistrate Aric Rutkowski involving Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Troyer were uncontested but some required him to make decisions. For those cases, Cotter is offering to join non-custodial parents who want Rutkowski's decisions reviewed by a new judge or magistrate.

St. Joseph County Probate Judge Loris Zappia on Monday announced that Magistrate Aric Rutkowski has resigned after admitting he had a romantic relationship with a deputy prosecuting attorney who handles child support enforcement cases. The court is advising parents who had support cases in 2021 and 2022 before Rutkowski to seek an attorney's advice.

Henry Davis Jr. made the statement in a press conference about a month before the Nov. 3 election.

With still a month to go, the race between Democratic incumbent Jason Cichowicz and Republican Loris Zappia has included an alleged assault by a candidate, blame for a murder, and a defamation lawsuit

The Republican St. Joseph County Probate Judge candidate allegedly hit and spat on his brother Len Zappia, who works for Loris' opponent Jason Cichowicz

Jason Cichowicz agreed to a 45-day suspension stemming from his relationship with Russell Cartwright and the management of his assets while judge

Friday is National Adoption Day. Several adoptions took place this morning at the St. Joseph Probate Court in celebration.Families entered the courtroom…