Boone County judge set to return after health scare
Apr. 12—Boone Circuit Court Judge Matthew Kincaid is expected to return to the bench by mid-summer after a health scare, he told the Boone County Council on Tuesday.
Kincaid suffered a stroke in October and took medical leave. The Indiana Supreme Court appointed Senior Judge John Baker to fill in for Kincaid that month.
Baker did the job alone for a time while Kincaid rehabilitated under doctors' care. Kincaid has since returned to work on a limited basis under Baker's supervision to "ease back in," the senior judge said.
Kincaid is increasing his hours of work, responsibilities, and workload incrementally under a protocol designed by his doctor. And he's doing well.
"His sense of humor is as sharp as any knife you've got in the drawer," Baker said with a laugh.
"It's been quite an experience, and I'm ready for work," Kincaid said.
Baker has lived in Boone County for 24 years and has 47 years of judicial service to his credit. He previously served as a trial judge and then with the Indiana Court of Appeals for 32 years.
"Other counties don't have the blessings you experience here," Baker told the council in complementing the county's courts staffs, Boone County Sheriff's Office, Boone County Prosecutor's office, courthouse maintenance staff, and others.
He cautioned the council to be diligent to maintain good wages and working conditions, "so you are able to retain these wonderful people, and when they move on, that you are able to replace them with people of equal character and skill."
