Pictured (L to R) are, back row: Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadet Denny Harlan, sponsored by the city of Warsaw, Nate Conley, KLA advisor and board member; Sue Ann Mitchell, county councilwoman; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; KLA cadet Leo Patino, sponsored by Indiana Tech; and, front row: Joni Truex (sitting), county councilwoman. Photo Provided.
Pictured (L to R) are, back row: Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadet Denny Harlan, sponsored by the city of Warsaw, Nate Conley, KLA advisor and board member; Sue Ann Mitchell, county councilwoman; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; KLA cadet Leo Patino, sponsored by Indiana Tech; and, front row: Joni Truex (sitting), county councilwoman. Photo Provided.
On March 7, Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets heard from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Kosciusko County Councilwoman Joni Truex and Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell about local government.

The meeting took place in the Warsaw Police Station conference room.

Thallemer explained the goals he has for the city through improving transportation/connectivity, city-county airport authority, parks and recreation and housing. These, he said, are accomplished through economic development, talent retention, talent attraction, place making and improving quality of life for residents. In Warsaw, this has meant a focus on creating community-oriented places, using and protecting natural assets, supporting multi-modal transportation and improving housing, the downtown area and parks. He discussed with the cadets the importance of making the community more appealing to attract new residents.  

Truex discussed with the cadets the different roles and responsibilities of Kosciusko County government commissioners, councils and departments. She discussed the current state of affairs in the county and what local seats will be open in the upcoming local election.

County commissioners meet every other Tuesday at 9 a.m., and the county council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month.

Mitchell presented her life in public service and how she became a councilwoman. Her life didn’t start in politics; she moved here in 1976 and started working with the city surveyor. From there, she just kept on moving through life, taking new opportunities to serve.

Mitchell said, “There are opportunities, keep your eyes open. Just always give 100% and finish something and leave it a better place.”

The next KLA session will cover entrepreneurship across sectors in Kosciusko County at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College.

The Kosciusko Leadership Academy is in its 41st year of service to the county. As an independent 501-3(c) organization, KLA conducts biweekly morning sessions around the county to expose leaders to a wide variety of local topics and experts.  The annual whitepaper projects have yielded many benefits to the citizens of Kosciusko County. For more information, visit www.kocsciuskoleadership.org.