KLA Learns About Law Enforcement And Judicial System In KC

October 12, 2023 at 5:38 p.m.
Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets recently learned about law enforcement and the judicial system in the county. Pictured (L to R) are Judge Chris Kehler, Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker, Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith, Judge Karin McGrath, KLA cadet Paul Finley sponsored by 1st Source Bank, KLA cadet Chris Plack sponsored by Cardinal Services, Jail Chemical Addiction Program Director Casey Trombley and KCSO deputy Sgt. Doug Light. Photo Provided.
Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets recently learned about law enforcement and the judicial system in the county. Pictured (L to R) are Judge Chris Kehler, Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker, Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith, Judge Karin McGrath, KLA cadet Paul Finley sponsored by 1st Source Bank, KLA cadet Chris Plack sponsored by Cardinal Services, Jail Chemical Addiction Program Director Casey Trombley and KCSO deputy Sgt. Doug Light. Photo Provided.

By Staff Report

On Oct. 3, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets heard from five speakers.  
Topics covered different parts of the judicial and law enforcement systems in Kosciusko.
Superior Court IV Judge Christopher Kehler presented an overview of the buildings in Kosciusko County and brief history of Kosciusko County’s judicial system, which dates back to 1836. The county’s first judge was Levi Lee, for whom the town of Leesburg is named after. Kehler handles domestic and civil cases.
Superior Court I Judge Karin McGrath was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb. McGrath spoke about challenges facing the judicial system in Kosciusko County. She also presented on initiatives like the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and Teen Court. These programs rehabilitate and solve problems in pursuit of rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
Casey Trombley, Jail Chemical Addiction Program director, presented on JCAP. Kosciusko County Jail inmates must apply and be accepted into this voluntary recovery program. The classes include anger management, parenting classes, fitness programs, financial education, relationship class as well as addiction counseling. JCAP also helps the inmates in achieving certificate programs and their high school equivalency diploma.
Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing his department and about how Kosciusko County officers work together with his team. He also noted WPD has around 50 officers and is striving to build a more diversified team.
The last speaker was Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith. He talked about programs that help eliminate jail overcrowding. He and his deputy, Sgt. Doug Light, then handed out Challenge coins to each cadet and then guided a tour of the dispatch center and the jail.
The next KLA session will cover human services in Kosciusko County and will be held at the K21 Health Pavilion on Oct. 17.
The Kosciusko Leadership Academy is in its 42nd year of service to the county. As an independent 5013(c) organization, KLA conducts biweekly morning sessions around the county to expose leaders to a wide variety of local topics and experts. The annual white paper projects have yielded many benefits to the citizens of Kosciusko County. For more information, visit www.kocsciuskoleadership.org.

On Oct. 3, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets heard from five speakers.  
Topics covered different parts of the judicial and law enforcement systems in Kosciusko.
Superior Court IV Judge Christopher Kehler presented an overview of the buildings in Kosciusko County and brief history of Kosciusko County’s judicial system, which dates back to 1836. The county’s first judge was Levi Lee, for whom the town of Leesburg is named after. Kehler handles domestic and civil cases.
Superior Court I Judge Karin McGrath was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb. McGrath spoke about challenges facing the judicial system in Kosciusko County. She also presented on initiatives like the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and Teen Court. These programs rehabilitate and solve problems in pursuit of rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
Casey Trombley, Jail Chemical Addiction Program director, presented on JCAP. Kosciusko County Jail inmates must apply and be accepted into this voluntary recovery program. The classes include anger management, parenting classes, fitness programs, financial education, relationship class as well as addiction counseling. JCAP also helps the inmates in achieving certificate programs and their high school equivalency diploma.
Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing his department and about how Kosciusko County officers work together with his team. He also noted WPD has around 50 officers and is striving to build a more diversified team.
The last speaker was Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith. He talked about programs that help eliminate jail overcrowding. He and his deputy, Sgt. Doug Light, then handed out Challenge coins to each cadet and then guided a tour of the dispatch center and the jail.
The next KLA session will cover human services in Kosciusko County and will be held at the K21 Health Pavilion on Oct. 17.
The Kosciusko Leadership Academy is in its 42nd year of service to the county. As an independent 5013(c) organization, KLA conducts biweekly morning sessions around the county to expose leaders to a wide variety of local topics and experts. The annual white paper projects have yielded many benefits to the citizens of Kosciusko County. For more information, visit www.kocsciuskoleadership.org.

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