New Kosciusko County Recovery Program Resource Navigator Shanna Wallen starts work on July 8, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Merit Board heard Thursday.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office formally sent out a press release on Wallen's hiring later on Thursday. She works now at Rose Garden Recovery Community.
"I know (Kosciusko County Jail Chemical Addiction Program Coordinator) Casey (Trombley) has been a big part of the hiring process and getting all those meetings together," said Sheriff Jim Smith at the board meeting. "You can see the relief in her face now that it's settled and she's got her person and now we just wait for them to get started."
"It's exciting times for Kosciusko County and the jail specifically because they're ready for it," he said.
Through the recovery program, inmates will get help in readjusting to society to prevent recidivism.
The board also heard an update on Camp Hero, which will be Tuesday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw.
KCSO Public Information Officer Doug Light noted camp slots filled up in just 34 minutes after registration opened this year. He said 176 kids were signed up, which doesn't include the children of police officers and other first responders who wish to come.
Through the camp, kids learn about the roles of police, firefighters and EMS employees as well as skills such as first aid, bicycle safety and more. Kids attend for free, thanks to donations from the community.
Smith reiterated at the meeting that it was important to him that money didn't prevent children from being able to attend camp.
"This community, like it always does, came through in the partnerships that we have with businesses and personnel," he said. "It's humbling and it's exciting and I couldn't be more proud of our staff."
Light said after the meeting about $19,000 had been collected in donations for Camp Hero. If people wish to donate now or in the future for the annual event, they should contact the KCSO.
In other business, the board:
• Heard from Light that the KCSO had 1,980 calls for service in May, which is slightly down from the more than 2,000 calls in May 2023.
• Heard that officers had attended various festivals over the past few weeks. The KCSO will have a presence at both the upcoming Mermaid Festival and Kosciusko County Fair.
• Heard from Light that KCSO Deputy Elizabeth Johnson now has a K9, Creed, thanks to the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department.