Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets of the 2013-14 class met for the kick-off session and Kosciusko County tour. Hosting the introductory session was Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Moderator Allyn Decker and Advisor Steve Grill provided an overview of KLA, past and present. On behalf of the trustees, Dr. Craig Hintz spoke to the cadets and welcomed the class. Touring Kosciusko County has become an integral part of the curriculum, introducing different sections of the county and different industries. Whetstone Woodenware, Silver Lake, was the first stop, where cadets learned of the many wooden cooking utensils and products created there. Housing the retail section, manufacturing and online distribution center in one location is beneficial for the company, according to owner John Whetstone. The KLA tour then learned of the different manufacturing processes at Par-Kan Manufacturing, Silver Lake. Finished products are used in the airline, restaurant and agriculture industries. Powder coating application by hand provides an extra durable finish to the products manufactured there. The class then enjoyed lunch and a ride on the Dixie Sternwheeler on Webster Lake. Next stop was the National Weather Doppler Radar Station, Syracuse, where cadets learned about weather forecasting, emergency weather alerts and emergency broadcasts. The tour’s last stop was Maple Leaf Farms, Leesburg, where the cadets learned of the many varieties of duck and down products, several of which are available on-site at Duck, Down & Above. Everyone was treated to a sample of duck quesadillas and learned the history of this family farm. The next KLA session will be Sept. 10 at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation to learn how to protect the area’s water resources. KLA is a not-for-profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.
