Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
During the week of Nov. 28, County Commissioner Avis Gunter, County Administrator Ron Robinson, County Highway Superintendent Dennis Pletcher and County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell attended the Indiana Association of County Commissioners annual conference in Indianapolis.
The purpose of the association and the annual conference is to improve county commissioners' service to their constituents through education and training. More than 360 commissioners, auditors, county administrators and highway engineers, plus other county officials, attended the conference, representing more than 85 counties.
Gov. Mitch Daniels was the keynote speaker. The governor talked about the importance of economic development throughout the state, and about providing efficient and effective leadership by local government officials. Other state officials who participated were Sen. David Long, Senate President Pro Tem, and Dr. Judith Monroe, State Health Commissioner.
Several training workshops were attended by the county delegation, including building and design options, county personnel policies, pandemic flu preparations and a new program for historic bridges. Three of the most popular sessions were related to regional sewer districts; the NACO prescription drug program to save money for county residents who have no insurance to cover prescriptions; and confined animal feeding operations.
The ICCA honored a few county officials from around the state for their outstanding performance as county commissioners, auditors, highway engineers and supervisors.
Mitchell received the County Auditor of the Year award last year.
Avis Gunter was presented a special award for her 43 years in county government and 12 years service as a county commissioner.
Executive Director Bill Haan, Indiana County Commissioners Association, said, "She should be an inspiration to all elected officials to attend meetings, learn and put into place programs for the local community that will benefit the citizens and taxpayers of their jurisdiction."
