News Release

WARSAW — On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets heard from three speakers who covered different parts of the judicial and law enforcement systems in Kosciusko.

The Honorable Christopher Kehler, judge for Superior Court 4, presented an overview and brief history of Kosciusko County’s judicial system, which dates back to 1836. Judge Kehler handles domestic and civil cases.

Moderator Allyn Decker spoke on the Jail Chemical Addiction Program. Kosciusko County Jail inmates must apply and be accepted into this voluntary recovery program. The classes include anger management, parenting classes, fitness programs and addiction counseling. JCAP also helps the inmates in achieving certificate programs and their high school equivalency diploma. Since the start of the program in 2018, there have been 80 participants with over 50% success rate. Judge Kehler agreed that JCAP helps stop the cycle of drug-related crime.

Police Chief Scott Whitaker spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the Warsaw Police Department and also about how Kosciusko County officers work together with his team. He also noted Warsaw Police department has around 40 officers and is striving to build a more diversified team.

The next KLA session will cover human services in Kosciusko County and will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the K21 Health Pavilion, Warsaw.