Kosciusko Leadership Academy members heard about city and county government on March 7. Seated in front is Joni Truex, county council member. Standing from left are KLA cadet Denny Harlan sponsored by the City of Warsaw; Nate Conley, KLA advisor and board member; Sue Ann Mitchell, county council member; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; and KLA cadet Leo Patino sponsored by Indiana Tech. Photo provided by KLA.

News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Kosciusko County Council Member Joni Truex, and Council Member Sue Ann Mitchell addressed KLA Cadets March 7 on an overview of government at the Warsaw Police Station conference room.

Presenting on behalf of the city Thallemer explained the goals he has for the city through improving transportation/connectivity, city-county airport authority, parks and recreation and housing. These, he said, are accomplished through economic development, talent retention, talent attraction, place making, and improving quality of life for residents.

In Warsaw, this has meant a focus on creating community-oriented places, using and protecting natural assets, supporting multi-modal transportation, and improving housing, the downtown area, and parks. He discussed with the cadets the importance of making our community more appealing to attract new residents.

The second speaker of the morning was Kosciusko County Councilwoman, Joni Truex. Truex discussed the different roles and responsibilities of Kosciusko County government commissioners, councils, and departments. She discussed the current state of affairs in the county and what local seats will be open in the upcoming local election. Council members meet every other Tuesday at 9am; anyone can watch these live on kc.gov.

Mitchell presented her life in public service and how she became a councilwoman. Her life didn’t start in politics; she moved here in1976 and started working with the city surveyor. From there she just kept on moving through life, taking new opportunities to serve. Mitchell said, “There are opportunities, keep your eyes open. Just always give 100% and finish something and leave it a better place”.

The next KLA session will cover entrepreneurship across sectors in Kosciusko County at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College.