Austin Rovenstine, left, secretary for the Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee, swears in Ann Wiesehan as the Franklin Township trustee. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP — Ann Wiesehan was unanimously voted in as the Franklin Township Trustee Monday, Dec. 30,  by the Republican caucus at the Mentone Community Emergency Services building.

Melanie Vanlaningham resigned from the Franklin Township trustee position Dec. 12, effective today, Dec. 30, for personal issues.

The two candidates that filed for the trustee position were Wiesehan and Ashley Gearhart.

Before voting, candidates has the chance to speak. Wiesehan said she has lived in Kosciusko County for over 34 years and a little over 20 years in Franklin Township. She loves the small community feel and can’t think of a better place to live than Franklin Township.

She was voted in as a Franklin Township Advisory Board member on Oct. 19, 2023, replacing Jim Eads as a board member. Wiesehan is also involved in the Kosciusko County Women’s Club and 4-H Horse and Pony Club.

She also said she was in the military and from that, she learned leadership skills and how to create battle plans. If elected into the position, she said she’ll continue to serve the community.

After being elected as trustee, Wiesehan said she was honored and wouldn’t let anyone down. She said she’ll make sure any needs that come through the office will be met.

Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Mike Ragan told Wiesehan she had to resign as a Franklin Township Advisory Board member before she could be sworn in as trustee since she couldn’t hold two elected positions at once.

The caucus to replace Wiesehan as a Franklin Township Advisory Board member was set for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Mentone Community Emergency Services building.