Pictured, from left, are Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Member Mike Long and APC Member Doug Ruch. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Adkins.

By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Councilman Mike Long, 64, Etna Green, died Thursday, Feb. 27, in an accidental drowning.

Long was elected to service on the Kosciusko County Council representing District 2 in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. He served as president of the council in 2023 and 2024.

He was a lifelong farmer who wanted to “be the voice of agriculture” for the council.

Long also brought his agricultural experience to his role on the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission.

“He was always looking out for the community, always thinking about the people. He was a very caring, compassionate person,” said District 1 councilwoman Kimberly Cates. “He had a presence when you were talking with him, and I think sometimes it could be intimidating to somebody who didn’t know him, but but he had a huge heart and he was always looking out for the best of the community.”

“For the most part, he was always in a cheery mood. I remember calling him with a question and he said, ‘Hey, I’m on the tractor, so it’s going to be loud!’ We were really really fortunate to have a lot of good communication,” Cates added.

Cates said Long was known for trying to improve processes and policies on the council. He was forward-thinking, and always working for the “best results for the community.”

“It will be a loss for us all,” she concluded.

County GOP Chair Mike Ragan said, “Mike was a strong conservative member of the Kosciusko County Council. He has always been very concerned about the taxpayer and expenses, and that’s probably what he’ll be remembered for more than anything else — his concern for the budget not getting out of hand. His contributions will be missed. As an individual, he was well-liked, and we’re going to miss him.”

Arrangements for a caucus to replace Long’s seat on the council will not be made until after Long’s funeral, according to Ragan.