Pictured, from left, are Kosciusko Superior Court Four Judge Chris Kehler; Warsaw Police Department Chief Scott Whitaker; Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith; Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath; Kosciusko Leadership Academy Cadet Paul Finley, sponsored by 1st Source Bank; KLA Cadet Chris Plack, sponsored by Cardinal Services; Kosciusko County Jail Chemical Addiction Program Director Casey Trombley; and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Doug Light. Photo provided.

Press Release

WARSAW — Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets heard from five speakers on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Topics covered different parts of the judicial and law enforcement systems in Kosciusko County.

Kosciusko Superior Court Four Judge Christopher Kehler presented an overview of the buildings in Kosciusko County and a brief history of the county’s judicial system, which dates to 1836. The county’s first judge was Levi Lee, for whom the town of Leesburg is named after. Kehler handles domestic and civil cases.

Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb. McGrath spoke about challenges facing the judicial system in Kosciusko County and also presented initiatives like the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and teen court. These programs rehabilitate and solve problems in pursuit of rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

Jail Chemical Addiction Program Casey Trombley discussed JCAP. Kosciusko County Jail inmate must apply and be accepted into this voluntary recovery program. Classes include anger management, parenting classes, fitness programs, financial education, and relationship classes, as well as addiction counseling. JCAP also helps the inmates in achieving certificate programs and their high school equivalency diploma.

Warsaw Police Department Chief Scott Whitaker spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the WPD and about how Kosciusko County officers work together with his team. He also noted WPD has around 50 officers and is striving to build a more diversified team.

The last speaker was Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith. He talked about programs that help eliminate jail overcrowding. He and KCSO Sgt. Doug Light then handed out challenge coins to each cadet and guided a tour of the dispatch center and KCJ.

The next KLA session will cover human services in Kosciusko County and will be held at the K21 Health Pavilion on Tuesday, Oct. 17.