This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s current inmates participating in a drug program known as JCAP received a different kind of community support on Friday.
While numerous state-level guests and others have toured the jail, met participants, and learned more about the JCAP program, Friday’s line-up included a gospel sing-along from one county council member, lunch provided by another county council member, and a brief appearance from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
The nine men are set to graduate from the extended chemical addiction program in about a dozen days and were treated to an hour or so of celebration and words of support inside a somewhat crowded jail conference room.
Councilwoman Rachael Rhoades offered her vocal talents with a collection of uplifting gospel songs in which inmates sang along.
Councilwoman Kathy Groninger was there specifically to thank the men for their work on a Christmas decorations project around the courthouse.
“You all had a hand in playing in that, so I think you should feel good about the fact you did help me, and I thought it turned out beautiful,” Groninger said.
She and Rhoades both offered words of support to the inmates.
“I just want to take the time to encourage you and to let you know that we are all struggling every day,” Rhoades said. “I lean on my faith for that, and God encourages me every day, and this is my opportunity to encourage you.
Among those attending were jail Commander Lt. Kevin Gelbaugh, JCAP Coordinator Casey Trombley, and Shanna Wallen, who leads the Kosciusko Community Recovery Program as the resource navigator.
Rokita, who did lunch at the Diner in downtown Warsaw earlier in the day, said he also met with representatives of Slate Auto, which plans to begin manufacturing electric pickup trucks in Warsaw in 2026.
Rokita congratulated the inmates on the progress they’ve made in the intensive 16-week program.
“Society makes it hard on people like you to get back into society, and that’s not good for anyone,” Rokita said.
“There’s a lot of us who do care. You are about seven percent of the prison population that’s made the choices and decisions and determination that you have to get back into society instead of staying in that alternative, terrible world, and I want to give you that encouragement, I wanna give you that support, and I wanna give you that grace.”
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