Kosciusko County has its first female council president.
Sue Ann Mitchell was chosen as president after being nominated by Councilman Ernie Wiggins.
Jon Garber, who had served as president, was chosen as vice president.
The annual reorganization came after a year of change that included the unexpected death of Council President Bob Sanders in May.
Mitchell, who has served in numerous positions in county and township government, was elected to council in 2016.
The moment was not lost on Mitchell, who noted that the only other women to serve on the council, Kathryn Teel and Charlene Knispel, never served as president.
“We’re making history,” Mitchell said after moving into the president’s chair.
She also noted council changes over the past year and thanked Garber for his leadership.
County government has seen a shift in the past two years from an all-male council.
Joni Truex was elected in 2016 and Kimberly Cates was appointed to fill Sanders’ seat last year.
Other women in key leadership positions include auditor Michelle Puckett and county administrator Marsha McSherry.
Mitchell urged council members to continue sharing reports on their committee hearings and follow up from seminars.
Also during the meeting, the council voted on a series of appropriations, mostly moving grant money into the 2018 budget. Requests came from nine departments and totaled about $350,000.
Mitchell noted that none of the changes involve 2018 tax money.
