Joe Waltermann ('07) and his wife Julie recently took the inaugural Greenwood Police Citizens Academy class. It was a 10-week class to see all the training law enforcement goes through to become officers. Not only did they hear about police duties and responsibilities, but also participated in training activities.
They visited the Greenwood Police Department, the Johnson County Jail, and the 911 Call Center, touring the facilities and learning about the day-to-day operations.
They watched how police utilize the K-9s and did a SIMS simulation with a pullover. They had to approach the car, talk to the driver and observe. "If we made a mistake, the driver might pull a gun and start firing," Joe said. "They use pellets. They do sting a bit."
Lastly, participants got to ride along with an officer for six hours. "We were part of numerous arrests and pullovers."
Joe said: "With so much disrespect for officers these days, I would recommend both sides to take this class. You get to see the risk these people take every day to protect us. I always had high respect for them, but it went higher after this class. I know Greenwood is going to do more of these classes in the future."
Besides being an LJC grad, Joe serves on the LJC Advisory Committee. He serves as an Associate Broker for Lake City Investments.
Joe Waltermann (center) with Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers and Police Chief Jim Ison.
Alumni News
Leeanne Lollar, CFP® ('20) has joined the Donaldson Capital Management Columbus Team as Lead Investment Advisor.
Congratulations to Emily Snyder ('19) for giving birth to twins.
Wall of Hope
LJC Connection Helps Make Mural a Reality
A new mural in historic downtown Franklin is bringing attention to mental health issues, thanks to some help from Leadership Johnson County graduates.
Upstream Prevention recently commissioned a mural - the Wall of Hope - which was recently completed at 49 West Monroe Street - on the Sharp Graphics building.
Organizers said the mural was envisioned as a way to visualize hope for people struggling. Upstream Prevention is an organization that aims to support positive mental health, decrease suicides and address substance abuse in Johnson County.
LJC Graduates who helped make this possible included:
Kathleen Ratcliff ('17), Upstream Prevention Executive Director
Patrick Tisdale ('20), Artist
Mark Hatfield ('19), Anne Sutton ('17) and Sara Thompson ('16), Upstream board members
Class of 2023 Profiles
Nicole Caudill
Library Assistant
Family: Roger Caudill (spouse), Tori Kinney and Taylor Kinney (daughter and son-in-law), Lina Caudill (daughter)
What is innovative in your field of work? Working at the library is more than just recommending books and helping patrons check them out. As a Programming Librarian, it is my goal to introduce children to lifelong learning and to encourage them to never stop trying new things.
Number one skill you practice that makes you successful: Treat every person the way I would want to be treated.
Favorite quote? "Freedom means, that you do not have to do everything the same way as other people." Astrid Lindgren
Hobbies and interests outside of work: I love being a member of the Worship Team at Fairhaven Christian Church and I love traveling to different countries and places, as well as spending time with my family.
Tell me about a significant project or accomplishment in your career: Going back to college after 30 years, in a different country, to change my career.
What’s your superpower? Making everyone feel included.
Name of a local business you utilize personally or professionally that provides an outstanding service: Main & Madison (Bookclub and lots and lots of coffee).
Jenny Deaton
Fiduciary Officer
Family: I have a partner Gwen, a dog Daiquiri and a cat Linus.
What is your favorite LJC moment or lesson to date? My favorite lesson is there are many definitions of leadership. Find the one that you believe in.
What or who inspires you: I have a good friend who is paralyzed from the chest down. He has the most positive outlook on life and is grateful for every day.
Last book you read: Coming Up for Air by Tom Daley
Something on your bucket list: To go on an African safari
What is your favorite restaurant: Any ethnic restaurant but if I must pick one then it's Thai Spice.
What is one word you would use to describe yourself: Practical
Katie Ott
High School Agriculture Teacher
Family: Mom - Kristi, Dad - Brad ('98), Brothers - Jonathan and Joseph
Who or what inspires you: The women of my family were/are very motivated individuals and all instilled in me at a young age the importance of hard work and dedication.
Number one skill you practice that makes you successful? Listening to understand before responding.
Hobbies and interests outside of work? Crafting - all of the crafts! I am trying to learn crocheting right now but am failing miserably.
Something on your bucket list: Travel to as many places around the globe as I can - but actually see the country when there and not just the touristy options.
Name of a local business you utilize personally or professionally that provides an outstanding service: Court Street Café
Anya McConnell
Assistant Director, Franklin Chamber of Commerce
Family: Husband: Clay, Kiddos: Eliza and Wells, and two Doggos
Favorite LJC moment or lesson to date: I think the 'noodle' game was just what everyone needed to really let their guards down and realize we're all on equal footing in the 'newness'. I think that was the start of some really great, new relationships.
What or who inspires you? My kiddos. It's awfully cliché but goodness do I want to be the very best version of myself for them. Someone they can look up to and know loves them more than anything.
Favorite quote? "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - The Lorax
Something on your bucket list: Living abroad for a bit of time. Or at least somewhere very different. I would love to expose our kids to just how big and beautiful this world of ours is. The people, the cultures, the environments. It's too amazing not to experience!
Tell me about a significant project or accomplishment in your career. I very much consider the greatest accomplishment in my life, not just my career, to be the relationships and connections I've made. To answer two questions in one, friendliness might be the 'skill' by which I am most successful. It's helped form the relationships I've built over the years, be it in school, through work, or life in general. And they mean so much more to me than any quantifiable achievement.
What's your spirit animal? A flamingo! Because, who wouldn't want to live at the beach and be able to fly, all while looking just fabulous?
