Chris Knochel - 2010 Outstanding County Surveyor
Chris Knochel has served as the Newton County Surveyor since 2000. His efforts over the past two years as a leader in public service have proven Knochel a model County Surveyor. Knochel has diligently represented Newton County and the Indiana County Surveyors Association not only in his region, but across the state. A member of the Indiana County Surveyors Legislative Committee, Knochel has testified on a number of issues before the Indiana General Assembly as a drainage expert. Knochel has served as the North District Vice President of the Indiana County Surveyors Association since 2007 and will continue his second term through 2011.
Prior to his election to Newton County Surveyor, Knochel was Supervisor and Director of the Newton County Marijuana Eradication program. This program has since been integrated into the Surveyor’s office. He is a recipient of the Silver Master’s DIPLOMA Certificate as a member of the Association of Indiana Counties. In 2006, Knochel received the President’s Award on behalf of the Indiana County Surveyors Association. He has been named Chairman of the Wetlands Committee and also serves as a Headwater Forum Representative. Knochel is the Chairman of the Kankakee River Basin Commission and serves as advisor to the Iroquois River Conservancy. He is a member of Kentland City Farmers and Kentland Rotary and the Newton County Association of Churches.
Following his graduation from South Newton High School until the fall of 1996, Knochel was Farm Manager for V. K. Farms, Inc. He managed the family farm for over 35 years. Life-long residents of Newton County, Knochel and his wife Susan have been married 38 years. They have two children, daughter, Tracy Coussens, of Zionsville, and son, Sean, of Sheridan. They have six grandchildren.