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The City of LaGrange is now accepting applications for the 2023 Class of LaGrange 101.

LaGrange 101 is a free class hosted by the City of LaGrange that allows local citizens to experience an inside look at city government.

Adam Speas, City of LaGrange creative director, said the program started a couple years ago as a way for the City of LaGrange to help inform and educate the citizens about what the local government does.

“We accept 15 different applicants and let different department heads talk with them, answer questions and go through presentations with them about what we do on a day-to-day basis,” Speas said.

The program will last six weeks, meeting Monday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The first class will be Monday, Oct. 2 and the final class will be on Monday, Nov. 6. Graduation from the class will take place at the LaGrange City Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Speas said he feels the biggest benefit of applying for LaGrange 101 is getting to know what your local government does and doesn’t.

“Knowing what your local government does and doesn’t can help you understand it better and become a citizen who knows who to contact and ultimately improve your community by having that knowledge,” Speas said.

He said he hopes people will be interested in programs like this so they can get informed and go on to help improve their community and get involved.

“This is a fantastic program that I haven’t seen a lot of other government entities do. I think doing programs like this is extremely beneficial, and I hope we have more applicants than ever this year,” Speas said. “Everyone is concerned about local governments, federal governments, state governments and at the local level is the best way to get involved and informed.”

The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 22 by 5 p.m. Completed applications can be emailed to Speas at aspeas@lagrangega.org or dropped off in person in the marketing/communications office on the third floor of City Hall.

Only 15 citizens will be selected for LaGrange 101 and applicants who are selected will be notified by Friday, September 22.

To be a part of LaGrange 101, applicants are asked to submit three concerns they want addressed in the City of LaGrange. Presenters will incorporate these concerns into their presentations.

To learn more about LaGrange 101 and to download an application visit to www.lagrangega.org/Home/LaGrange_101. If you are interested in learning more about the 2022 LaGrange 101 Class, please contact Speas at aspeas@lagrangega.org.