05/28/2026
We are happy to announce our 2026 county council candidate for district 1!
Neika Smessaert has long ties to Marshall County. After moving to Plymouth when she was 1, she ended up in LaPaz where she graduated from LaVille High School. After high school she headed to Purdue University to get her degree in Veterinary Technology. She moved back to the area and worked at Magrane Pet Medical Center for 20 years as a Registered Veterinary Technician. During that time she developed an intense passion for animal behavior, and in November of 2011, she started her own dog and cat training business. Being raised as a daughter of a crop farmer near West Lafayette and a single mother in Plymouth, Neika worked hard to start her own business doing what she loves. Owning her own business was not easy, but it meant she could control her schedule and have the freedom to be there for her kids’ sporting and school events.
Neika has been married nearly 25 years to her husband, Jason. Jason is a Union Local 172 Journeyman Plumber-Pipefitter. Together they have 2 children. Her daughter, who is active duty United States Navy, is currently stationed in San Diego, California as a Hospital Corpsman. Their son has just begun his union apprenticeship with Electrical Union Local 153.
Neika and her family currently live at Lake of the Woods in Bremen, IN, after moving from Lakeville 7 years ago. Neika has volunteered at Bremen Schools with her therapy dogs for nearly 13 years as a Reader Dog. She also teaches about dog bite prevention. Most notably, Neika started a Blue Star Banner presentation at Bremen High School called the Oath of Enlistment Ceremony 5 years ago, after her daughter first joined the Navy. This ceremony is meant to properly recognize and thank those students, and their families, who are making the choice to enlist in our armed forces. She has also volunteered on the board of the Lake of the Woods Property Owners Association where she started one of the most popular (and fun) summer fundraisers, The Hunt for Summer Spirits that is held annually in June. She is also a volunteer advisor on the Marian University-Ancilla College Veterinary Technology board. Neika is also a Faculty Advisor with the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training program to coach other people as they explore what it takes to be a successful positive reinforcement dog trainer. Recently Neika volunteered for the Secretary position that was open for the Bremen Chamber of Commerce. That role begins next month.
In the last 6 years Neika went back to school at Gallaudet University online to learn American Sign Language, ASL. Neika has long struggled with hearing loss and used covid as an opportunity to finally learn a new language. Since completing the program she attends weekly ASL Club held through Marshall Starke Development Center. There she practices ASL and grows in her understanding of Deaf culture and the importance of program options for individuals with all different abilities.
Neika is running for County Council District 1 on the Democratic ticket. Neika’s strengths are; understanding the power of the collective voice, feeling comfortable reaching out to diverse communities to listen, and understanding the struggles of being a small business owner. She is focused on building community through honesty, transparency and integrity and speaking in ways that people can easily understand. She understands the importance of learning and growth in areas where she has less experience. Neika is not afraid to have her mind changed, should new information become available. Protecting our finite natural resources and effectively supporting the members of our community are important values for her and she plans to work very hard to help that happen.
