This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. There’s more going on at the Market than you probably realize! For instance, did you know about our Little Sprouts program? Children who visit the Market can engage in a variety of learning activities, absorbing knowledge about nutrition and agriculture. Participating means earning Sprout Bucks, which can be used to purchase products from Market vendors.

It’s just another reason why you and your family should make your way downtown to the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon for another wonderful Market day!

The sound of bouncing basketballs and cheering families has quickly become a familiar scene at Carver Community Center as its new Little Dribblers basketball program gets underway. Designed for children in kindergarten through third grade, the program introduces the game’s fundamentals in a fun, encouraging environment while helping young athletes build confidence and develop a love for basketball.

After just two weeks, Little Dribblers generated excitement throughout Kokomo and the surrounding communities. Parents embrace the opportunity to give their children an early introduction to organized basketball, while participants eagerly return each week to learn new skills and spend time with teammates.

The program focuses on teaching the basics in age-appropriate ways. Young players practice ball handling, shooting, defensive positioning, teamwork, and staying with the player they are guarding. Each week includes both a practice and a game, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned while steadily improving throughout the five- to six-week program.

Leon Brown, Programs Director at Carver Community Center, believes the program is laying the foundation for the future.

“Little Dribblers is one of the most exciting things we’re doing at Carver,” said Brown. “For many of these kids, it’s their first introduction to basketball, so we have the opportunity to teach the fundamentals the right way from the beginning.

“Coach Chick has done an outstanding job, and you can already see the excitement and growth in the kids. We want this program to become a pipeline for our youth basketball programs while helping children develop confidence, character, and a love for the game.”

Executive Director Shari Spicer said the strong community response has exceeded expectations.

“This is the first year of Little Dribblers, and we’ve been thrilled by the number of children who signed up,” said Spicer. “It’s more than a basketball program, it’s about teaching the fundamentals while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork. The kids are having fun, families are enjoying it, and we believe this will become a year-round program that continues to grow for years to come.”

As its inaugural season continues, Little Dribblers is already making a lasting impression. More than teaching basketball skills, the program is creating a positive environment where young children can build confidence, character, friendships, and a lifelong appreciation for the game. With strong community support and a clear vision for the future, Little Dribblers is poised to become a cornerstone youth program at Carver Community Center.

Barbara Ann Sparks Dodd, 91, Kokomo, passed away at 4:46 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born in Miami County, Indiana, on October 25, 1934, the daughter of the late Thelma Mae (Hughes) and John Earl Jones Sr. In 1953, she married Jack Sparks, who preceded her in death in 1980. In 1990, she married Thomas Dodd, and he preceded her in death in 1998.

Barbara graduated from Kokomo High School in 1953. She was a long-time member of First Assembly of God in Kokomo. She loved the Lord and spending time reminiscing with her family and friends. In her young adult life, she enjoyed volunteering at her children’s school and was a Sunday School teacher and a Girl Scout leader. Barbara was a very loving mother and grandmother. She was and will continue to be loved and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Barbara is survived by her children Jacqueline (John) Dodd, Valetta Sparks, and Charles (Susan) Sparks; brother John Earl Jones Jr.; grandchildren Jessica Whitlow, Jeffrey Dodd, Leilani Peleti, Elenoa Peleti-Cosley, Harley Lane, Payton Thomas, Jacob Sparks, Melissa Lowman, and Robert Wayer; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Jack Sparks and her second husband Thomas Dodd.

Friends are invited to visit the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A funeral service celebrating Barbara’s life will take place at 12 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home, with Rev. John Dodd officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Frank B. Johns

Frank B. Johns, 86, of Cambridge City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 24, 1940, to his parents Jacob Johns & Dorotha (Sellars) Johns.

Frank graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1958. He proudly served in the United States Army. Frank married Clara (Shirley) Johns in 1965, and they shared nearly 61 years together. Most folks will fondly remember Frank “Buck” as a hardworking, honest man who served the town of Hobbs well during the many years of operating Johns Grain Company.

Frank is survived by his wife Clara Johns; children David (Joshelyn) Johns and Susan (Stacy) Faw; grandchildren Julia, Avery, and Cecelia; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob & Dorotha Johns and siblings Jack Johns and Becky Howell.

A graveside service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery, located at 418 Fairview Avenue in Tipton with Pastor Shirley officiating.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Frank Johns. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frank’s honor may be made to Wounded Warrior.

Ilene Lucille Waters

Ilene Lucille Waters, 83, of Kokomo died Monday July 20, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born on January 30, 1943, in Moss, Tennessee, to Hubard and Ida Mae Gibson.

Ilene retired from Delco, where she worked many years in the assembly of the radio products. She was a member of the Christian Heritage Church in Kokomo, where she was pleased to be deeply involved with the Bible study. Her love of cooking shone brightly when she brought her chicken and noodles to the weekly gathering. She enjoyed friendship with many, especially having time for dinner out at restaurants. Often Ilene could be found shopping and getting bargains at a thrift shop. During the basketball season, the Pacers were front and center as she rooted for the home team. Mostly, Ilene was a family person, proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grands.

Survivors include her children Brent Gibson and wife Michelle and Robert Sallee. Grandchildren include Brenna Woodall, Michela Cornelius, Billy Henderson, Britney Henderson, and Bailey Sallee. Her great-grandchildren are Ezra Cornelius and Lucas and Logan Henderson. Her sister Judy Watson and husband Jim and a sister-in-law Shirley Gibson also survive.

She was preceded in death by daughter Sherry Henderson and son-in-law Mike Henderson and siblings Katherine Edwards and husband John, David Gibson, Mitchell Gibson and wife Ann, and Billy Goodnight.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Pastor Devin Cole presiding. Visitation will also be on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Waters’ family. Please leave online condolences for them on Ilene’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial donations may be made to: Christian Heritage Church Summer Camp Program, 3007 E. Carter St., Kokomo, IN 46901.

Gary Hotsinpiller Sr.

Gary Hotsinpiller Sr., 86, passed away at 12:20 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home. He was born on May 25, 1940, the son of Russell and Flora (Cooker) Hotsinpiller. On September 9, 1961, he married Frances Rocks in Union Town, PA, and she survives.

Gary was a 1959 graduate of Point Marion High School. He was a coal miner in Pennsylvania and worked at Continental Steel in Indiana. He enjoyed working on cars and being out in the garage. He helped his grandsons rebuild cars as well. Gary enjoyed landscaping, mowing, being outside, and most of all spending time with family.

Along with his wife Frances, he is survived by his children Lisa Eldridge, Gary (Kelly) Hotsinpiller Jr., and Suzanne (Danny) Pearson; grandchildren Dustin, Brandon, Michael, MeGan, Joshua, Dannille, and Kolton; great-grandchildren KJ, Avery, Ian, Axel, Kinsleigh, Grayson, Charlotte, Eleanor, Rhett, Luke, Archer, and a great-granddaughter on the way; and brother Paul (Donna) Hotsinpiller Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Sonny, Mary, Charles, Jimmy, John, and Linda.

A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Roger Andrick officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org, or to Dialysis Patient Citizens, dialysispatients.org. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Wanita Eilene Bowley

Wanita Eilene Bowley, 82, Sharpsville, passed away at 7:16 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on August 16, 1943, the daughter of the late Claude and Alma (Morris) Bowley.

Wanita worked for General Motors and retired after 35 years of service. She was a member of the Ethical Society of Mid Rivers. She was a humanist who believed in kindness, love, and leaving this earth a better place for generations to come. Wanita loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, shopping at Goodwill, and going to the casino with her sister. She enjoyed fishing and was a St. Louis Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts fan.

Wanita is survived by her son Jeffrey (Angela) Bowley; grandchildren Madison, Wil, and Logan; great-grandsons Kyson, Kashton, and Maverick; siblings Deborah (Jerry) Stephenson, Claude (Jacklyn) Bowley, David (Linda) Bowley, Rick (Judy) Bowley, and Laura Wieland; special niece Ranae Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Raymond Bowley; and sisters Teresa Adcock and Becky Parks.

A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Frances Constance Knight

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Constance Knight (formerly Frances Constance Banbury) of Indianapolis, Indiana, on Monday, May 11, 2026. She was 87 years old at the time of her death.

Born in the Borough of Bermondsey, London, England, in 1938, not far from London Bridge, she had five siblings Leslie, Bernard, Peter, Dorothy, and Edwin. Her parents were Ivy Florence Banbury (formerly Machin) and Alfred John Banbury, who was a wharfingers checker by profession in London. Along with her family, young Frances slept in the subways while her neighborhood was bombed in World War II.

Frances came to the United States when a teenager to live with family near Kokomo, Indiana, where she met her future husband James (Jim) Robert Knight. They were married on October 20, 1956, and had three children. The couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Forged by the extraordinary circumstances of her childhood and young adulthood, Frances became a strong woman who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet her. A straight shooter with a quick sense of humor, she had an infectious laugh and was formidable, facing every obstacle with grit and courage.

Along with her late husband, she volunteered at the Howard Community Behavioral Health Center (located in Kokomo, IN). Frances enjoyed traveling with her family, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Boston, Chicago, NYC, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, San Francisco, many parts of Florida, and much of Great Britain. She loved gardening and tending to her roses, as well as the many dogs she and her family raised and loved over her lifetime.

Frances was a talented cook who made an exceptional traditional British Sunday meal of standing rib roast, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted potatoes, among many other dishes (Grandma’s Stew). Frances enjoyed and loved Baxter and Joey, two Yorkies she had towards the end of her life.

Frances is survived by her three children Leslie Ann (Knight) Kolodziejski, James Michael Knight (married to Michelle Bailey), and David Todd Knight. In many ways, Frances was like a mother to her grandchild Macy Camile Knight (married to Anthony England), together having Frances’ great-grandchildren Lea Devan Wilson and Aya Kai England. Frances is survived by her other grandchildren Derek Kevin Kolodziejski and Stacia Rose Kolodziejski.

Frances was preceded in death by husband Jim on March 21, 2021; parents Ivy and Alfred Banbury, sister Dorothy McCain and brothers Edwin, Leslie, and Bernard Banbury. Frances will be entombed in a private ceremony with her husband at the Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home and Cemetery, Kokomo, IN.

Frances was a one-of-a-kind woman who was always and only her authentic self. Frances Constance Knight will be forever missed; she was loved dearly.

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. Your skills. Your passion. Your purpose. Bring them to Kokomo Family YMCA and make an impact. We are looking to hire Personal Trainers and Pilates Instructors. Apply today: https://kokomoymca.org/careers/

We are seeking Certified Personal Trainers to join our team and make a positive impact on the overall health of Howard County! As a YMCA Personal Trainer, you will assist a diverse range of members in adopting healthy lifestyles while boosting their self-esteem through goal setting and commitment to consistency.

Additionally, we are hiring Certified Pilates Reformer Instructors. Instructors will lead safe, effective, and engaging reformer-based Pilates sessions designed to help members improve their strength, flexibility, posture, and overall wellness.

For more information on both jobs, stop by the membership desk or visit our website: https://kokomoymca.org/careers/

The community is invited to the 12th Annual Samaritan Caregivers Gospel Concert on Sunday, August 23, at 6:00 p.m. at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St. Join them for an evening of worship, fellowship, and outstanding gospel music. No tickets are required. Admission is by free will offering, and everyone is welcome.

New this year, the event will feature a limited VIP Pre-Concert Reception for just 40 guests at $25 per person. VIP guests will enjoy a delicious hors d’oeuvres buffet catered by Windmill Grill, reserved front-row seating, an exclusive meet-and-greet with Josh Townsend and Matt Gerhard, and one entry into a VIP basket raffle.

Samaritan Caregivers is a nonprofit organization serving seniors throughout Howard County. The Gospel Concert is its second-largest fundraiser of the year, and every dollar raised directly supports programs that help local seniors remain independent.

Funds from this event provide free groceries and essential household necessities to more than 60 low-income seniors, transportation to medical appointments, minor home repairs, companionship, lawn care, and many other vital services that allow our clients to continue living safely in their own homes.

This year the organization has added a little friendly competition. It is challenging area churches and organizations to see who can bring the largest group to the concert. The winner will receive a special appreciation concert by Matt Gerhard at their church or facility, along with ice cream from Cone Palace for everyone to enjoy.

The concert will feature favorite hymn sing-alongs and inspiring performances by award-winning gospel pianist Josh Townsend from Nashville, alongside local favorite Matt Gerhard.

Samaritan Caregivers offering mums

Now through Aug. 12, Samaritan Caregivers is selling locally raised mums, 9-inch red, yellow, orange, or purple for $15, and 9-inch tri-color for $18. Orders may be placed by visiting www.samaritancaregivers.org.

Orders also are accepted at the Samaritan Caregivers office, 2705 S. Berkley Road, Suite 3C. Or call 765-453-7611 to place an order. Payment is accepted at time of order with a credit card, check, or cash.

The last day to order mums is Wed., Aug. 12. The flowers should arrive for pick-up on Thu., Aug. 28. Buyers can pick up their flowers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the south parking lot of One Church, 2734 S. Washington St. Additional plants will be available in limited quantities and colors at the pick-up location.

‘Spirit & Truth’ screening at Sycamore Reformed

Sycamore Reformed Presbyterian Church invites the community to a screening of “Spirit & Truth: A Movie About Worship” on Friday, July 24, from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

The church is located at 300 E. Mulberry St. Attendees are asked to enter the building at its rear basement entrance. There is no charge to attend, and all are welcome.

“Spirit & Truth” considers a basic but important question: How does God want to be worshiped? The documentary examines the biblical foundations of Christian worship and explains why the Protestant Reformers believed that the church’s worship must be ordered by the Word of God rather than merely by custom, preference, or innovation.

The recovery of biblical worship was one of the central concerns of the Protestant Reformation. Many churches in Howard County have emerged, directly or indirectly, from that heritage. This screening is intended as an opportunity for Christians from throughout the area to revisit that history, consider the teaching of Scripture, and engage in thoughtful and charitable conversation about the church’s worship.

The film is approximately 90 minutes long. The church will provide food to enjoy during the movie, and a 30-minute question-and-answer session will follow the screening.

The church stresses that the purpose of this screening is not to presume that every participant or congregation will agree on every aspect of worship. Rather, it hopes to encourage renewed attention to Scripture and constructive dialogue among the churches of Kokomo and Howard County concerning matters that were once central to the churches of the Protestant Reformation.

For additional information, visit the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/14iZx9pBoVA/

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.” —John 4:23

Patti Jo Elliott, 73, passed on July 18, 2026. Born November 19, 1952, Patti Jo Elliott was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on July 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on July 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

Max Cleon Unger

Max Cleon Unger, 85 years old, of Rossville, passed away 11:16 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home, in Rossville, IN. He was born in Clinton County, IN, on April 14, 1941, the son of the late Cleon and Gertrude (Sigler) Unger. On December 16, 1962, he married Betty Moyer, and she survives.

Max was a 1960 graduate of Clinton Central High School. He retired from Haynes International after 40 years of service in the Maintenance Department. Max was a sports fanatic to his core. He coached Little League baseball in Michigantown, and he played on the softball team for Haynes International. His favorite teams to cheer for were the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, and the Indiana University basketball team. Max’s favorite memories were attending baseball games at Wrigley Field with his boys. He was a faithful member of Geetingsville Presbyterian Church for 40 years.

In addition to his wife Betty, Max is survived by his sons Greg (Christy) Unger of Russiaville, Randy Unger of Lafayette, and Shawn (Nora) Unger of Chebanse, IL; grandchildren Sydney (Cory) Stover, Aby (Austin) Henderson, Emily Unger, Rowdy Unger, Scottie Unger, Lily Unger, and Conner Unger; great-grandchildren Max Unger, Riley Henderson, Carson Henderson, Leilani Unger, and Callie Stover; and brothers Larry (Jan) Unger and Bill (Maida) Vawter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Donna and Bob Miller; and stepmother Violet Unger.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A memorial service celebrating Max’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Angie Hufford officiating. Burial will follow in Geetingsville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Max’s memory to the Geetingsville Presbyterian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Rayzhanae D. Lindsey

Rayzhanae D. Lindsey, 7, Kokomo, passed away at 11:57 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026. She was born on May 28, 2019, the daughter of Tageona Kaprgie Young and Raymond LaMont Lindsey.

Rayzhanae loved playing outside, shopping at Target, and playing with her sister and cousins. She enjoyed going on outings with her teacher and playing on her iPad.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents Tageona and Raymond; her grandmother Caresser (Reese) Young; grandfather Brian Chamberlain; five sisters and six brothers; as well as several uncles and aunties.

She was preceded in death by Mary Young, Carolyn Lindsay, JaKylan Chamberlain, Derisha Young, and Damien Murphy.

Friends are invited to visit the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Fountain of Life Worship Center, 611 E. Jackson St., Kokomo. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral has been entrusted with arrangements.

Carol J. (Schaeffer) Brown

Carol J. (Schaeffer) Brown, age 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 20, 2026. She was born on November 17, 1938, in Rankin, Illinois, and lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, generosity, and a cheerful spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Carol was the daughter of Edward and Florance Schaeffer, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Sandra Grant, Nancy Bowser, Ruth Bitner, Margie Geary, and Lucille Fellows, as well as her brothers Michael Schaeffer, Jerry Schaeffer, and Gordon Schaeffer. She is survived by her daughter Paula Brown, her son Mike Brown, Jason Dura Gene and Julie Dura with children Stacy, Mike, and Diana, and her grandchildren Rachel Brown, Derrick Ross, Taylor Hatfield, Curtis Brown, and Rochelle McCoy. Her family was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she cherished every opportunity to share time, memories, and love with them.

Carol graduated from Kokomo High School and later graduated from Indiana University as a certified electrician. She built a remarkable career as an electrician for General Motors where she was also an active member of the UAW 292, a shop chairman, and editor of the union paper. She worked faithfully for 33 years for them. Her dedication, skill, and strong work ethic earned the respect of her coworkers and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. In addition to her long career, she was also a licensed travel agent and a licensed real estate agent, reflecting both her versatility and her willingness to embrace new opportunities throughout her life.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol lived with a spirit of curiosity and creativity. She enjoyed painting, working puzzles, and sewing, and she found joy in the simple satisfaction of creating and building with her hands. She owned many cabins over the years and loved flipping houses, always seeing potential where others might not. She also enjoyed boating and line dancing, and she was a world traveler who embraced the beauty of new places and experiences. Carol was a landlord in Kokomo for many years and helped many people find apartments and a place to call home, a reflection of her practical kindness and her desire to serve others in meaningful ways.

Carol will be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was. She was loving, selfless, and kind, and she carried those qualities into every part of her life. She had a special way of celebrating life to the fullest, and she woke up each day with a smile on her face, grateful for the new day ahead. Her joyful outlook and appreciative heart were a gift to her family, friends, and all who crossed her path. She also gave generously to the Arbor Day Foundation, showing her care for the world around her and her appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Those who knew Carol will remember her as a woman of strength, warmth, and grace. She approached life with determination, but also with laughter, gratitude, and a genuine love for people. Her presence brought comfort and brightness, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, the example she set through her kindness, resilience, and joyful spirit will remain a lasting blessing to all who loved her.

Carol J. Brown leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, excellence in her work, and a life well lived. Her journey from Rankin, Illinois, to Kokomo, Indiana, was filled with accomplishment, compassion, and cherished memories. She will be remembered with love and gratitude, and her life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of life will be on August 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Riverview Event Center, 421 West Canal St. Peru, IN 46970.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

The sound of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins will echo across western Howard County once again this August as the Winding Creek Music Festival returns. But there’s something wandering in the woods this year.

That’s right. There has been a Bigfoot sighting!

Make sure to visit the Winding Creek Music Festival, Aug. 13-16, as a fantastic line-up of bands are joined by vendors, music instructors, a Sunday 5K, and that hairy forest recluse and his friends.

Tickets for the Winding Creek Music Festival are on sale now and can be purchased at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com. A discount is available for buying tickets prior to Aug. 1. See the site for prices on single-day, three-day, and four-day tickets. The Sunday family ticket includes admission for two adults and up to four kids for just $20.

Summer means speed on Howard County’s roads. Couple this with winding roads in some locations and tall cornstalks in others, and the recipe for tragedy delivers its mournful product every year.

Recent traffic accidents have the Howard County Board of Commissioners concerned and demanding changes. They called Howard County Highway Superintendent Amber Tolle to speak on two intersections of concern at their July 20 meeting.

Commissioner Jeff Lipinski was particularly concerned by the intersection of 750 W and 00 NS, where a recent accident with a scooter ended in tragedy. He raised concerns initially at the commissioners’ July 6 meeting.

“That road has had numerous accidents since I was a child, and we just had a tragedy close to that intersection,” said Lipinski. “I think we’ve had enough accidents there and enough tragedy that it’s time that something to be done.

“I would like to see us do a professional traffic study in that area, and I know it’s going to cost money, but we’ve lost numerous lives. I think it’s past time that we do something.”

Commissioner Jack Dodd noted that Tolle had been made aware of the issue and was working on hiring a traffic engineer to evaluate the intersection.

“But what can we do in the meantime?” asked Dodd. “That’s the question. It seems to me a bigger and brighter stop sign with the reflective stripes going down the side and with a sign underneath that says cross traffic does not stop. I wonder about putting those stop signs on each side.”

Dodd added that this type of signage likely would not have prevented the scooter accident that brought the issue to the surface. Still, he requested that the traffic department install such signage in the absence of motorist safety.

“These scooters are dangerous,” said Dodd. “People need to be aware when they’re out on these scooters. They need to have all the required lights, and they need to wear light clothing. They need to take precautions. How do you regulate that? I don’t know. How do you regulate safety?”

At the July 20 meeting, Tolle was given the opportunity to address the 750 W intersection.

“We’ve been working on some safety action plans for quite a few years,” said Tolle. “This was a study of different intersections and thoroughfares that were considered high traffic or high incident areas. We completed this in February 2025, and it did a deep dive in the intersections in the county, the city, and even the state intersections.”

Tolle said Howard County was compared to other counties with similar layouts, and they found similarities in the number of accidents and fatalities. More importantly, it provided her office with a blueprint for accessing the funds to make changes.

“The whole point of this is to help us apply for federal grants for safety funds to improve some of these intersections in the future,” said Tolle.

She explained that she is working with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office to come up with solutions, but there are 23 different intersections in the county that account for 10 percent of all incidents. These intersections, termed “the most dangerous” by Tolle, are being studied.

“The top intersection that is the most dangerous for the county is Smith Road and Davis Road, which I don’t think is any surprise to any of us,” said Tolle. “We started a study on that one about six months ago. We have a traffic specialist who is looking at some different options, whether that’s complete reconstruction of the intersection or whether that’s maybe just some minor improvements. We’re going to try to figure that out.”

Tolle said the 750 W intersection ranks seventh on the most dangerous list. There were other, more dangerous, intersections scheduled to be studied first, but she moved the intersection up the list as the commissioners’ request. She believes that study can be completed quickly and a solution offered within months.

She also pointed out that the enhanced stop signs cited by Dodd already are in place at the 750 W intersection, including a flashing light for southbound traffic.

“If we keep throwing things out there, it becomes more of a distraction than an improvement,” said Tolle. “I want to make sure that we do the improvement quickly, but also correctly the first time. We can’t just, out of emotion, try to assess these intersections.”

Offering other solutions, Tolle pointed out that Howard County has a higher-than-average incidence of unrestrained occupants in vehicle accidents. She suggested that wearing a seatbelt would reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.

“But number one thing that I would suggest to the public is put your phones down,” said Tolle. “Eliminate as many distractions as you possibly can. That is the thing I see on most incidents: distracted driving. Two is speed. Note your speed. Note the speed limits and keep to those speed limits. They’re there for a reason. And at stop signs, look, and then look again.”

The commissioners also considered an ordinance to address the intersection of 850 E and 50 S. According to Commissioner Brad Bray, the installation of a new athletics facility at the southeast corner of the intersection will cause concerns with children crossing 850 E with speeding motorists and no crosswalk.

“(Greentown) contacted me about this, and they said that motorists coming from the north, going south, they blow through there at 60 miles an hour,” said Bray.

Tolle introduced the ordinance, which will aggressively redesign the intersection to improve safety.

“We need a way for students to cross those roads safely, so we propose making that into a three-way stop,” said Tolle. “Every direction would stop, and that would allow us to put a crosswalk on the north leg of that intersection to allow those students to cross at a fully stop-controlled intersection.”

Tolle also noted that the township trustees serving the Greentown area agreed to fund the construction of a sidewalk along the west side of 850 E that would allow children to walk safely from Eastern school facilities to the athletic complex.

“We’ll have stop signs on both directions for southbound, which is the new stop for that intersection,” said Tolle. “We’re going to work with the town and with the school as well to make sure that everybody is aware.”

Tolle said the push is on to make changes to the intersection before school starts in August. In passing the ordinance, Bray added that the next step to address traffic on 850 E is to lower the speed limit to 30 mph north of the intersection.

This article is brought to you by Moore’s Home Health and Medical Supply. For more than 70 years, Moore’s Home Health has been Howard County’s leading provider of assistive and adaptive ​home medical equipment and supplies. Call 765-454-5210 or visit Moore’s at 608 W. Markland Ave. to let them help meet your healthcare needs!

Voters were surprised this spring when a tried-and-true polling location at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) was taken off the list. That shunted a large number of people to other voting centers, causing long lines to cast a ballot. An alternate site at Latitude 40 on the city’s north end went virtually unutilized.

Howard County Clerk Debbie Stewart is trying to fix the issue as IWU is back in the fold. She presented the contract to use the facility on east Markland Avenue to the Howard County Board of Commissioners earlier this month.

“We are going back to Indiana Wesleyan for the fall election,” said Stewart, explaining that a scheduling conflict was responsible for the facility’s removal from the list of voting centers. She acknowledged that Latitude 40 was a last-minute addition that didn’t work as hoped.

“Indiana Wesleyan notified us right at the last minute that there was a scheduling conflict, so we just had to find a place,” said Stewart. “We’ve worked with them since the primary, and they have us all scheduled and no conflicts.”

That usage agreement includes a $3,600 fee for the facility. Commissioner Jack Dodd balked at the amount, but Stewart explained that is the rental fee for the conference rooms.

With that voting center location settled, the commissioners turned their attention to access issues that need addressed in their own house. The conditions at the Jeff Stout Government Center on East Mulberry Street leave much to be desired, according to Commissioner Jeff Lipinski.

“There were a lot of issues with voting,” said Lipinski. “The (exterior) elevator was down. I had numerous emails wanting to know when the elevator was going to be fixed. And it was somewhat inconvenient for people to park in the back of the building by the coroner’s office to come in.

“I assume that it’s going to be real hard to move things out of there, so I think that we have to do a better job of making it much more accessible for people that have any kind of handicap, whether we need to reserve certain parking, make it that way for the duration of voting, and or have wheelchairs accessible and things like that.”

Lipinski noted that the Howard County Health Department did provide the use of its wheelchair for voters with mobility issues, but he didn’t see that as a solution. Dodd entered the conversation, proposing that the Jeff Stout Center no longer be used as a voting center.

“We’ve had this discussion before,” Dodd said. “I don’t feel like that’s a proper place to have a voting system. Its location is not good. Access is not good. I think we need to look for a different place.”

This caused Stewart some concern, as the county’s voter registration office and the storage area for the county’s voting equipment both are in the building.

“We have to have a place for the equipment, and we have to have a place for voter (registration),” said Stewart. “And we have to have a place for the election room. It all needs to be contained together. It makes it easier for voter (registration) to work with the election room and vice versa.”

Lisa Washington, a candidate for the Howard County Board of Commissioners, was allowed to speak during the discussion. She offered an alternative site for a voting center.

“Pastor (Lonnie) Anderson has offered up Mount Pisgah (Missionary Baptist Church),” said Anderson. “Mount Pisgah has an activity center, and I think if someone would like to go over there, they have ample parking. There are no steps to go in, and it is a big center.

“If you’re looking for another place, it’s something that would be convenient, somewhere you don’t have to worry about an elevator. It’s handicapped accessible.”

Stewart admitted that Mount Pisgah had occurred to her as a possible voting center location and expressed an interest in speaking with the pastor.

“I had driven by that church, but I didn’t know who to get in contact with,” said Stewart. “So, I appreciate this for future reference. If we have an issue with the UAW or Indiana Wesleyan, or any of the other voting locations, we could fall back on them. I would love to come out and see it.”

Mr. Kitters also known as, “Charlie,” passed away peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning, July 20, 2026.

He came to us as a young stray in September of 2023. What started out as making friends with a stray cat quickly turned into the best four-legged pal we could ever ask for. We always joked that he made himself right at home by walking in the door on the very first day. He was determined that he was home. Throughout his short years with us, he became quite well known in the community for his sweet and friendly demeanor. His personality greatly helped people navigate grief with a touch of comfort and some purring.

He loved to watch birds and bunnies and spend the afternoons outside in the sun. Mr. Kitters was very protective and didn’t let any other cats near the property line. One of his favorite activities was “working the door” during visitations where he either sat in the chair by the front door or laid on the porch outside. He also did quite a bit of “office work” which consisted of laying across the keyboard on the desk and knocking off anything and everything that stood in his way.

Mr. Kitters made friends with the mailman, several dogs on the block, casket salesmen, and also families whose lives were touched by him during their time spent at the funeral home.

For being a cat, with no training whatsoever, he always seemed to know just what to do to provide a laugh, smile, or even just a slight bit of comfort in a time when it was needed most. We believe he most certainly knew and understood the gravity of his “job,” and how fortunate are we that he chose us?

He was the best boy there was and ever will be – the perfect fit into our family. The funeral home will never be the same without hearing the bell on his collar as he ran down the hall to greet us at the door every morning.

Mr. Kitters will be missed wholeheartedly by the entire staff of Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Though he loved everyone, he shared the most special bond with Gracie. He never let her too far out of his sight - wherever she went, he wasn’t far behind.

No matter how long we have them, it’s never long enough. Our hearts ache in his absence.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Lillie Mae Pressey, 96, went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2026. She was born June 30, 1930, to the late Jesse Rhodes and Dora Booher in Grubbs, Arkansas.

Lillie married Bob Pressey in 1973, and together they raised four children. Lillie loved her family deeply. Those who knew her often spoke of how easily she welcomed others. She was someone who never met a stranger.

In her working years, Lillie served as a Quality Control Inspector for Delco until retirement. For many years she enjoyed volunteering at the nursing home during her free time and took pride in doing so.

Faith and simple joys shaped the rhythm of her days. She was a previous member of Gethsemane Tabernacle. She was a devout Christian and loved serving the Lord. She found joy in gardening and birds, and cherished the bird houses her husband built for her. She loved being outdoors, fishing, camping, and spending time with her dogs.

At home, Lillie’s hands were rarely still. She sewed and crafted, cooked and baked, and took particular pride in her homemade bread. She always made sure someone was there to snap a picture of it before it was gone. Lillie tried to preserve the memory of all parts of her life, not just her cooking. She used the same camera for many years, always capturing moments for her family to look back on.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Lillie is survived by her children Renee Wade, Dave Harris, Charles Harris, and Michael Pressey; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Lillie is preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Pressey and her brothers Ancil Rhodes and Ernest Rhodes.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on July 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Michael Stephen Leader

Michael Stephen Leader, 72, of Tipton, Indiana, formerly of Savannah, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Born on September 19, 1953, in San Diego, California, Michael was the son of Morris and Hazel Leader.

Michael spent his career as a truck driver before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, his stubborn streak, and the sense of humor that stayed with him until the very end. He enjoyed fishing and cherished the time he spent with family.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Morris; his first wife Debbie Stewart Leader, whom he married in 1974; his brother Bob Leader; nephew Chase Leader; and nieces Shelby Wilson and Haleigh Smith. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Bob and Jeannene Stewart.

He is survived by his wife Jean Ann Leader; his daughters Crissy Anderson (Shaun) and Ashley (Sherard) (David (Clarke) Lennon); his grandchildren Kameron Diamond (Sam), Lane Anderson, Lennon, McCartney Sherard, and Harrison Sherard; his great-grandchildren Maisy Diamond, Tauren Diamond, Honey Diamond, and Posey Diamond; his brother Rick Leader (Retha); his sisters Margaret Wilson, Kathy Leader (Earl), and Lori (David) Marshall; his sister-in-law Mutula Leader; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Michael will be remembered for his determination, his unmistakable sense of humor, and the love he had for his family. Though stubborn at times, he never lost his ability to make those around him laugh—even in his final days. His memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by all who knew him.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Michael’s honor to Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Missouri, 701 Lower Lake Road, St. Joseph, MO 64504.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Leader family. Please leave online condolences for them on Michael’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Rebecca Ann Martin

Rebecca Ann Martin, 78, of Frankfort, died Saturday July 18, 2026, at the Clinton House Rehabilitation Center in Frankfort. She was born in Howard County, Indiana, on March 14, 1948, to Ralph and Dena (Halley) Drake. She spent several years growing up and living in the Prairie Township area.

Rebecca graduated in 1966 from Sharpsville-Prairie High School. Her love of sports focused on the Colts football team and any Major League Baseball game being played. She retired in 2014 from Federal Mogul in Frankfort where she worked in several capacities during her tenure. She was an avid gardener and truly relished spending time with her grandchildren. She watched many programs on the Game Show and Discovery Channel networks. She collected Coca-Cola memorabilia and was a frequent concert spectator as she enjoyed being a huge Michael Jackson fan.

Survivors include her children: Kelly (Brackney) Davis of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Lisa Brackney of Frankfort, Amy (Brackney) Pyke of Frankfort, Scott Martin of Frankfort, and Erica Martin of Frankfort. Grandchildren include Jacob Fahnestock, Courtney Brackney, Crysania Davis, Victoria LeTourneau, Taylor Pyke, Kara Brackney, Tristen Martin, Joseph LeTourneau, Makaila LeTourneau, and Julianna Martin. Rebecca is blessed with 15 great-grandchildren.

Rebecca will be buried at Liberty Baptist Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Young-Nichols Funeral Home, 216 West Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana 46072 to help with funeral expenses.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Martin Family in their time of need. Online condolences may be made at www.young-nichols.com.

Margaret Ann Parker, 82, Kokomo, passed away on Friday morning, July 10, 2026, at her residence.

Viewing will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, Kokomo, Indiana, with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclianfh.com.

Mary Ann Johnson

Mary Ann Johnson, 92 of Medaryville, passed away at 3:53 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at I.U. Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born on October 31, 1933, in Medaryville, she was the daughter of the late James and Mabel (Steele) Nicolas.

She retired from Kaiser Aluminum in 1997. Mary Ann was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, St. Henry’s Altar Rosary Society, Medaryville Lions Club, and the Gingham Pals Home Ec. Club.

She enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends. She spent several years making ceramics in her home shop. Mary Ann kept her hands busy by crocheting several blankets and scarves to give to her loved ones.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years this October Larry Johnson of Medaryville, her children Randy Holliday (Patti) of Winamac, Ron Holliday (friend Jolynn) of New Port Richey, Florida, Carla Good of Tipton, Tom Holliday (Julie) of Medaryville, Tony Holliday (Melanie) of Francesville, Mark Holliday (Tammy) of Rensselaer, and daughter-in-law Lisa Holliday of Lacrosse.

Her grandchildren Mara Leman (Randy), Chad Holliday (Michelle), Shannon Smith (Jeff), Amy Frank (Chris), Josh Koch (Alaina), Jake Koch (Tigre), Bobbi Reinhold (Stan), Angie Taberski (Matt), Stephanie Bushman (Brian), Tenille Rainford (Sean), Carmin Ruff (Keith), Travis Holliday, Andrea Powell (Brad) Allison Ripberger (Toby), Jenelle Owens (Scott), Kyndra Wireman (Tyler), Chase Holliday (Cinthia), Chance Holliday, Brooke Bennett (Jim), Celia Lovely (Matt), Sawyer Holliday, Spencer Holliday, Hunter Holliday (Courtney), Jordan Daniels, and Houston Langley (Adam) also survive.

Surviving great-grandchildren are Sydney Leman, Darrin Leman, Marin Plattner (Tyler), Sarah Leman, Brienna Holliday, Alec Smith, Payton Smith, Quinn Smith, Cole Frank, Alyse Frank, Mason Koch, Reid Koch, Kinley Koch, Elliott Roberts, Laila Koch, Cole Reinhold (Emily), Lyndi Wagers (Joshua), Parker Fox (Michaela), Brennan Bushman, Alivia Bushman, Tyler Rainford, Samantha Rausch (Nick), McKenzie Kopka, Cooper Kopka, Easton Holliday, Tinley Holliday, Sydney Powell, Shane Powell, Seth Powell, Sophia Ripberger, Kennedy Ripberger, Brynlee Owens, Aspyn Owens, Lakyn Owens, Rhaylea Holliday, Jagger Skalon, Zayden Wireman, Bearett Wireman, Leonidas Holliday, Solomon Holliday, Riley Bennett, Ethan Bennett, Dylan Bennett, Emily Bennett, Paxton Lovely, Kyser Lovely, Freya Lovely, Asa Lovely, Everett Roe, Bronx Daniels, Rocco Daniels, and Leighton Langley.

Great-great grandchildren Julianna Wagers, Roman Fox, Rayli Fox, and Caroline Rausch survive.

She was also preceded in death by her first husband Carl Holliday; son Rick Holliday; son-in-law Bob Good; great-granddaughter Haley Fox; sister Helen Hackney; and brothers Jimmy Nicolas and Bernie Nicolas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel.

Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Henry Cemetery in Medaryville.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society and/or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Mary Ann’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Pamela Secord Irwin

Pamela Secord Irwin was born on April 12, 1941, and passed away on July 17, 2026, and is under the care of Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center.

Visitation will be held on July 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Ellers Community Mortuary & Memorial Center, Inc., 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN.

Funeral will be held on July 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ellers Community Mortuary & Memorial Center, Inc., 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN.

Burial will be held on July 24, 2026, at 2:45 p.m. at Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN.

Barbara Lower

Barbara Ann Lower, 99, of Kokomo, Indiana, died at 2:36 a.m., Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. She was born on April 27, 1927, in Wabash, Indiana, to Sherman M. and Elizabeth (Reed) Jones.

Barbara graduated from Wabash High School in 1945. On May 5, 1946, Barbara married the love of her life Carl Robert Lower at the Wabash Christian Church. Their marriage spanned more than 70 years until Robert’s passing in 2017, a testament to their enduring partnership and commitment. Barbara spent 35 years with U.S. Gypsum, where she worked as an office supervisor before retiring in 1989. Her faith was a cornerstone. Barbara was a member of the Wabash Christian Church for more than eight decades, since 1941, contributing to the life of the congregation with quiet dedication. She was also active in the N.A.L.C. Branch Auxiliary (National Association of Letter Carriers) and cherished her time with the Shuffleboard Club at Nalcrest, Florida, where she wintered from 1989 until 2010. Barbara moved to Kokomo in 1993, after spending more than 60 years in Wabash. Wherever she lived, she built lasting friendships and enriched the communities around her. She enjoyed roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and merry go rounds, and especially loved ice cream.

She is survived by two children Terry J. Lower of Kokomo and Kathleen (Mike) Garner of Brownsburg, Indiana; granddaughter Cindee Elliott of Muncie, Indiana; and three great-grandchildren Catherine (Quentin) Ganaway of Muncie, Chloe Cox of Louisville, Kentucky, and Reagan Cox of Muncie. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers Clifford Jones and James Jones.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 1-3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The memorial guest book for Barbara may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Teresa Ann White

Teresa Ann White, 65, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:50 p.m. Born January 3, 1961, in Kokomo, Indiana, she was the daughter of Billy and Lois (Armstrong) Bowen.

A 1978 graduate of Eastern High School, Teresa married Daniel White on September 18, 1988, in Howard County, Indiana. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures, including the 15–20 years they spent living in Tennessee; a place Teresa cherished deeply. Dan preceded her in death on December 22, 2023.

Teresa devoted her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. She was gifted with her hands and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and fishing. Her warm, magnetic personality drew people in, and she had a way of making everyone around her feel welcome and appreciated. Above all, Teresa treasured time with her family and adored her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

She is survived by her daughters Amber Chamberlain of Wabash, Indiana, and Jessica (Chris) Langston of Commerce, Georgia; her grandchildren Angel Langston, Zaira Langston, Max Langston, and Zen Langston; her brother Don Bowen of Kokomo, Indiana; and her sister Judy Moloch of Kokomo, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents Billy and Lois Bowen, her husband Daniel White, and an infant brother.

A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Grandstaff Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

The memorial guest book for Teresa may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

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Another Howard County 4H Fair has come and gone. A year of hard work and preparation by the 4H organization and fairgrounds officials resulted in yet another wonderful week of displays, rides, food, and fun.

The Kokomo Lantern spent a few days at the fair this year, capturing some highlights of the event.

The princess pageant drew our attention on Monday evening, but we made sure to check out the camels and capybaras, as well as the antique tractor parade, near the Pioneer Village.

In the show barn, the llamas and alpacas commanded a few photos, and the many 4H displays provided some impressive views.

Acrobats, the Midway, the commercial building, and the food also deserved our attention. Hopefully, many of these attractions filled up you fair dance card as well!

Take a look at a slew of additional photos from this year’s fair at www.kokomolantern.com or on the Lantern’s Facebook page.

This article is brought to you by Freedom Financial.

I remember years ago applying for a job at a factory. As part of the hiring process, I had to take an in-person mechanical aptitude and cognitive ability test. It didn’t go well. Minute after minute, I struggled through questions and mechanical problems while the man administering the test seemed to wear a slight smirk on his face. I failed miserably.

What made it even harder was knowing where I had just come from. I had been working in another factory where, honestly, the job came naturally to me. I excelled there. I don’t even remember taking a test to get that position, but whatever the process was, I passed well enough to become an employee and prove my value once I got on the floor.

Looking back now, what felt like failure may have actually been God’s protection. Had I gotten that job, the trajectory of my life might have been completely different. Maybe I wouldn’t have discovered the creativity God placed inside of me. Maybe I wouldn’t be painting, writing, speaking, or doing the work I’m doing today.

The truth is, I’ve never been a great test taker. Anxiety has always found a way to creep in, and my scores rarely reflected what I was actually capable of. But a test has never been the full measure of a person.

There are things I may not figure out on paper, but there are plenty of things I can figure out through determination, experience, and faith. Work ethic matters. Showing up matters. Being willing to fail, learn, and try again matters.

Life is full of tests, and not all of them come with a score. Some are disguised as disappointments, closed doors, setbacks, and unanswered prayers. The real question isn’t whether you pass every test. It’s whether you’ll keep moving forward when you don’t.

The Bible says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). It also reminds us that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

Keep going. Keep working. God has a way of blessing the work of faithful hands. Don’t stop. You’ve got this.

Manager, Kokomo Park Band

The Kokomo Park Band continues its “America at 250” summer concert series at the Highland Park bandstand, presenting a sweeping musical celebration titled “America’s Composers.” Under the direction of Maestro Jay S. Gephart, the symphonic program highlights the rich tapestry of American music, spanning legendary Hollywood film scores, Broadway gems, folk-inspired orchestral classics, and patriotic marches. The concert is sponsored by Stout and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory.

The free concert will feature violinist Mei Mei Rossi and the Retired Rum-Runners Traditional Jazz Band. Popcorn and drinks will be provided by the Serving in Love Team from Morning Star Church.

The concert opens with “Hollywood Blockbusters,” arranged by John Moss, highlighting the dramatic film career of James Horner through main themes from Apollo 13, An American Tail (“Somewhere Out There”), Braveheart, and Titanic (“My Heart Will Go On”).

Guest violinist Mei Mei Rossi takes center stage for John Williams’ heartbreaking “Theme from Schindler’s List,” bringing evocative warmth to Williams’ Oscar-winning score. Originally from Zionsville, IN, Mei Mei Rossi is a Doctor of Pharmacy student at Purdue University pursuing a BA in music and a minor in chemistry. Mei Mei began playing the violin at age five and later learned the flute and piano.

Throughout her musical training, she performed with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Side-by-Side Program, and the Zionsville H.S. show choirs. Mei Mei was the winner of the Purdue Band and Orchestra Concerto Competition and the Lafayette Symphony’s 2025 Keller Competition. Alongside her academics at Purdue, Mei Mei is a violinist with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and concert master of the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra.

The program honors titan of American classical music Aaron Copland with Robert Longfield’s arrangement of “Excerpts from Appalachian Spring,” capturing the hopeful, open-air melodies of early American pioneer life anchored by “Simple Gifts.”

The band also highlights the theatrical genius of Leonard Bernstein with the triumphant “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide and Richard Rodgers’ whimsical hit “Shall We Dance.” Patriotic spirit shines through John Philip Sousa’s immortal Marine Corps march “Semper Fidelis.”

Film legend John Williams is featured prominently throughout the performance, showcasing his dramatic versatility—from the high-flying heroism of “Raiders March” and the comedic swagger of “March from 1941” to the playful jazz of the “Cantina Band from Star Wars.”

The performance reaches a powerful climax with Jerry Brubaker’s medley “Star Wars Heroes,” a symphonic journey through Williams’ most famous galactic themes, including Star Wars (Main Title), Luke and Leia, Battle of the Heroes, Han Solo and the Princess, and The Throne Room.

As always, this concert is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bench seating is provided, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. In the event of rain, the performance will move to the Kokomo High School Auditorium. Relocation decisions are finalized and announced after 5:00 p.m. on the day of the concert.

This concert concludes the eight-week summer Wednesday night series, but the band will return for a Labor Day Celebration on Sunday, September 6, at 7 p.m.

Kokomo Park Band concerts are produced in cooperation with The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Center Township Trustee, Community Foundation of Howard County, the Arts Federation, and the Indiana Arts Commission. Because the majority of the band’s funding depends entirely on local generosity, donations from individuals are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be mailed to Kokomo Park Band, P.O. Box 6039, Kokomo, IN 46904-6039.

More information and severe weather updates can be found on the organization’s official Facebook page, its website at www.kokomoparkband.org, or by calling 765-319-8554.

Nicole Lynn Rockey, 79, of Sharpsville, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her home. She was born on March 1, 1947, the daughter of Dennis and Jean (Stults) Pritz. On August 8, 1970, she married Clinton Lewis Rockey, and he survives.

Nicole was a 1965 graduate of Logansport High School and received a master’s in education from Indiana University. She taught third grade at Indian Heights Elementary School for 30 years and retired in 2002. Nicole loved her family and her grandchildren. She attended Abundant Life Church online service and was a believer in Jesus Christ.

Nicole is survived by her husband; son Chris (Brooke) Rockey; and grandchildren Nadia Rockey and Hudson Rockey.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service celebrating Nicole’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Steve Branstutter officiating. Burial in Crown Point Cemetery will follow. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Tipton County, 825 W Jefferson St, Tipton, IN 46072. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Roselyn J. Lewis

Roselyn J. Lewis, 91, 1991 South, 750 West, Russiaville, Indiana, died at 6:44 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, at Aster Place in Lafayette, IN. Born on June 12, 1935, in Randolph County, Indiana, she was the daughter of Preston and Ruth (Thurston) Jennings. On April 28, 1962, in California, she married Lloyd H. Lewis.

She graduated from Lynn High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in 1957. While studying in Bloomington, she began her 50-year banking career, later working in banks in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Kokomo. She retired from Harris Bank in Kokomo as Vice President and Trust Officer. She was a longtime member of Northview Christian Church and served many years as both an elder and the church treasurer.

Surviving are her five children Harry P. Lewis of Kokomo; Lloyd “Marty” Lewis (Brenda) of Ft. Ashby, WV; Leslie R. Lewis of Kokomo; Samuel J. Lewis (Erin Nemeth) of Russiaville; and Matthew D. Lewis (Joanna) of Lafayette. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren Drake Evans, Nathan (Emily) Lewis, Braxton Lewis, Lisa Lewis, Micah Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Brian Settles, Quenton Lewis, Riley Lewis, Francis Nemeth, Vada Lewis, Jacob Lewis, Jeremiah Lewis, Josiah Lewis, and John Lewis.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her brothers Douglas and Donald Jennings, and two infant grandchildren Joshua and Mary Grace Lewis.

Visitation will take place at Stout Funeral Home in Russiaville from noon-2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with burial afterward at New London Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the KLD Alzheimer’s Foundation at kldfoundation.org or mail payment to 133 N. 4th St. Suite 211, Lafayette, IN 47901.

Becky Sue (Weesner) Lavengood

Becky Sue (Weesner) Lavengood, 92, of Kokomo, passed away on July 17, 2026. She was born in Wabash, Indiana, on January 4, 1934, the daughter of the late Jones Audrain Weesner and Mildred (Koons) Weesner. In addition, preceding her in death were her brothers James D. Weesner Sr., Richard L. Weesner, Jack W. Weesner, and Terry B. Weesner, and nephews James W. Coburn, James D. Weesner Jr., and Steve L. Weesner.

Becky was a cheerleader at Linlawn High School in Wabash, graduating in 1952. She later married Richard Eby Lavengood, who preceded her in death in 1987. A devoted mother and homemaker, she lovingly raised three children. In 1974, Becky earned her Indiana real estate broker’s license and began her career with Dorothy Edwards. Over the years, she worked with ReMax Realty and later retired from The Hardy Group Real Estate Company.

Becky truly enjoyed her career in real estate, forming lasting friendships along the way. In 2000, she was honored with the Professional Milestone Award from the Kokomo Area Association of Realtors. Among her many accomplishments, she considered her greatest compliment to be the loyalty of her returning clients.

She was a former member of First Christian Church and Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo. Becky also served as a past president of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood, Chapter BU, an organization dedicated to motivating, educating, and celebrating women. In 2024, she was recognized by the Indiana State Chapter of P.E.O. for her 50-year membership in the Sisterhood.

A devoted Purdue University fan, she rarely missed the chance to attend a game whenever she could. When she wasn’t cheering on the Boilermakers, she enjoyed gardening and spending time playing croquet, cards, and games with family and friends. Her warmth, laughter, and love for those around her will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Mike (Debra) Lavengood, Debbie Reeder, and Dan Lavengood. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, whom she cherished deeply, Betsy (Chris) Hoover, Brian (Laura) Barber, Victoria (Paul) Garretson, Kathleen (Doug) Heiwig, Jody (Dan) Hall, Linda (Dave) Garner, Nancy (Bob) Corn, Sherri (Kelly) Schnepp, Sally (Bud) Winters, Sam Coburn, and David (Barbara) Coburn.

Special thanks to Compassus, Debbie Kelly, Dottie Vanness, and Lynn Flamino for their devoted care of our mother.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Allen Rawlings officiating. Burial will follow in Falls Cemetery in Wabash. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Becky’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

James Albert Baker

James Albert Baker, formerly of Tipton and Culver, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home in Carmel on July 18, 2026. He was born July 19, 1929, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Albert Yeaman and Sara Janette (Fariss) Baker. Jim married Jeannine Leeson McIntosh, daughter of Maj. Gen. Jesse Eschol McIntosh and Vivian Era Leeson, on September 6, 1953, in Tipton.

Jim was a 1946 graduate of Kokomo High School and served in the Indiana National Guard. Through his passion for interior design, he started his own design firm in the late 1950s, J. Baker Interiors. He was an accredited and award-winning member of the American Society of Interior Designers, serving several terms as the Indiana Chapter’s president. He was well-known for his traditional designs with clients throughout Indiana as well as Florida, North Carolina, and Chicago.

Jim participated for many years in the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Showhouse, receiving awards in recognition for his designs. He also participated in and was a sponsor for the Methodist Hospital Task Core Indianapolis Art & Antiques Show for many years. He was most proud during his career to be selected as consulting designer to the Indiana Governor’s Residence during the Mitch Daniels administration and to serve on the Governor’s Residence Committee for several years. In later years he started Albert Square, Ltd., a design showroom to the trade in Indianapolis that eventually moved to Carmel, Indiana. He was a former member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, The University Club of Indianapolis, and Woodstock Club, each of which reflected his design influence.

Summers held meaningful family memories for more than 40 years, entertaining at their summer home on the East Shore of Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana. Jim belonged to the Maxinkuckee Lake Association and Maxinkuckee Yacht Club, serving as Commodore and as a judge for weekend sailing races during the season. Years in Key Biscayne and Vero Beach, Florida, with family and friends were special as well.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Jeannine, who passed away February 5, 2023, his parents, his stepmother Inez (Wimberley) Norris Baker, and stepbrother Daniel Lewis Norris. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Baker Liles (Charles A., Sr.) of Indianapolis, and son Mark Jay Baker (Jeanie) of Carmel. His grandsons Charles A. Liles, Jr. of Los Angeles, California, and David A. Liles of Carmel also survive.

Jim will be best remembered for his impeccable taste and attention to detail in design, his generosity and hospitality.

The family would like to thank Suburban Hospice, Inc., Dr. John Hittle, Jacqui Greenwald, Elizabeth Welch, Brittany Williamson, Beth McKenzie, Shannon Abel, Logan Shuppert and caregiver Shaun Roetman for the care they gave Jim during the past months.

A private burial service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.

Please make online gifts in memory of Jim to Dementia Society of America at Dementia Society of America/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton. Online condolences for the Baker family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Donald “Bo” Eugene Miller

Donald “Bo” Eugene Miller, 84 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on September 11, 1941, the son of the late Claude Eugene and Bertha Edith (Wiles) Miller.

Bo was a graduate of Burlington High School. He retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1997. He had a soft spot for all animals, but especially dogs and cats. His favorite pastimes were playing BINGO and gambling. He formerly owned and operated a billiards hall in Burlington. Bo was a stubborn man but had a gift for socializing with his friends. Some of his favorite things to watch on TV were boxing, Country/Western shows, and the History Channel. He enjoyed watching the Indiana Fever and NBA games.

Bo is survived by his children Mike (Sharon) Miller, Angie Rose, and Mark (Christina) Miller; grandchildren Nate Miller, Joey Rose, Marlana (Keagan) Devos, Jessica Rose, Ashley (Nate) Horoho, Jared (Jeffra) Miller, and Meghan Miller; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Marla Miller; son-in-law John Rose; and nine siblings.

A graveside service celebrating Bo’s life is pending at Burlington Cemetery with Sharon Miller officiating. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

JoEllen (Dunbar) Cox

JoEllen (Dunbar) Cox, 78, passed away on July 8, 2026, at her home in the Catalina Foothills in Arizona. Born November 21, 1947, to Alfred Wayne Dunbar and Alice Joan (Ellis) Dunbar, JoEllen grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, and graduated from Western High School.

She attended Purdue University, where she met her husband Edward J. Cox (1942-1998). In 1970, she graduated from Purdue’s College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Therapy.

JoEllen moved to Brownsburg Indiana where she and Ed raised their daughter and were members of St. Malachy Catholic Church. JoEllen worked as a school speech therapist and later as a substitute teacher for many years in the Brownsburg school system.

For several decades JoEllen never missed a Purdue home football game and later moved to West Lafayette, Indiana to be near her grandchildren. She was an active member of the Wabash Area Lifelong Learning Association (WALLA) before moving to Chicago and then to Arizona with her daughter’s family. Until her last days, JoEllen maintained a bright mind, which she kept active by studying French and playing sudoku in her desert casita and garden patio.

JoEllen is survived by her daughter Jenna Rickus (husband George Rickus); her grandchildren Lauren Rickus and George EJ Rickus; her brothers John Dunbar, Terence Dunbar (wife Vinya Dunbar), and Brian Dunbar (wife Nancy Dunbar); and nieces and nephews Stephanie Wilson, Misty Wert (husband Matthew), Kevin Dunbar (wife Leticia), Olivia Ishanpara (husband Roshan), and Zoe Thornbury (husband Alex).

JoEllen will be buried by her husband Ed in Brownsburg, Indiana, following a private family ceremony. If you wish to honor JoEllen, in lieu of flowers, we recommend a donation to Purdue University in her memory.

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Shark Explorers

Dive into a fintastic adventure during Shark Week with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library! Discover the amazing world of sharks through playful outdoor activities, simple games, and hands-on exploration on Mon., July 27, from 10-11 a.m. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.

Paw Patrol Party

Adventure is calling at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library! Join them on Tue., July 28 for a Paw Patrol Party, including playful stations inspired by Adventure Bay. Mission Alert: A special pup is visiting for photos and high paws at the main library branch, 220 N. Union St., from 10-11:30 a.m. and at the south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 5-6 p.m.

Dragon Egg Treasure Chests

Start your own hoard of dragon treasure or add to what you’ve already collected with an assortment of trinkets in a convenient dragon egg. Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., July 28, from 4-5 p.m. to make your own dragon egg treasure chest. Supplies provided. Join the wait list for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Silver Birch Blood Drive

Silver Birch of Kokomo, 408 S. Washington St., will hold an American Red Cross blood drive on Wed., July 29. From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., donors may schedule a donation time and receive a Red Cross beach towel and a movie ticket via Fandango. Call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule a donation.

Art Camp

It’s time for Art Camp at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. On Thu., July 30, from 10-11 a.m., kids can foster artistic expression with a hands-on, outdoor adventure that pairs the joy of nature with the fun of making art.

Homeschool Resource Fair

Are you a Homeschool parent looking for free resources in your community? The Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., will have fun activities for kids while sharing educational resources with parents on Fri., July 31, from 2-4 p.m. Sign in starts at 1:45 p.m.

Family Movie Night

Pull up a chair for movie night at KHCPL Russiaville, 315 Mesa Dr.! Join the library on Fri., July 31, for fun activities beginning at 8:30 p.m. while we wait for movie time!

KPRD Fall Softball League

Registration is open now through July 31 for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s fall softball league. There will be men’s and co-ed divisions. The league begins play Aug. 17. For more information about fees and other details, call 765-456-7275 or visit www.cityofkokomo.org.

IBE Back to School

Indiana Black Expo (IBE) will hold a Back to School Rally on Sat., Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Center Township Community Building, 213 E. Jefferson St. There will be backpacks and basic school supplies available for students entering grades 1-8, along with a free dental clinic, free health screenings and haircuts, free community service educational materials, and free food. Get an application for the dental clinic from the Center Township Trustee’s office or from IBE.

Slither Back to School Bash

Before backpacks come out, wiggle one more time with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library! Rotate through hands-on stations including sand and water exploration, snake habitat building, a slithering obstacle course, and colorful art. This event takes place Mon., Aug. 3, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.

Warbird Cruise-In

The Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., Peru, will hold its Warbird Cruise-In on Sat., Aug. 1, beginning at 10 a.m. Cars, trucks, motorcycles and more from around the state and beyond will be on display. Guests can also enjoy the museum, food trucks, activities for children, a 50/50 raffle, and a vendor alley swap meet. Admission is $5 per person; children 12 years old and under are free! Cruise-in registration fees are $20 per car.

An Expression of the American Mind

Join Dr. Christopher Young, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Professor of History at IU Northwest, for a deep dive into the birth of our nation at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 200 N. Union St., on Mon., Aug. 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Back to School BINGO

Kindergarten to sixth graders, come celebrate the new school year with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St.! On Tue., Aug. 4, from 5-6 p.m., play Book BINGO and win school supplies.

Books and Booze

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at The Coterie, 107 W. Sycamore St., to celebrate National Book Lovers Day with a book fair — for adults! On Wed., Aug. 5, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., bring up to three books to swap, or purchase items from the library book sale. Cash only. Must be 21+

Lunch and Learn

Join the Kokomo Family YMCA for a free lunch and a discussion with Community Howard Regional Health on Fri., Aug. 7, as the Lunch and Learn program makes its return. Meet in the YMCA’s Community Room at 12:10 p.m. as Dr. Lance Washington leads a discussion about hospice and palliative end-of-life care. The discussion aims to help individuals and families understand care options, make informed decisions, and ensure comfort during serious illness. Register for this event by Aug. 2 by clicking here.

MJ Experience

The City of Kokomo will present the “MJ Experience,” taking place on Friday, Aug. 7, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, 400 S. Union St. Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m., with a featured showing of “Michael” beginning at 9 p.m. on the largest screen and stage in town. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie experience. Before the movie begins, attendees can participate in a dance contest for ages 2–13 and a Michael Jackson look-alike contest for ages 13 and older, with cash prizes awarded to winners. Concessions and photo opportunities will also be available throughout the evening.

Back to School Shoe Event

The Center Township Trustee’s Office will hold a Back to School Shoe Event on Sat., Aug. 8, from 8-10 a.m., at Shoe Carnival, 2148 E. Boulevard St., in the Boulevard at the Crossing shopping center. Children in grades K-12 can be signed up through the township office to receive a new pair of shoes. Expediated applications may be approved but will be limited to the first 100 children. Participants must be residents of Center Township and must have an application submitted by July 31. Qualification is based upon need and will use the township office’s standards and guidelines. For questions, call 765-452-8259.

Melted Crayon Art Pendants

Learn how to turn crayons into beautiful melted crayon art jewelry at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. Let your creative juices flow on Sat., Aug. 8, from 1-3 p.m. by melting crayons into a beautiful art piece, making jewelry to wear or to give as a gift. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Registration for this event opens Sat., July 25, at 9 a.m. Visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.

Maker Zone

Join the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., on the second Tuesday of each month for crafts and fun in the Maker Zone. The next session takes place Tue., Aug. 11, from 3-4 p.m.

Winding Creek Music Festival

The Winding Creek Music Festival returns to western Howard County Aug. 13-16. This year, Bigfoot has been sighted on the festival grounds, and rumor has it he knows how to play banjo. Find out for yourselves by attending the long weekend of bluegrass music, workshops, fellowship, and a 5K run/walk with Bigfoot-approved trophies. Visit www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com for more details and to purchase tickets for the events.

Breakfast and BINGO

The Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., holds a morning of breakfast and BINGO on the second Friday of each month. Play for big prizes on Fri., Aug. 14, from 9-10 a.m.

Dear Evan Hansen

Kokomo Civic Theatre is proud to be one of the first community theaters in Indiana to present the hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Steven Levenson, and a score by Grammy®, Tony®, Emmy® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Dear Evan Hansen is a new classic, with a message that has resonated with audiences around the world: “You Will Be Found.” KCT’s production of Dear Evan Hansen will take place Aug. 14-16. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors aged 60+, $18 for students from middle school through college, and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Visit www.kokomocivictheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Or call 765-454-8800.

Cooking Matters

The Center Township Trustee’s Office will hold a Cooking Matters free cooking class on Wed., Aug. 19, from 10-11 a.m. in the Center Township Community Service Building, 213 E. Jefferson St. Learn healthy, affordable recipes, saving time in the kitchen and money on groceries, and nutrition tips. RSVP for this class by calling 765-452-8259.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Alzheimer’s Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share insight, and learn about community resources. A support group will meet on the third Thursday of each month in Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., from 1-2 p.m. The next meeting takes place Aug. 20. Learn more at alz.org/indiana.

Blind Tiger Comedy Night

Laughter will fill the room at The Music Factory, 1328 E. Morgan St., on Fri., Aug. 21, as the Blind Tiger Comedy Night takes the stage at 8 p.m. Comedians featured that night include Nate Robinson, Cortney White, and Leonard Pigg. Hosted by Jimmy Shaw. BYOB. Tickets are $10.

Night of Hope

Turning Point System of Care’s annual Overdose Awareness Night of Hope takes place this August. They would be honored to have the community join them for an evening of community, support, and inspiration. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local resource vendors, enjoy a free meal, and hear powerful stories of recovery and hope. The Night of Hope takes place Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. in Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St. Vendor tables are available now and can be reserved by contacting Shannon Querry at shannonq@turningpointsoc.org or by calling 765-438-8730.

Artistic Americana

Kick off your Independence Day weekend at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. The Kokomo Art Association is celebrating a massive double milestone—the Kokomo Art Association’s 100th Anniversary and America’s 250th—with a very special showcase: Artistic Americana. Come see stunning paintings from its permanent collection featuring the legendary Norman Rockwell and Red Skelton. It is a beautiful, nostalgic look at 250 years of American life, right here in downtown Kokomo. The exhibition runs through Aug. 28. Artworks is open Mon.-Fri. from noon until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

CAM Golf Outing

The 29th Annual Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM) Golf Outing will take place at American Legion Golf Course, 2604 S. Lafountain St., on Aug. 29. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and tee time begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $400 per team or $100 for individual players. There will be a catered lunch, 50/50 draw, and door prizes. To register for this event, become a sponsor, or for more information call 765-271-0525, or email CAM at camhopeinc@gmail.com.

Creamed Corn Chug

The 2^nd Annual Creamed Corn Chug Challenge to benefit the Literacy Coalition of Howard County will take place Sat., Aug. 29, from 3-9 p.m. at the Beaver Point Campground in Windfall. Competitors chug a pitcher of creamed corn as quickly as possible, with the fastest chugger crowned champion. The event coincides with the campground’s Water Lantern Feast-ival, which features an array of food trucks throughout the afternoon and evening and a water lantern ceremony at dusk. More information to come.

Neil Diamond Sing Along

Rhine Hall welcomes Conner Lorre, a nationally touring Neil Diamond tribute artist, to perform on Sat., Aug. 29. Located at 507 N. Union St., doors open for the evening of Neil Diamond sing along fun at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $25 each, and proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels Howard County.

Grissom Air and Space Expo

The Grissom Air and Space Expo will take place Aug. 29-30 on the Grissom Air Reserve Base. The USAF Thunderbirds aerobatic demonstration squadron will headline the two-day event, which also will feature Australian aerobatic pilot Aarron Deliu, the Nextgen Eagles Aerobatic team, aerobatic instructor Greg Koontz & the Alabama Boys, the Wings of Blue USAF Academy parachute team, the flight of a P-51 D Mustang “Gunfighter,” an F-16 Fighting Falcon “Viper,” a Huey 369 helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, and a DC-3 airliner. There also will be static displays of an F-35A, a P-51, an FW F-16, a C-5, a T-6, a KC-135, and an AFGSC B-52. This is a free event. However, a free parking pass will be required for all attendees. The pass can be obtained by visiting https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/39722/grissom-air-reserve-base-parking. A separate pass will be required for each day. Vehicles without a parking pass will not be able to enter. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day for the air shows, which take place at 10 a.m. VIP seating for the show is available, starting at $77.09 per ticket. VIP tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/14844/grissom-air-reserve-base. Patrons are reminded that Grissom ARB is not a public forum. All attendees are invited guests. Therefore, no political activity, demonstrations, leafleting, or speeches are allowed. Further, the following items are not permitted on the Grissom property: e-cigarettes, ladders or step stools, loose ice, cans, cooking equipment, firearms (regardless of permit), any weapons, large coolers, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, backpacks, duffel bags, large purses, camelbacks, large umbrellas, pop-up tents or awnings, illegal drugs, military uniforms worn by non-military members, bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, drones, laser pointers, and any type of animal other than Documented Service Animals. All carried items are subject to search.

Kokomo Park Band

A special post-season “Labor Day Celebration” performance by the KPB Gazebo Band & Friends is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Park bandstand (with Northwestern Auditorium serving as the rain location). This concert is sponsored by Encompass Credit Union.

Crib to Classroom Expo

The Very Early Childhood Education Center will hold its second annual Crib to Classroom Expo fundraiser on Sat., Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium, 200 S. Apperson Way.

Deputy Koontz Memorial Golf Outing

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office will hold the 11^th Annual Deputy Carl Koontz Memorial Golf Outing on Fri., Sept. 18, at the Wildcat Creek Golf Course, 3200 Timber Valley Dr. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the event will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start. Proceeds from the outing will benefit the Carl Koontz Memorial Scholarship Fund. The cost is $75 per player or $300 per team, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, range balls, and lunch. There also will be door prizes, raffles, awards, and more. For questions, call Gary Cook at 765-210-0967. To register, click here.

Military Foundation Softball

The Military Foundation will hold its annual Charity Softball Games fundraiser on Sat., Sept. 19, at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, 400 S. Union St. The event includes teams from local first responder organizations and local labor unions. Additional information, including start times, will be determined shortly. The Military Foundation was established to recognize and support all military personnel, veterans, their families, and military organizations in Cass, Howard, Miami, and Tipton counties. The event is seeking sponsors. For additional information or to sponsor the event, contact Roy Phipps at fuel423@gmail.com or 765-461-6586 or Norm Crawford at stormann59@gmail.com or 765-432-8516.

Little Black Dress

The annual Little Black Dress fundraising dinner will take place Oct. 9, at the Elite Banquet Center. Additional details are forthcoming.

Cemetery Walk

The Howard County Historical Society once again will present a Cemetery Walk in Crown Point Cemetery on Oct. 9-10. More details to come.

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MONDAY

Digital Den Open Hours

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in its technology center Makerspace. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., is a place where anyone of any technological literacy level can come to learn more or create something new. The Digital Den will hold open hours on Mon., July 20, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Pickleball at Carver

The Carver Community Center 1030 N. Purdum St., offers pickleball every Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Join more than 50 people who consistently play what has become the most popular sport offered at Carver. The cost is $35 per month or $10 per day. For more information, visit www.kokomocarver.org.

Dinosaur Pirates

Ahoy, adventurers! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Dino-Pirate Crew for a swashbuckling outdoor adventure on Mon., July 20, from 10-11 a.m. Your mission includes treasure hunts, ship sailing, dino digs, plank walking, and more at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 0-11.

Sew Much

Teens and adults can drop in to learn sewing or quilting basics or get help with their projects at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Sew Much event on Mon., July 20, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Northwestern Summer Meals

Northwestern School Corp. will offer summer meals for all children ages 18 and under, continuing each Monday and Thursday through July 30. Participants are advised to pick up meals at Howard School, 3526 N, CR 300 E, at Door 2, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each child will receive breakfast and lunch packages for multiple days on each pick-up day. To participate, register your child at https://forms.gle/bvJfML4gpsaXFW75A For additional information, email edwin.cassedy.k12.in.us.

Summer Adult Technology Classes

Looking for a class to help teach you new skills with technology? Continue your education through the summer with two months of weekly classes at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St. The next session takes place Mon., July 20, from 3-4:30 p.m. Register for the class by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Howard County Board of Commissioners

The Howard County Board of Commissioners will meet on Mon., July 20, beginning at 4 p.m. The meeting takes place on the third floor the Howard County Administration Center, 220 N. Main St.

Café Mondays

Welcome Table, a new Christian community, holds Café Mondays from 4-6 p.m. at the Big Ben Coffee. Stop by, and learn more about how they welcome, include, and value all God’s beloved children. Follow Welcome Table Christian Community on Facebook and watch the “Real Jesus in a Real World” podcast with Rev. Al Adams. For more information, call 641-931-0567.

KHCPL Library Board Meeting

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on Mon., July 20, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the main library, 220 N. Union St.

Family Board Game Night

Snacks and board games! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., July 20, from 5:30-8 p.m. for a fun evening playing game! Bring a game, or play one of the library’s. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.

Drum-believable!

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Mon., July 20, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. for a fun activity class for all ages and abilities. Use drumsticks and an exercise ball to foster a healthy balance – physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

TUESDAY

Active Readers Club

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., July 21, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., to stay active and share your favorite reads while walking around Russiaville. Inclement weather times will include an indoor workout at the library, 315 Mesa Dr.

Digital Den Open Hours

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in its technology center Makerspace. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., is a place where anyone of any technological literacy level can come to learn more or create something new. The Digital Den will hold open hours on Tue., July 21, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Tzion Community Food Pantry

Congregation Yeshivat Tzion, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a community food pantry every other Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own boxes or bags to take home food. The next pantry takes place Tue., July 21. For more information, call 765-438-6858.

Card Creators

Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., July 21, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost! Join the wait list for the afternoon event or register for the evening event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Discovery Center: Games and Toys

Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Tue., July 21, from 4-5:30 p.m., have fun with games and toys at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.

Teen BINGO Night

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., for Teen BINGO Night! On Tue., July 21, from 5-6 p.m., teens get a free bingo card and the chance to win snacks, books, and other goodies. Teens only.

BINGO Night

Join the Kokomo Alehouse, 1134 Home Avenue, every Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. for an Honest to Goodness BINGO Night. This is BINGO with a purpose, as the $5 entry fees will be donated to a local charity. There are different prizes every round, including food, local gift cards, and more.

WEDNESDAY

Digital Den Open Hours

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in its technology center Makerspace. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., is a place where anyone of any technological literacy level can come to learn more or create something new. The Digital Den will hold open hours on Wed., July 22, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Legal Intake Clinic

Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.

Hand Up Pantry

The Center Township Trustee’s Office holds its Hand Up Food Pantry at the township office, 213 E. Jefferson St., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. The goal is to serve those experiencing food insecurity. Participants must make an appointment by calling 765-452-8259. A photo ID or proof of address is required. The township is accepting donations of canned vegetables, fruit, and beans, instant potatoes, soup, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, cereal, oatmeal, boxed macaroni and cheese, and shelf-stable milk. Drop off your donations at 213 E. Jefferson St., Mon-Thu from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Kokomo Board of Works

The City of Kokomo’s Board of Works and Public Safety convenes each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the city council chambers at City Hall, 100 S. Union St.

Story Time – Little Learners

Journey into the world of early literacy, designed for children ages 0 to 2 and caregivers. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s engaging, interactive event nurtures a love for reading, language development, and sensory exploration. This event takes place on Wed., July 22, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Purple Party

Silver Birch of Kokomo will hold a Purple Party on Wed., July 22, from 10 a.m. until noon to raise funds in support of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The community is invited to attend, enjoy some snacks, and learn how to join Silver Birch’s team for the walk, which will take place Oct. 3.

HoME Summer Food Program

The Howard County Meal Equivalency (HoME) Food Program will operate again this summer to provide free lunches and take-home meals for K-12 students throughout Howard County. Kokomo distribution sites will offer food a final time on Wednesday, July 22, and the Russiaville site will do the same on Thursday, July 23. Students may visit any distribution site once per week to receive a free, ready-to-eat lunch and a bag of take-home food items, while supplies last. No identification, registration, or EBT verification is required. This program is open to all K-12 students in Howard County.

Distribution schedule:

Kokomo locations, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., through July 22

- Garden Square Apartments community room

- Pine Valley Apartments community room

- Al Berryman Park/North Splash Pad

- Bon Air Park

- Jackson Morrow Park splash pad

- Mohr Park

Russiaville location, Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., through July 23

- Honey Creek Church

Jurassic Seas Shark Party

Meet the mighty Megalodon and its ancient ocean friends through stories, games, music, and hands-on crafts at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., July 22, from noon until 1:30 p.m. This fintastic adventure is perfect for kids ages 3-11!

Café Wednesdays

Welcome Table, a new Christian community will hold Café Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. at the Starbucks next to the Markland Mall. Stop by, and learn more about how they welcome, include, and value all God’s beloved children. Follow Welcome Table Christian Community on Facebook and watch the “Real Jesus in a Real World” podcast with Rev. Al Adams. For more information, call 641-931-0567.

Gen. James Cox and DAR History

Do you have any Revolutionary ancestors? Are you unsure? Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Genealogy and Local History Department on Wed., July 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to learn more Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Writers’ Circle

Telling Our Stories: A Writers’ Circle will meet on Wed., July 22, at the SOL House, 510 W. Superior St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a short piece based upon the prompt “Summertime Blues.” This group is open to the writing public.

Kokomo Park Band

The Kokomo Park Band will perform Wed., July 22, at the Highland Park bandstand, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concert is “America’s Composers - The Heart of a Nation” concluding the main summer series with a symphonic journey honoring 250 years of creativity through the works of John Williams, Copland, Bernstein, and Sousa. This performance is sponsored by Stout Funeral Home and Crematory.

THURSDAY

Digital Den Open Hours

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in its technology center Makerspace. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., is a place where anyone of any technological literacy level can come to learn more or create something new. The Digital Den will hold open hours on Thu., July 23, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Art Camp

It’s time for Art Camp at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. On Thu., July 23, from 10-11 a.m., kids can foster artistic expression with a hands-on, outdoor adventure that pairs the joy of nature with the fun of making art.

Jurassic Jam

Learn playful dance moves inspired by prehistoric creatures in this fun, beginner-friendly class at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. With stomps, stretches, and imagination, children will move, groove, and have a roaring good time at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., July 23, from 1-2 p.m.

Teen Art Group

Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., July 23, from 4-4:55 p.m.

Teen Writers Group

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., July 23, from 5-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.

Kokomo Beach Adults Only Swim Night

Kokomo Beach, 802 W. Park Ave., will hold an Adults Only Swim Night on Thu., July 23, beginning at 6 p.m. Entry is $3.

Music at the Fairgrounds

Enjoy music from The Salkie Musical Family on Thu., July 23, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Howard County 4-H Farigrounds in Greentown. Free admission! Performances will be in front of the Community Building. Bring your lawn chairs and a friend or two! If there is rain in the forecast, concerts will be moved to the Fairground’s Cattle Barn.

FRIDAY

Digital Den Open Hours

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library in its technology center Makerspace. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., is a place where anyone of any technological literacy level can come to learn more or create something new. The Digital Den will hold open hours on Fri., July 24, from 9 a.m. until noon.

Story Time – Tiny Tykes

Journey into the world of early literacy, designed for children ages 0 to 2 and caregivers. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s engaging, interactive event nurtures a love for reading, language development, and sensory exploration. This event takes place on Fri., July 24, from 10-10:45 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.

Weekly Produce Pantry

Tzion Food Pantry, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a weekly produce food pantry every Friday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own bags or boxes to take home your produce.

Mr. Kingston’s Auto Exhibition

Visit the Howard County Historical Society’s Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W. Sycamore St., on Fri., July 24, from 4-8 p.m., and Sat., July 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. as Mr. Kingston’s Auto Exhibition returns to Kokomo. See nearly 40 pre-1950s cars, antique toys, vintage fashion displays, and more. There will be popcorn, hot dogs, and treats available. For more information visit, https://howardcountymuseum.org/programs/mr-kingstons-auto-exhibition

Peter Pan by Curtain Call

Curtain Call Theatre for Children takes flight for its 2026-27 season by presenting “Peter Pan: Broadway’s Timeless Musical” on Fri., July 24, and Sat. July 25, at IU Kokomo’s Haven Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. This is a reserved seating event. Tickets are available now at $15 for adults and $12 for youth ages 18 and under. Tickets will be $20 at the door. Visit www.kcctc.org to purchase tickets.

Out of Space

The Infinite Slay Out of Space drag show will take place at Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St., on Fri., July 24. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show, hosted by Anitta Dolla and featuring Ameila Hilton, Naomi Hilton, Aura Aurora, and Aniah Lation. Get your tickets by visiting www.rhinehallevents.com or calling 765-860-3758.

Concrete, Streetlights & Graffiti

Experience the grit, energy, and vibrant pulse of the city with “Concrete, Streetlights, & Graffiti: The Art of Diane Staver” at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., in downtown Kokomo. Running through July 24, this captivating exhibition brings urban storytelling to life. For full artist bio and gallery information, visit our website at: https://www.kaaonline.org/event-details/urban-art-by-diane-staver

KPRD Pickleball Tournament

The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s Pickleball Tournament will take place July 31-Aug. 2, at Bon Air Park. Registration is open through July 24. The cost is $20 per team. Register by visiting the park office in Highland Park. For more information, call 765-456-7275.

SATURDAY

CK Racing Back to School 5K

Welcome back for round 2! The CK Racing Back to School 5K is a family fun run/walk to benefit local teachers, students, and schools for the upcoming school year. The event takes place Sat., July 25, beginning at 8 a.m., in Jackson Morrow Park, 2629 S, CR 200 E. All proceeds will go to the Kokomo Education Foundation. There will be a table for school supply drop off. All finishers will receive a medal! Registration ends July 25 at 9 a.m. Additional race information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Kokomo/CKRunBackToSchool5k

Yoga in the Park

The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will offer Yoga in the Park at the Foster Park Arts Pavilion from 9-10 a.m. on Sat., July 25, Aug. 8, 22, Sept. 12, 26. The sessions are free and open to the community. No registration is required.

Downtown Farmers Market

The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market, located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets, will open on Sat., July 25, from 9 a.m. until noon. Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods, great music and much more. And the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Bookmobile will be on-site!

Prayer Walk to Stop Human Trafficking

Join One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., on Sat., July 25, for a Prayer Walk around the Cross to Stop Human Trafficking. Beginning at 10 a.m., participants will engage in a meaningful community prayer experience to stand against human trafficking and to support survivors around the world. Participants area asked to wear blue to show support. There will be five interactive prayer stations surrounding the cross, each focusing on a different aspect of the fight.

Bike Safety Rodeo

Grab your bike and helmet and join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., July 25, as the Russiaville Police Department teaches bike safety at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Explore different safety vehicles and learn about injury prevention from 10 a.m. until noon.

Greentown Farmers Market

The Greentown Farmers Market is open on Sat., July 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. It will open each Saturday during the summer, weather permitting. The market is located in the parking lot at 221 W. Main St., Greentown.

250 Minutes of Fun

The City of Kokomo will present 250 Minutes of Fun at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, 400 S. Union St., on Sat., July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. This is a free event. There will be an obstacle course challenge, large-scale games, a petting zoo, a run-the-bases experience, city vehicles on display, community vendors, and a 250 Wishes for Kokomo’s Future activity. Concessions will be available. For details, contact dtrine@cityofkokomo.org

Friends of the Library Pop-Up Book Sale

Browse Young Adult and Juvenile materials at the Friends of the Library Pop-Up Book Sale on Sat., July 25, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 220 N. Union St. Fill a tote bag for $5 or a box for $10.

Welcome Table Worship Café

The Welcome Table Worship Café, an informal, weekly worship gathering, takes place each Saturday. Share food and worship while inviting, welcoming, including, and valuing God’s beloved children at Sol House, 510 W. Superior St., at 4 p.m. each Saturday.

Splish-Splash Final Bash

Complete the Summer Reading Program to earn your ticket to Kokomo Beach, and celebrate your success with three hours of swimming. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library, with the assistance of its sponsor, Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, will hold the Splish-Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach, 802 W. Park Ave., from 6-9 p.m. on Sat., July 25.

Brews on Buckeye

Brews on Buckeye returns for its 12^th year along the Buckeye Street Depot District, 503 N. Buckeye St. This is a rain-or-shine, 21+ event on Sat., July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. VIP admission begins at 5 p.m. For information and tickets, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/brick-st-deli/-brews-on-buckeye-2026-/1567667604296678

Summer Singing Celebration

The 2^nd Annual Summer Singing Celebration, a fundraiser for Curtain Call Theatre for Children, will take place Sat., Aug. 8, beginning at 1 p.m. The event will take place at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St., and it will be hosted by Sally Duke. Performers for the event are wanted and are encouraged to sign up for the event at www.kcctc.org by July 25. Tickets for the event are $25 and are available at www.kcctc.org.

This article is brought to you by Elect Lisa Washington for Howard County Commissioner District 1. As your county commissioner, I will bring transparency & accountability to local government where it is sorely lacking, ensure our county facilities & infrastructure are properly managed, meaning taxpayer dollars are used more effectively, and bridge the gap in communication between our local and state elected officials to ensure your voice is heard by everyone who represents you.

#BetterHowardCounty

Jazz musician and central Indiana native Zach Connolly will bring a jazz quintet to Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St., on Fri., July 17, for a concert featuring his recent album release, Before the Sky Turns Gold.

The event marks Connolly’s return to his home community, as he was raised in Greentown. He took his vocal talents to Portland, Ore., in 2018, where he has performed at various venues in that region. But the release of his first album meant coming home to share his accomplishment.

“I was living in Greentown up until 2018, and I spent a couple years going down to Carmel to do the Songbook Academy,” said Connolly. “That sparked my interest into vocal jazz. After moving to Portland, I started going to jam sessions there. That’s kind of how I got into it. I met a bunch of musicians and put together bands. And I studied vocal jazz performance at Portland State University.

“I just released my first album in January, and I was thinking it’d be fun to come out to Kokomo and do a little show, just to show everyone what I’ve been up to while I’ve been away.”

Musicians joining Connolly for this concert include Richard “Sleepy” Floyd on drums, Brandon Meeks on bass, Monika Herzig on piano, Destiny Angel on saxophone, and Cheressa Lawson providing vocals. He is very appreciative of the local artists who have agreed to collaborate with him.

Connolly cited the influences of Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Kurt Elling, and Mark Murphy as the genesis of his jazz journey. And those attending the concert may recognize their imprint on his style. But this is central Indiana, so there is one legendary artist who will be represented in the set list.

“You should prepare for a good amount of Great American Songbook,” said Connolly. “So, there definitely will be some Cole Porter. I’ve got ‘Night and Day’ on there, and then I’ve also got a good collection of the songs from my most recent record release.”

Putting together an album was a major accomplishment for Connolly, who described the process as an outlet for his creative freedom.

“It was a lot of work,” said Connolly. “I did most of it on my own, but I had some friends who said if I ever wanted to get some studio time and get a band together, to just call. So, I found a band to work with and got a sound engineer. There’s a guy local to Portland who did all the mastering for me, and I reached out to a local Portland company that helped me print all my albums on vinyl, and some CDs as well.”

For those who desire a physical copy of the album, Connolly is best reached at www.zachconnollyjazz.com. The album is also available for streaming on all major platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Tickets for the July 17 concert are $25 at the door or can be reserved in advance by visiting www.zachconnollyjazz.com. Doors at Rhine Hall open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. Fly like Santa’s sleigh on our zip line during our Christmas in July at the Y in the Sky! Elevate your summer fun on our holiday-themed adventure course. Join us on July 24 from 5-9 p.m. for festive activities, including a visit from Santa, holiday music, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting holiday celebration!

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or trying something new, our course is designed for all skill levels, allowing you to go at your own pace while our trained staff prioritizes safety. There are only two sessions available, with just 15 spots each! Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so don’t wait to reserve your adventure. Grab your friends and family and join us for our Christmas in July event before these limited spots melt! Register here!

How do taxes work? How do you rent an apartment? Why should you have a bank account or a budget? Perhaps the answers are obvious to an adult. After all, these are things people know about and do every day.

But to a teenager or young adult, this information may not be available. They may have to go it alone in a world that doesn’t stop to give instructions like a parent or teacher would. Brad Willis saw this knowledge gap and decided to do something about it. Earlier this year, he published “Adulting for Teens,” a book he hopes can guide young people through the early stages of adult life.

“I wrote Adulting For Teens after working closely with the principal of Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick School here in Kokomo and learning how many students are missing the everyday life skills they need to thrive,” said Willis. “That insight highlighted a real and growing gap; one that inspired me to create a resource that prepares teens for the practical realities of adulthood.”

Willis describes “Adulting For Teens” as a practical, real‑world guide designed to help young people navigate the often‑overwhelming transition into adulthood. His goal was to reach them in clear and relatable terms, a skill he learned through years of working with teens.

Willis spent 35 years working at Delphi (Delco Electronics) in finance. He spent decades as a golf, baseball, and softball coach. He has a combination of knowledge of the topics in the book and a knack for communicating with youth.

“You hear them talk about their things in their lives, their troubles, and everything else,” said Willis of his years coaching. “I feel like I got an inside look at their psyche.”

Willis was quick to explain that the book has value for more than just teenagers, despite the title. He believes the information he provides can be utilized by teens, young adults, parents, and even grandparents. Financial literacy, writing a resume, renting an apartment, securing a car or home loan – all of these subjects apply to a larger audience.

“I cover things like, ‘Why is my paycheck less than what I think it should be?’” said Willis. “’If I’m making $12 an hour, and I work 10 hours, why is my check not $120?’ I explain what deductions are, what taxes are, and why we have to pay them.

“I provide some basic budgeting advice, explain how to open a checking account, how to write a resume, how to rent an apartment, and how to take personal responsibility; just things people need to know as adults and parents.”

Willis sees the book as a conversation starter for teens and their families, as he is aware that teens may be reluctant to read these days. The parents can read the book and use its information to teach their children.

“I tried to make it very easy to read,” said Willis. “It’s not very long, so they’re not getting overwhelmed. I tried to put humor into it as well, so they can read it and not get bored.

“But I also tell them right up front that their parents are a great source of information. Talk to your parents about this stuff. If you don’t have a parent, find a trusted adult you can talk with. You don’t have to do it alone.”

In addition to the book, Willis developed a nine‑lesson curriculum for the classroom, which also can be used with youth programs, or as a conversation starter, helping parents and grandparents guide teens through important matters an adult faces.

And, based on the feedback he receives, Willis may author a second book, covering things he might have missed or going more in depth on certain subjects.

Adulting for Teens is available in paperback for $14.99 and hardcover for $21.99. It also is available on Amazon as an eBook for just 99 cents. More information about the book can be found at authorbradwillis.com, and Willis can be reached directly at authorbradwillis@gmail.com.

This article is brought to you by Silver Birch Living of Kokomo. Silver Birch offers a full spectrum of personalized services to help older adults maintain their independence in a supportive, caring environment. For more information, visit Silver Birch of Kokomo online.

A narcotics investigation conducted by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a Kokomo residence early Wednesday morning, July 15, 2026, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 52.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, other suspected controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, syringes, and evidence consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.

At approximately 1:51 a.m., deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in the 900 block of East Havens Street. After announcing their presence, deputies made contact with the occupants and entered the residence without incident. Inside the home, deputies located David Boettjer, Courtney Lowery, and Tonia Schmidt. All three individuals were detained while deputies conducted a systematic search of the residence.

During the search, deputies located suspected methamphetamine, suspected controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, hypodermic syringes, digital scales, U.S. currency, packaging materials commonly associated with the distribution of illegal narcotics, and other evidence of drug activity throughout the residence.

Deputies recovered a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine and evidence consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics from the bedroom associated with David Boettjer. Deputies also located suspected illegal narcotics, syringes, and drug paraphernalia in bedrooms associated with Courtney Lowery and Tonia Schmidt. A field test conducted at the scene indicated the primary crystal-like substance recovered from Boettjer’s room tested positive for methamphetamine.

David Boettjer, 51, of Kokomo, was arrested on charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Syringe (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor), and Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor). He is being held in the Howard County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Courtney Lowery, 41, of Kokomo was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 6 Felony), Visiting a Common Nuisance (Class B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor). She is being held in the Howard County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Tonia Schmidt, 43, of Kokomo, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Syringe (Level 6 Felony), Visiting a Common Nuisance (Class B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor). She is being held in the Howard County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activity to report it. Tips may be submitted through the Howard County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov, or by contacting law enforcement directly.

This case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Draven Browning #34-108. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at (765) 456-3408. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Kingston Auto Exhibition coming July 24-25

All ages are invited to celebrate Howard County’s automotive heritage at the upcoming Mr. Kingston’s Auto Exhibition, hosted by the Howard County Historical Society.

The event, now in its fifth year, brings more than 40 classic vehicles to the Seiberling Mansion lawn, where visitors can learn more about the evolution of the automobile and the industry’s impact on Howard County. Distinct from other car shows, this exhibition features only carefully curated models that highlight the history of the automotive industry.

The event is named after George Kingston, who lived in the Seiberling Mansion and invented a revolutionary carburetor that helped transform the auto industry. More information on Kingston can be found inside the mansion, which will be open to the public for free during the exhibition.

Visitors can also enjoy a Pinewood Derby, educational displays on notable Indiana inventions, a vintage fashion display, and meet-and-greets with Mr. and Mrs. Kingston as portrayed by Marcia and Jerry Nelson. Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event. Free kids’ activities also will be available.

Friday evening will feature live music from the Hoosier String Players. Saturday at noon, Mayor Tyler Moore and Tom Tolen from the City of Kokomo will once again compete in a Pinewood Derby race.

Mr. Kingston’s Auto Exhibition is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Activities will take place on the Seiberling Mansion lawn at 1200 W. Sycamore St. in Kokomo. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit hchistory.org.

This event is made possible due to generous sponsors, including Solidarity Federal Credit Union, Indiana Automotive, McGonigal Buick GMC Cadillac, Button Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Erik’s Chevrolet, Martin Brothers TV & Appliances, Charley’s Philly Steaks, Handy Hardware, Tate’s Laser Engraving, and Brad Howell Ford. Additional help and support provided by: Culligan of Kokomo, Soupley’s Wine & Spirits, King Oil & LP Gas Inc., and Meijer.

Head downtown to the intersection of Washington and Mulberry streets from 9 a.m. until noon on Sat., July 11, to take advantage of a huge selection of handmade gifts, fresh produce, meats, and baked goods! Shopping at the Market is affordable, fun, and supports your community.

It’s going to be a great day, so we’ll see you at the Market!

You know, in all the days that I’ve been painting, I’ve learned some pretty profound things. Most of those lessons didn’t come from another artist. They came while I was standing in front of a canvas.

Recently, as I was painting, a thought came to my mind that I truly believe came from the Lord. It simply said, “You have to waste a little paint to make the magic.”

Now, I’m not big on the word magic, but those were the words that came to me, and I knew exactly what they meant. There was a time when I hated wasting paint. I’d squeeze out the smallest amount possible, dilute it, stretch it, and make every drop go as far as I could. I thought I was being responsible. In reality, I was limiting what the painting could become.

It wasn’t until I quit worrying about preserving paint that my paintings started becoming what I had imagined. I wasn’t afraid anymore to squeeze out a little more color or load my brush a little heavier. I started applying more paint, and something changed. The contrast became deeper. The colors became richer. The image started to pop in ways I had never been able to achieve before.

Ironically, using more allowed me to create more.

Then, another lesson found me. Sometimes I’d walk away from a painting because life happens. You have responsibilities. You have people to see, places to go, and things that need your attention. By the time I’d come back, the paint on my palette had dried up.

That used to bother me. Now it doesn’t. It’s okay. I’ll just squeeze out a little more paint and keep going.

Timing is everything. Seasons mean a lot. I’m never going to sit down and finish a large painting in one sitting. That’s just not how life works. Sometimes you have to walk away for a while. And when it’s time to come back, don’t spend your energy mourning the paint that dried on yesterday’s palette. Put some fresh paint on the palette and continue the process the way it was meant to be.

I think life works the same way.

We often hold back our generosity, our love, our gifts, our time, and even our effort because we’re afraid of wasting something. We try so hard to preserve what we have that we never fully pour ourselves into what God has called us to do. But I’ve learned that God isn’t asking me to preserve the paint. He’s asking me to paint.

Not every season is meant to be preserved. Some moments are meant to be poured out. Some resources are meant to be used. Some opportunities require us to stop counting the cost and trust that God will provide enough for what He’s called us to do.

So, if you have to waste a little paint, waste a little paint. The masterpiece is worth it.

Mitchell Lee Herr, 64, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 14, 2026. He was born October 31, 1961, to the late Leonard and Judy Herr.

He played basketball at Kokomo High School and at the College of the Sequoias in California. He later graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, pairing natural intelligence with a steady work ethic that served him throughout his life.

Mitch worked as a supervising engineer for Chrysler, a role that suited his sharp mind and practical approach. Yet, even with professional responsibilities, Mitch never lost the easy, good-natured spirit that made him who he was—someone who could get things done while still finding reasons to laugh, and making sure others did, too.

Mitch married Kelly Goodnight, and together they raised two sons. Mitch was a great husband and provider, a loving father, and as his boys grew older and had children of their own, he became a loving grandfather. “Pops” was his favorite name. He never missed a game for any of his kids or grandsons, and that kind of devotion said everything about him: family wasn’t merely important to Mitch; it was the center of his world.

He enjoyed walking with his dogs Skeeter and Daisy. He truly loved all of his dogs that he had over the years. He found peace in fishing, satisfaction in gardening and cooking, and happiness in being outdoors. He played basketball in the city league for many years and at Foster Park with his friends and brothers. And in a driveway, with a ball and his grandson Declan, Pops could turn an ordinary moment into something lasting. He also coached his sons and grandsons.

Mitch’s legacy is one of laughter and love: funny and goofy, caring and intelligent, always ready to make someone smile and always ready to show up. Those who knew Mitch will miss his voice, his kindness, and the steady assurance that he was in your corner.

He is survived by his loving wife Kelly Herr; sons Cory Herr and Drake Herr; grandsons Declan Herr, Bauer Herr, and Arlo Herr; brothers Mike Herr and Mark (Kim) Herr; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mitch is preceded in death by his father-in-law Dan Goodnight.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on July 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Eldern Burton

Eldern Burton, 70, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 11, 1955, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, to Robin Burton and Lizzie (Gabbard) Cripe. On October 15, 1977, Eldern married Robin (Summers) Burton, and she survives. He was employed as a Supervisor at Park 100 Foods in Kokomo, Indiana. Eldern loved golfing, playing cards with friends and family, and working in his yard.

He is survived by his wife Robin and their children Rachael Nice of Peru, Indiana, and Tom (Mishala) Burton of Greentown, Indiana. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Aaron Nice, Kaitlyn Nice, Makenzie Burton, and Declan Burton; and sisters Sara (Frank) Cummins of Moore’s Hill, Indiana, Donna (David) Deeter of Kokomo, Indiana, Kay (Randy) Martin of Walton, Indiana, Debbie (Jack) Gates of Lincoln, Indiana, and Delores Leffert of Milan, Indiana.

Eldern was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles Edward Burton, George Burton, Cletus Burton, and John Burton; and sisters Shirley Knopf and Leola Helton.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home, 136 South Elm Street, Bunker Hill, Indiana 46914.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 3356, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Franz Joseph Federspill

Franz Joseph Federspill, age 80, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Born on February 4, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the son of George Federspill and Ruth Anderson Federspill. Franz lived a life marked by kindness, humility, and service to others, and he will be remembered by all who knew him as a friendly, selfless, and caring man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady presence and generous spirit touched many lives throughout the years.

Franz graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1964 and later attended marketing classes through Ivy Tech. He began a long and honorable work career with General Motors, where he served for more than 30 years as a security guard. He also dedicated over 20 years of service to Community Howard Regional Hospital, where he worked as a Security Guard and in Valet Services. His commitment and professionalism were recognized when he received Employee of the Month for the entire hospital, an honor made especially meaningful among more than 1,400 employees.

A proud and faithful Christian, Franz was also a cradle Catholic and carried his faith with him throughout his life. He was a man of discipline and strength, and he served as a Drill Instructor in the Army Reserves. His life reflected a deep sense of duty, respect, and perseverance, qualities that remained evident in both his work and his relationships.

Franz had many interests that brought him joy and kept him active. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, school activities, and softball games. Physical fitness was important to him, and he was passionate about biking and running. He rode his bike from state to state and participated in mini marathons and 5Ks with determination and pride. In his younger years, he played on Kokomo’s first little league city tournament championship team, the Steelers, sponsored by the steel mill, and he was proud to have made the Kokomo basketball team under Coach Joe Platt. These accomplishments remained special memories throughout his life.

He is survived by his son Michael Federspill and his wife Amanda; his daughter Stacy Osswald and her husband Chris; his stepson Tom Melton and his wife Tami; and his grandchildren Mia, Ava, and Owen Federspill, Thomas Melton, Jared Melton, and Landon and Hudson Osswald. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth Anderson Federspill, his beloved wife Sondra Federspill, who passed away in 2019, and his sister Charlotte Federspill.

Franz’s family and friends will remember him for the way he lived his life with quiet strength, loyalty, and compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, faith, and dedication to family that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

There will be a graveside service Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, officiated by retired Pastor Brad Swain and Military Honors presented by the Kokomo VFW post 1152 and the United States Army.

Christina L. “Christy” Ripperger

Christina L. “Christy” Ripperger, went home to be with her Lord July 15, 2026. She was born August 27, 1948, to John and Virginia Butcher (the most loving parents in the whole world)!

My dad was so full of fun, and my mother always overflowed with the love of Jesus! Yes, my parents were the best ever, and I will thank the Lord and bear witness in Heaven that my parents helped me live for Jesus, showed me by their very example how to follow Jesus closely, and I will forever thank them both for Loving Jesus first and leading me as a child and an adult in the wonderful ways of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My life venture started out in Bloomington, Indiana, where my mother seated my sister Julie and me next to her every single Sunday at the non-instrumental Church of Christ located on the avenue in Bloomington. Later, we moved to Kokomo, Indiana, where my whole family, including my daddy and now my two younger brothers, Joe and Danny, were born and attended the Church of Christ, with minister Kenny Washburn leading the flock.

I had the fun and joy of being my daddy’s cashier at his Western Auto store in downtown Kokomo, located right on the square, and learned early in life about carburetors, fuel pumps, and windshield wipers for our 1966 cars.

I graduated in 1966 from Kokomo High School and had the tremendous joy and honor of being the class Homecoming Queen, then attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri. Oh, God has been so good to me!

I am so grateful for the privilege that God gave me to serve him at Crisis Pregnancy Center (later called Life Centers) for 20 years to defend the unborn. I witnessed time after time God’s indescribable love for every single life. I am also so grateful for the continued open door that God gave me to serve Him in Ukraine to defend life and to encourage the family of God through Mission to Ukraine, International Revival Ministries, and to witness God’s favor upon His people through House of Bread and their 35 soup kitchens in Ukraine.

I can never thank Him enough for His mercy, His grace, and His amazing love. I am so thankful for my daughter Cherise, my son Anthony, my beautiful daughter-in-law Hollee, and my precious grandchildren Hannah Claire and her husband Connor, Maddee Grace, and Jac-man!

I am more than grateful for my husband Gary B. Ripperger, who is my knight in shining armor and my partner in all things!

I am so thankful, so grateful, for my precious family, my heritage, and the legacy that all rests in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She is preceded in death by her father John E. Butcher.

Survivors include her husband of 39 years Gary B. Ripperger, children Cherise Candlish and Anthony (Hollee) Candlish, grandchildren Hannah Claire (Connor) Rytz, Maddee Grace Candlish, and Jac Candlish, and one great-grandson on the way, siblings Julie (Brian) Hufford, Joe (Debbie) Butcher, and Dan (Teresa) Butcher, and mother Virginia C. Butcher.

Visitation will be held Wednesday July 22, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday July 23, 2026, at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 E. 91st St., Indianapolis, at 12 p.m., with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Life Centers of Indianapolis, 9511 Angola Ct., Ste 215, Indianapolis, IN 46268, or Mission to Ukraine, 1900 Pleasant St. #1214, Noblesville, IN 46061.

Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Glen M. “Mitchell” Cupp

Glen M. “Mitchell” Cupp, 32, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at home. Mitchell, or Mitch, as most people called him, was born on April 21, 1994, in Kokomo, to Rodney Cupp and Glenda S. (Fecher) Reeher.

Born with Down Syndrome, Mitch led a simple life, but his family and those who knew him know how much he enjoyed life. He graduated from Kokomo High School and worked at Bona Vista, doing assembly work while waiting for the best part of his day: lunch time.

Mitch loved to swim and camp. He especially enjoyed Mickey Mouse and Elmo. Watching DVDs such as Home Alone and Pippi Longstocking also made him happy. His favorite foods were pizza, spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and chicken fried rice. He had a special dog which he called HoHo.

He is survived by his mother and father, both of Kokomo; five brothers Joseph Welch and wife Stephanie of Kokomo, Rickey Allen Welch and wife Danielle of Frankfort, Steven Ewing of Kokomo, Joshua Ewing and wife Amy of Peru, and Randy Neibarger and wife Amber of Kokomo. Nieces and nephews include Katherine Welch, Fayth Myers, Logan Welch, Kamrie Petterson, Jasmine Ewing, Gabrielle Ewing, Natalie Ewing, Kylee Ewing, Rosaline Ewing, Connor Tucker, and Hailey Tucker.

A graveside funeral service for Mitchell will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton, with burial to follow. Steve Brown will preside over the service.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home has been chosen to help Mitchell’s family at this most difficult time. Online condolences may be left on his obituary page at www.young.nichols.com.

Donations to help pay for the funeral expenses would be appreciated by the family and they can be paid directly to the funeral home.

Dolan Dexter Bartels

Dolan Dexter Bartels, 66 years old, of Frankfort, passed away 8:15 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital - 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, on February 23, 1960, the son of the late Elvin and Gladys (Zuber) Bartels. On October 10, 1981, he married Lori Jean Zingler in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and she survives.

Dolan was a 1978 graduate of Belle Fourche High School. He achieved a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1985. His first employment was with Boeing Aerospace from 1985 to 1991. At Boeing he developed technical manuals for the United States Air Force and Navy communications systems. Next, Dolan worked at Donaldson Company Inc. for 30 years until his retirement in 2021. He started as an electrical engineer, supporting the production lines in Cresco, IA. He moved into the engineering manager role in Frankfort, IN, before becoming the Plant Manager of the Dixon, IL, plant. He completed his career as the plant manager and lastly as the special projects manager to oversee the expansion of the Frankfort operations.

Dolan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his time on the lakes in Canada, the Missouri River, and anywhere he could find a good catch. Dolan loved the outdoors and spent countless hours hiking, walking nature trails, and chasing pictures of beautiful sunsets. As a child, the Black Hills of South Dakota were his playground, and he knew every inch of the landscape. Dolan was a man of strong Christian faith. While living in Delphi, IN, he served as trustee at Delphi Methodist Church. He was a member and served as a youth leader while at Dixon First United Methodist Church in Dixon, IL. Recently, he was attending Burlington Church of Christ.

Dolan’s biggest wish in life was to marry a wonderful woman and have children. He had recently talked about how he had achieved his goals and received more out of life than he expected. Dolan cherished time with his family playing games, gathering during holidays and celebrations, and following grandchildren at their events. Dolan will be remembered for his jokes, his smile, his listening ear, and for being the guy anyone could call when they needed a rescue.

In addition to his wife Lori, Dolan is survived by his children Danielle Majors, Clinton (Lluvia) Bartels; grandchildren Luke Baker, Ryan “Max” Bartels, and James Bartels; siblings Georgia Vail of California, Donald (Valerie) Vail of Wyoming, and Delvin (Elizabeth DeTample) Bartels of South Dakota; sisters-in-law Sherry Vail of Wyoming, and Julie (Jim Lang) Madsen; father and mother-in-law Ronald and Sondra Zingler of South Dakota; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Marva Bartels and Dennis Vail; son-in-law David Benjamin Majors; and grandson Alexander Thomas Majors.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Burlington Church of Christ, 312 S. Michigan St., Burlington, IN 46915. A memorial service celebrating Dolan’s life will begin 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the church, with Pastor Dave Osborne officiating.

Contributions may be made in Dolan’s memory to the Burlington Church of Christ or to the Ark Christian Ministries in Converse, IN. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

William Raymond “Ray” Armfield

William Raymond “Ray” Armfield, 87, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Waterford Place in Kokomo. He was born on September 11, 1938, the son of Bernard Armfield and Tilley (Mischner) Hannah.

Ray was a graduate of Kokomo High School. He enlisted into the Air Force as an airman. Ray was self-employed in doing motorcycle repairs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. Ray was also a member of a motorcycle club.

Ray is survived by his wife Krayon Jones; caretaker and companion Valerie Floyd; and cousins Kelly Armfield and Gerald Armfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mark Graham.

Hasler & Stout Funeral Homes have been entrusted with cremation.

Byron Richard “Rick” Smith

Byron Richard “Rick” Smith, born in Kokomo, Indiana, July 4, 1955, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. He lived with his wife Bennie Watson Smith in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, after building a life together in California. He was a graduate of Haworth (Kokomo) High School, Class of 1973.

Rick’s faith in Jesus Christ deepened with each passing day, giving him strength and faith in tomorrow. He found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends—sharing laughter, stories, and moments that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

During his school years, Rick was a proud member of the Haworth track team, helping secure medals in both the long jump and relay. After graduation, you might have found him hiking the Appalachian Trail, joining a pick-up game of basketball, or simply taking in the sunset in a new town—always finding beauty in the world around him.

As the years went by, Rick continued to delight in life’s simple pleasures: a quiet day of fishing, a hearty laugh at the Three Stooges, the steady rhythm of a passing train, and the comfort of one of his favorite pipes. He had an incredible memory for sports and music trivia, often amazing friends old and new with his recall. Rick’s easy smile and genuine kindness made him quick to form friendships, and he will be remembered for the warmth, humor, and joy he brought to every life he touched.

Rick leaves behind a loving family, starting with his devoted wife Bennie Watson Smith; two sons Byron “Joshua” and Benjamin “Jared” Smith; and two-daughter in-laws Katie (Joshua) Smith and Shadae (Jared) Smith. He was a proud grandfather to Byron Wyatt Smith, who brought endless joy to his “Pappy.”

Rick is also survived by his loving sisters Starla Mooney and Pam Stoesser and his brothers-in-law Steve Mooney, Eddie Watson, and Terry Watson. He was deeply grateful to be “Uncle Rick” or “Uncle Byron” to his many cherished nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by Byron Leroy Smith (father), Paula Camp Smith (mother), and Mary Cline Smith (stepmother). Rick always said his father was his hero and how blessed he was to have two wonderful mothers in his life. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Boyce Watson and Dorothy “Old Goat” Watson.

Per his request, he will be laid to rest during a private gravesite gathering.

Othello Bach-Grant

Othello Bach-Grant, 85, of Kokomo passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Kokomo Place in Kokomo.

She was born on March 6, 1941, in Tipton, Oklahoma, to the late Russell James and Bernice James.

Othello had many talents through her years. She wrote numerous novels, children’s, and spiritual books. She also had an autobiography. Othello was an extraordinary painter and wrote several plays. She was also a reverend to Christian Church (disciples) in Hobbs, Indiana.

Survivors include her sons Bryan Peters (Thelma Luckey Peters) and Don Mark Peters (Heather); her nephew Charles Russell James, whom she raised; niece Joanne James; brother Gordon James (Yolly); sister Virginia James; nephew Jesse James; several grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. A special thank you to Tina Skaggs, her caretaker.

Othello was preceded in death by her husband Donald Grant, brothers Don, Mason, and Thurmond James, and sister Jeanette Ambrose.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kokomo Urban Outreach (UP program).

Her online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru.