Auto fatality claims Sharpsville man
Also, United Way helps file taxes for hundreds; Stellantis holding electronics recycling day
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On Wed., April 16, 2025, at approximately 6:04 a.m., the Kokomo Police Department responded to the U.S. 31 and Center Road overpass for a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a silver 2014 Chevrolet Equinox positioned at the bottom of a ditch. Additionally, a black 2000 Ford Excursion, was found overturned on its roof on the opposite side of the ditch. Tragically, the driver of the Ford Excursion was found deceased outside the vehicle.
On Wed., April 16, 2025, at approximately 6:35 a.m., The Howard County Coroner was dispatched to the scene in reference to a decedent that had been involved in an automobile crash. The decedent has been preliminary identified as Charlie J. Bowman, a 41-year-old male from Sharpsville, Indiana.
From the preliminary investigation, 34-year-old Rebecca Henry of Galveston, Ind., was operating the Chevrolet Equinox and was traveling northbound on U.S. 31, approaching the Center Road overpass. Concurrently, the 2000 Ford Excursion was also traveling northbound on U.S. 31.
It appears that the Ford Excursion collided with the rear-end of the Chevrolet Equinox, resulting in both vehicles entering the east side ditch. The Ford Excursion rolled over numerous times, causing the driver to be ejected. Bowman was unrestrained. Rebecca Henry was not injured.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday April 17, 2025, by a forensic pathologist at the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Cause and manner of death are pending autopsy and toxicology results.
This case remains under investigation by the Kokomo Police Department and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. If anyone has additional information pertaining to this incident, please contact the Kokomo Police Department at 765-456-7017. You can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411.
United Way helps file taxes for hundreds
Every year, the United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties provides free income tax preparation services. It takes a handful of volunteers three months to serve hundreds of local residents who need assistance in completing their annual tax returns.
In 2025, the Free Tax Preparation program hit a new high, completing more returns than ever before in the program’s history. According to Cheryl Graham, United Way Operations Director and VITA Tax Site Coordinator, hundreds of thousands of dollars will return to the community through the efforts of the service.
“The program was quite a success!” said Graham. “We filed 768 Federal and 848 State returns for Howard and Tipton Counties. That is the most we have filed in more than five years. We completed more returns in each county than we have ever done. Thanks to everyone who helped make the program a success!”
Graham disclosed that $895,273 was brought back into the community in tax refunds. Taxpayers saved $208,000 in tax preparation fees, and $126,000 was refunded in child tax care credit. An additional $292,000 was refunded through the Earned Income Credit.
Among those using United Way’s tax preparation services, their average gross income was $27,811, an increase from $24,000 in 2024.
“Their efforts have not only set new records but have also made a significant difference in the lives of many in our community,” said Jessica Ausbrook, chairperson of the United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties’ executive board of directors.
According to Indiana United Ways CEO Michael Budd, 40 percent of Indiana households qualify as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE). These are individuals and families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford life’s basic necessities like housing, childcare, and healthcare.
“They are our friends, our coworkers, and our family members,” said Ausbrook. “Because of them, we are united by a shared commitment to uplift those in need and create a stronger, more supportive community for everyone. Programs like Free Tax Prep are vital in providing financial relief to these hardworking families.”
For those interested in learning more about ALICE families and the challenges they encounter, Ausbrook encourages the community to visit the United For ALICE Indiana overview: https://www.unitedforalice.org/state-overview/Indiana.
For more information about the United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties, visit www.howardandtiptonunitedway.org.
Stellantis to hold electronics recycling event
Stellantis’ four Kokomo-area manufacturing facilities invite the local community to celebrate Earth Day, Sat., April 26, by bringing old electronics to their Electronic Waste Recycling Day.
The amount of e-waste is rising at a rapid rate, with a 21 percent increase globally in the last five years, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor. This amount of waste creates pollution and contaminates the air, soil, and water. Everyone can do their part to avoid adding electronics to landfills and protecting the planet.
A variety of electronics will be accepted, including personal/office computers (no CRT televisions or monitors), consumer electronics, office equipment, small appliances (no refrigerators/freezers or washers/dryers) and telecommunications equipment.
Items will be accepted from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kokomo Transmission Plant, 2401 South Reed Road. Collection will take place in the southwest parking lot, located at the corner of Home Avenue and Lincoln Road.