City renames Apperson Way for MLK Jr.
Also, Kokomo school board members take office; Democrats to hold candidate call-out; Community Howard's Lunch and Learn Feb. 3
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Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore recently held a public event at City Hall to proclaim Mon., Jan. 16, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city. During that event, Moore revealed that the city will rename a portion of Apperson Way after the spiritual and civil rights leaders.
Moore explained that he had been approached by members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Commission last year, requesting the honor.
“It is only fitting that we do this as the monument is located there and has become a gem and an asset – even a beacon of hope – to our community,” said Moore.
The honorary renaming of Apperson is limited to the area immediately adjacent to the monument. Kokomo is one of a small handful of cities nationally that does not have a street named after Dr. King.
“The comment was made that this is long past due, and I wholeheartedly agree,” said Moore.
The honorary street signage has been put in place and become official with the announcement. Moore followed the unveiling with the reading of the proclamation declaring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Kokomo School Board members take office
On Jan. 4, Rev. Isaac White, Lisa Ellison, and Nicole Fain Mundy were sworn in to start their new terms on the Kokomo School Corporation school board. The following Monday at KSC’s regular meeting, the three new members were hard at work as the board elected officers and confirmed the board’s treasurer and school attorney.
During the first of two sessions on Jan. 11, the corporation board of finance put forth nominations and elected David Emery as president of the board of finance, with Charles Hinkle as secretary. The general board then reconvened and elected Lewis Hall as board president, with as David Emery for vice president, and Lisa Ellison as secretary.
The newly elected board members commented on how they felt about their first meeting as board members. White said, “I’m ready to get to work for our students.” Fain Mundy, a former KSC teacher commented that she was “excited to be back in a different capacity” from her last role as a faculty member and KTA teacher’s union president.
The board also accepted recommendations that Rebecca Vent continue as KSC attorney and Director of Business Robert McIntire as treasurer.
During the board of finance meeting KSC Superintendent Dr. Michael Sargent revealed the results of the corporation’s fiscal indicator report issued by the Indiana State Fiscal and Qualitative Indicators Committee.
“As a whole, Kokomo Center School Corporation looks healthy,” stated Sargent, noting that despite declining enrollment at KSC, “school corporation officials continue to compensate for a decrease in enrollment by enacting several cost cutting measures”.
The report, prepared under the direction of the Indiana Distressed Unit of Appeals Board, evaluates the financial conditions and enrollment at various state school corporations, updating them from indicators finalized at the end of 2018 by looking at average daily school membership, school fund balances, deficits, surpluses, and revenues of state school districts.
Democrats seeking candidates for city office
The Howard County Democratic Party will hold a candidate call-out meeting on Sat., Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. at party headquarters, 341 S. Main St., on the third floor. This session is designed for those who have an interest in seeking public office in the 2023 municipal election.
All citizens who identify as Democrats or have a history of voting in Democratic primaries and have a desire to serve on the Kokomo Common Council or as City Clerk or Mayor are encouraged to attend, meet with party leaders and members, and learn more about the offices and the election process.
For additional information about this event, contact Lisa Washington at 765-271-8082.
Lunch and Learn on Feb. 3
Join Community Howard Regional Health and the Kokomo Family YMCA for a lunch and learn seminar Friday, Feb. 3, as Rachel Wright, registered nurse with Community Howard's cardiopulmonary rehab program, talks about heart health.
Rachel will identify the risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease and will discuss lifestyle habits that can lead to a healthier heart. A lunch will be provided to the first 60 who register.
This event will take place at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St., in the first floor community room from 12:10-12:50 p.m. Register before Jan. 29 at https://bit.ly/3CNM19Q