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The Howard County Coroner’s Office investigated 61 deaths in the first quarter of 2023 ending on March 31. Of those cases, 31 were determined to be due to natural causes. There was one homicide, seven suicides, 20 accidental deaths, and one case that is still under investigation. The coroner’s office reviewed 24 additional direct release cases.
Of the 20 accidental deaths, 11 were due to drug overdose, two were the result of motor vehicle accidents, seven were due to a fall-related injury, and two were due to weather exposure. Of the 11 confirmed overdose cases, 10 involved Fentanyl, two involved Methamphetamine, five involved Cocaine, one involved Xylazine, and one involved other miscellaneous substances. The total number of drug overdoses for 2023 stands at 11, which is five more than the first quarter of 2022.
Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that is not approved for human use. On the street it is referred to as “Tranq.” In a public safety alert issued by the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug that our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier.” In 2022 approximately 23 percent of fentanyl powder and seven percent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine. They have seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of the 50 states.
Information from the CDC indicates that 107,735 Americans died from drug poisonings between August 2021 and August 2022, with 66 percent of them involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels in Mexico are using chemicals largely sourced from China to produce most of the fentanyl that is being trafficked in the United States.
The Howard County Coroner’s Office has investigated a total of seven deaths with a link to xylazine since 2019. Of the 61 cases investigated in the first quarter of 2023, there were 29 autopsies conducted, 31 toxicology studies, and one X-ray study performed for a total cost of $51,268 to the county. The toxicology testing for suspected drug overdose cases is presently being paid by a grant through the Indiana State Department of Health. All autopsies ordered by the coroner are conducted by a board-certified forensic pathologist.
Wyman Group builds a ramp
On June 8, volunteers from The Wyman Group partnered with SAWS to construct a ramp for a disabled individual living in Billy Bob Trailer Park on the city’s south end. More than a dozen employees pitched in to make the ramp a reality.
“We're working with the SAWs group today to put a ramp in for disabled gentleman,” said Wyman. “The beauty of doing a project like this is it helps an individual gain their freedom back. They can leave their home and go to the places they need to go and take care of their family.”
Wyman Group Realtors set aside their normal work attire and grabbed some power tools. Within six hours, the ramp was complete.
“Our corporate culture is making our community a better place every day,” said Wyman. “Our Realtors volunteer for a lot of different non-profits, and this is one that we love to support. Each year, we build the ramp for them.”
SAWs, or Servants At Work Inc., is a non-profit established in Indianapolis in 2003. Its mission is to build ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals. None of the cost is passed along to the recipient. For additional information about the organization, visit www.sawsramps.org
Library hosts a carnival
Dozens of kids and their parents descended upon the Kokomo Howard County Public Library last week to take part in an impromptu carnival, complete with games and treats.
Whether it meant trying their skills at shooting basketballs, flexing their muscles to swing a sledgehammer and ring a bell, or chowing down on cotton candy that literally filled the air, the kids embraced the library’s carnival.
The event is one of dozens planned over the next few weeks at the library’s Summer Reading Program swings into action. This week promises to be filled with fun thanks to the library’s line-up of activities. Here’s a list of the special events being offered at the library this week:
Pop Into Summer Popsicle Party
Welcome summer with balloon games, popsicle-themed crafts, and a frozen treat at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Mon., June 12, from 10-11 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 3 and up.
DIY Basquiat Journals
Come learn about Basquiat by using his art to inspire your own DIY journal at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., on Mon., June 12, from 4-5 p.m. This event is designed for students in middle school and high school. To register for this event, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.
Magic Paint
Paint together with author Brooke Anderson at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Mon., June 12, from 6-7 p.m. Paint your own masterpiece with Anderson, the author of “DJ’s Magic Paint,” who will sign books after the program. Bring your own book. Register online at https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/8311623.
Caravan of Growing Readers
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a weekly adventure of friendship, kindness, and community with the Caravan of Growing Readers. Each session will feature activities involving music, STEM, and art. The next session is Wed., June 14, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Kindness Rocks!
Design kindness rocks and then plant them throughout the community for neighbors to find. This artful activity will take place at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., June 14, from 5-6 p.m. Remember to dress for a mess.
Foam Happy Party
Play and dance in several feet of slip-sliding bubbly suds created by the Foam Daddy Cannon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., June 15, from 2-3:15 p.m. Swimsuit or light clothing and water shoes are suggested. Don’t forget to bring a towel! The event will be followed by a Foam Happy Party for dogs. Dog owners are encouraged to dress for water.
Summer Camp Escape Room
A group of teens went camping. At night, they hear strange noises coming from the woods. Will they make it home? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., June 16, from 10 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. to experience a Summer Camp Escape Room at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by calling KHCPL Main at 765-457-3242. Groups of 3-5 people. Teens only.
Flower Power
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., June 16, from 2-3 p.m. to decorate a flower pot and learn more about the importance of native plants. The event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. To register, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.
Together with Moana
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library and Royal Events Entertainment will present “Together with Moana” on Sat., June 17, from 2-3 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N., Union St. Moana will sing, act, dance, and story-tell live, bringing magic to the summer reading program.