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Over the past decade, Hawgin’ the Block has become a staple event in downtown. Hundreds of people turn out each year to enjoy the festivities and barbecue while raising funds for Bridges Outreach. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Hawgin’ family this year, prompting a change.
According to Steve Delon, co-founder of Hawgin’ the Block and co-owner of The 2 Mortgage Guys, the unexpected passing of Hawg Heaven co-owner Mike Wills has resulted in some changes for this year’s event, which takes place on Fri., Oct. 6.
Delon said that this year’s Hawgin’ the Block will take place at Hawg Heaven, 1420 S. Webster St., and The Gathering Place, located across the street from the restaurant. Part of the reason for the change was so that the Hawgin’ the Block team could present and install a commemorative plaque in Wells’ honor at The Gathering Place.
Hawgin’ the Block for Bridges Outreach will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and near the end of the event, the plaque presentation will happen.
“Mike was the driving force behind the food trailer, and it was such a pleasure to work with him these past 10 years,” according to a statement from Bridges Outreach. “He always had so much joy and a strong work ethic to give back and help Bridges pull off a successful event!”
Carol Wills, the co-owner of Hawg Heaven, agreed to hold the Hawgin’ event again this year, despite the loss. However, the process has changed. This year, the event is only for lunch, and the only way to buy a meal is to order it to go. There will be no dine-in option. Deliveries can be arranged for large orders of 20 or more meals. The meal, however, is unchanged and includes a Hawg Heaven pulled pork sandwich, chips, and a cookie.
As always, 100 percent of proceeds from Hawgin’ the Block go directly to Bridges Outreach’s after-school programs. Call Bridges at 765-452-5723 to place orders. To place group orders of 20 or more, visit Hawgin' the Block Lunch Order Form (google.com)
Bridges Outreach would like to thank its Hawgin’ the Block sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Kokomo, The 2 Mortgage Guys, Huston Electric Inc., and The Wyman Group.
Child critical after struck by van
On Oct. 2, at approximately 7:18 p.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department were dispatched to 2900 N. Apperson Way, Lot #269, in reference to a child struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
From the preliminary investigation, it is believed that a van driven by Larry Carden of Kokomo was traveling west through the mobile home park. A 7-year-old was traveling south through the mobile home park. As both were entering an intersection in the mobile home park, the van struck the juvenile on the bicycle.
The juvenile was transported to a local hospital and later flown by helicopter to an Indianapolis hospital for injuries sustained. At the time of this report, the juvenile was listed in critical condition. Kokomo Police Accident Investigators are continuing this investigation.
Anyone having information regarding to this case is asked to contact Officer Chad Mooney at (765) 457-1105. 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 to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, and send it to 847411.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court of law.