Holler in the Heartland at Foster Park
Also, Bunker Hill man arrested on sex offender charges; Open Arms receives $6,000 grant
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Foster Park will be transformed into the “Holler in the Heartland” July 19 as a trio of artists bring Americana and folk music to the Kokomo Summer Concert Series.
Presented by the City of Kokomo, the concert series brings together top-tier national and regional acts alongside local food vendors and community activities, creating unforgettable evenings of live music. The series is free and open to the public.
Headlining the evening will be John R. Miller, a West Virginia-based singer-songwriter celebrated for his evocative blend of country, blues, and folk-rock.
Miller’s songwriting has been praised for its “refreshingly raw honesty, reflectiveness, and the undeniable beauty in discovery and growth.” He has also collaborated with artists like Tyler Childers and has performed at many notable venues, including the Grand Ole Opry.
Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle is a four-piece Americana/folk band from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its energetic performances that blend traditional American music with contemporary flair. Its sound draws inspiration from artists like Lead Belly, John Prine, Woody Guthrie, and Willy Tea Taylor, creating a unique and deep-rooted musical experience.
Rounding out the evening will be Darrin Hacquard, whose storytelling and diverse musical styles will bring old time, psyche-rock, country, and spaghetti western vibes to the stage.
His songwriting has been described as “funny, tortured, melancholy, and joyous,” often embodying these emotions simultaneously.
The concert will begin at 5 p.m. in the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park, 721 E. Superior St. While there is some bleacher seating available, those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and blanket for a perfect evening under the stars.
Already announced in the series are The Blooze Brothers with opening act Tyler Lance Walker Gill on June 7 and the End of Summer Banger featuring Everclear, Local H and Sponge on Saturday, Sept. 27.
For more information on the series and full event details of the performers, visit kokomosummerseries.com.
Bunker Hill man arrested on multiple felony charges
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, detectives from the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in collaboration with troopers with the Indiana State Police Peru Post, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Kokomo Police Department, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, arrested a 26-year-old Bunker Hill, Indiana man on multiple felony charges of failure to register as a sex offender.
The investigation originated from multiple cybertip reports received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Over the course of a five-month investigation, detectives identified a suspect residing near the 200 block of Broadway Street in Bunker Hill. Upon executing a search warrant, multiple electronic devices were seized.
During the investigation, detectives determined the suspect had knowingly failed to update his sex offender registration information with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, which is a state law requirement. Detectives arrested Keith Hall, 26, of Bunker Hill and transported him to the Miami County Jail.
Hall faces the following preliminary charges:
• Six (6) Counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender – Level 5 Felony, IC 11-8-8-17
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. ICAC detectives are continuing to examine all seized electronic devices. There is no further information to release at this time.
The Indiana ICAC is a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse.
The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website.
To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency. To learn more about the efforts of the Indiana ICAC, visit https://internetcrimesagainstkids.com.
Open Arms receives $6,000 grant
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) Good Deeds Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by ALTA, the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, announced they have awarded $6,000 to Open Arms in Kokomo.
Robin Asher at Bowe Digital in Kokomo nominated the nonprofit to receive the grant. Open Arms is one of 17 nonprofit organizations across the United States receiving a grant this month from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation. The Foundation announced the recipients of this year’s first round of biannual grants during ALTA EDge, held March 19-21 in Louisville, Ky.
“In just a few years, the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation has transformed the generosity of title professionals into tangible community impact, awarding more than $1.2 million to 211 nonprofit organizations across the country,” said Foundation Board Chair Mary O’Donnell, president and CEO of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. and past president of ALTA. “These grants empower local organizations to continue their critical work, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting those in need.”
“The title insurance industry is built on protecting homeownership, and through the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, we extend that commitment beyond our work and into our communities,” said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb. “By supporting nonprofits dedicated to community initiatives, we help strengthen neighborhoods and ensure families have the resources they need to build better futures.”
“We are honored to be the recipient of this grant from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation,” said Anna Brown, Director at Open Arms. “Our organization will use this grant to provide shelter and life-changing programs to homeless women and children.”
The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation was launched in 2020 to bolster the charitable efforts of ALTA members. Title insurance professionals can apply for grants on behalf of recognized 501(c)(3) organizations that they support financially or through volunteer efforts; preference is given to housing-related charities. To give to the Foundation, visit altagooddeeds.org/donate or text GOODDEEDS to 44321.