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The Kokomo Police Department joined other local law enforcement entities in the community for the annual National Night Out celebration on Aug. 1. The evening of activities and fun is designed to promote better police-community partnerships and to strengthen neighborhoods.
Millions of people take part in the event across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide, hosting block parties, cookouts, and other community events with safety demonstrations, youth events, visits from police personnel, and much more.
National Night Out events in Kokomo took place at the Westbrook Neighborhood Crime Watch, Cricket Hills Neighborhood, Sargent Place Apartments, Garden Square, Apperson Way Apartments, the Silk Stocking Neighborhood, and Taylor Elementary School.
At Garden Square Apartments, the Kokomo Housing Authority invited social service agencies and community nonprofits to set up informational tables, while a mobile bookstore and an ice cream truck offered treats. Back-to-school haircuts were given by Barlow’s Barbershop, and the housing authority offered free school supplies, pizza and soda.
At Kokomo Beach, the police department served up hot dogs and visited with members of the community while offering a free evening of swimming at the park.
If you are interested in participating in future National Night Out events or in participating with the Kokomo Police Department Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, please contact Major Brian Seldon at (765) 456-7284 or by email at bseldon@cityofkokomo.org.
For additional photos from this event, visit www.kokomolantern.com or the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page or group.
Howard County legislators receive summer study committee assignments
State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.
Lawmakers serve on interim committees throughout the summer and fall to examine policy topics, gather public input and recommend potential legislation.
Karickhoff will serve as a member of the Electric Vehicle Product Commission, the Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Medicaid Advisory Committee's Standing Fiscal Subcommittee and the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Project Committee.
"The Electric Vehicle Product Commission continues to evaluate and research our state's capabilities as Indiana positions itself as a world leader in this emerging market," Karickhoff said. "I also look forward to switching gears and discussing issues critical to our Medicaid system and finding ways we can improve it for all Hoosiers."
VanNatter will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor, and as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight.
"These study committees give lawmakers more time for questions and research, and develop potential solutions before we start the next legislative session," VanNatter said. "When talking with employers in our area or around the state, it's clear the demand for skilled workers remains high, and we need to do more to retain and attract more talent. As part of the committee focused on employment and labor, we'll take a look at workforce issues, including how we can make it easier for those with occupational licenses or certifications to locate here from another state and start working more quickly."
Members of the public are welcomed to attend and testify at committee hearings, which typically occur at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Hearings are also livestreamed and archived online at iga.in.gov, where committee calendars and meeting agendas are posted.