KPD makes child porn arrest
Also, Lit. Coalition goes back to the '80s; downtown gets a voice; Ivy Tech to hold career fair
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On February 14, 2025, at approximately 11:37 a.m., Kokomo Police investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 5000 block of Peshewa Court in Kokomo. As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued out of Howard County for the arrest of Donald A. Hubbard, age 59, of Kokomo.
Hubbard was arrested on March 18, 2025, on two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 felonies.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Captain Tom Mygrant at (765) 456-7298 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. 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 by texting TIPKPD, then a space, and then your tip, an send it to 847411.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Literacy Coalition goes back to the ‘80s
Neon fashions, leg warmers, and up-dos were the dress code at Rhine Hall Entertainment and Event Venue recently as the Literacy Coalition of Howard County hosted an ‘80s dance party on March 8.
There were specialty drinks on the menu and decorations on the table that evoked the spirit of the decade, and the deejay kept the pop, rock, and early hip-hop tunes spinning.
Whether attired in a favorite concert t-shirt or a full-fledged ‘80s makeover, the participants celebrated the days of their youth under black lights and strobes while moving to the beats that defined their experiences.
The Literacy Coalition of Howard County works to improve reading and comprehension among its clients, and it offers English as a Second Language (ESL) education, along with some basic life skills. And it is always looking for people in the community who are willing to volunteer their time to improve literacy.
For more information about the Literacy Coalition, visit their Facebook page.
Downtown Association gives community a voice
The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association is making it easier than ever for businesses and residents to play an active role in shaping the future of downtown Kokomo. Through a new community engagement platform, residents can share ideas, recognize positive contributions, and help keep downtown vibrant and welcoming.
Community members can now submit ideas, report concerns, or celebrate successes through an easy-to-use online form accessible via QR codes on contact cards distributed at downtown businesses by the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association. The form is also available at GreaterKokomo.com.
Through this form, anyone can submit an idea, ask a question, request a connection, offer a compliment, or highlight an issue within downtown. For example, residents can highlight a well-maintained storefront that enhances downtown’s appeal, suggest locations for new public art, or report maintenance issues such as broken streetlights.
The Downtown Association and its experienced Downtown Council will establish connections that address the matters presented and engage the respondent and/or the community in possible solutions.
“This initiative reinforces that the Downtown Association is the go-to source for all things downtown,” said Susan Alexander, downtown initiatives manager for the Greater Kokomo Alliance. “We want to serve as a clearinghouse for information, a hub where businesses and residents can come with questions, ideas or even small issues — like weeds that need to be pulled — so that we can all work together to keep downtown thriving.”
A thriving downtown is an essential driver of economic growth, Alexander said. It attracts businesses, visitors, and investment while fostering community pride. Investors and developers often assess a community based on the condition of its downtown, making its vibrancy crucial to long-term success.
“Because downtown is the most widely held representation of our entire community, a vibrant and well-maintained city center is crucial to a community’s economic success,” Alexander said.
Downtown revitalization isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a key component of an economic development strategy. Alexander asserted that placemaking efforts, from small beautification projects to large-scale arts initiatives, help create a sense of community, attract visitors and encourage business investment.
“The Greater Kokomo Alliance exists in large part to support a strong, growing and connected community,” said Lori Dukes, president and CEO of the Alliance. “Through the Downtown Association, Chamber of Commerce, Inventrek Tech Park and Visitors Bureau, we work every day to help businesses and individuals succeed.
“Whether you need a connection, have a challenge to solve, or just want to celebrate something great happening in Kokomo, we’re here as a resource to make good things happen for Kokomo and Howard County.”
The cards are now available at downtown businesses. Organizations and businesses are invited to request a stack of cards. The Downtown Association invites all residents and businesses to get involved today by picking up a contact card, scanning the QR code, and helping shape the future of downtown Kokomo.
Ivy Tech Career Fair April 15
Area employers are invited to participate in the 2025 Kokomo Area Career Fair set for noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, in Hingst Hall in the Health Professions Center on the campus of Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo, 1815 E. Morgan St. The deadline to register as an employer participant is April 1.
The fair is open to area college students, alumni and the general public, according to Jhordan Wheeler, talent connection manager for Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Ivy+ Career Link division.
“We are welcoming employers from all aspects of the local economy,” Wheeler said. “The fair will be a chance to promote current job openings and internship opportunities as well as talk with attendees about the skills needed to secure a position with their organization.”
Organizers of the Kokomo Area Career Fair include Ivy Tech, the City of Kokomo, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance and WorkOne West Central.
Employers interested in participating should contact Wheeler, by email at jlee170@ivytech.edu or by phone at 765-252-5515. Questions can also be sent to kokomo-careerlink@ivytech.edu .