This article is brought to you by the Downtown Kokomo Farmers Market. It looks like the weather will cooperate just enough for you to enjoy another Saturday at the Farmers Market! No need to dodge raindrops while searching for the best in locally sourced produce, adorable crafts, homemade baked breads and treats, flowers, and so much more! The Downtown Kokomo Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. until noon on Sat., July 19. Check us out at the corner of Washington and Mulberry streets! We’ll see you at the Market!
On July 1, 2025, an investigation was initiated pertaining to possession of child sexual abuse material (child pornography). Following the initiation of this investigation, Detectives with the Kokomo Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section, Digital Crimes Unit, Indiana State Police, and Indiana Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force (ICAC) continued with this investigation.
On July 17, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a search warrant was executed in the 3000 block of North Philips Street in connection with this investigation. Following the execution of this search warrant, Michael Gromek Jr., age 35, was charged with two counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Child Pornography) IC 35-42-4-4; one level 5 felony and one level 6 felony.
ESD (Electronic Storage Detection) K-9 Gelid assisted in the execution of the search warrant.
If the public has any information regarding child sexual abuse material or child exploitation, please contact the Kokomo Police Department or report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 or at https://www.missingkids.org
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Austin Bailey at 765-456-7280, or abailey@cityofkokomo.org. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. You can always report tips anonymous 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 and send it to 847411.
Remember, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Health department holds walk-in immunization clinic
The Howard County Health Department is excited to announce its Start Smart! Back-to-School Walk-In Clinic, a one-day immunization event designed to ensure students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade are up to date on required vaccinations before the new school year.
The clinic will be held Thursday, July 31, at the Howard County Health Department, 120 E. Mulberry St., Room 206, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
This clinic offers convenient walk-in service with no appointment necessary. Both public and private insurance are accepted, and low or no-cost vaccines are available for children who are uninsured.
“Immunizations are typically due at Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 12th grade, but we’re also here to help kids who are behind get caught up,” said Kelly Carpenter, RN, Immunization Coordinator for the Howard County Health Department.
To help reduce wait times and speed up the check-in process, families are encouraged to pre-register and complete a HIPAA form in advance. However, preregistration is not required—all walk-ins are welcome.
To save time, complete these two steps online:
🔹 Step 1 – Pre-register:
🔹 Step 2 – HIPAA Form:
If you're unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccinations, please call the Health Department at 765-456-2408, Option 1.
Let’s help every student start smart and stay healthy this school year!