KPD searching for an old blue truck

Also, Apperson to close April 9; Duke says call before you dig; Stellantis design wins award

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The Kokomo Police Department is currently investigating a theft that occurred in the 2700 Block of South Goyer Road. This theft occurred March 29, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m. The suspect was driving what appears to be an older blue Chevrolet truck that is pulling a trailer. After the theft, the vehicle traveled north on Goyer Road.

If anyone has additional information pertaining to this case, please contact the Kokomo Police Department 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, and send it to 847411.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Apperson to close April 9

On Wednesday 4/9/2025, the south bound lane of Apperson from Superior to Vaile will be closed for approximately 1 week to repair the storm line just south of the bridge on Apperson. The north bound lane will be open and there will still be access to the east parking lot of Central Middle School.

Duke says call before you dig

Ready to dig? Duke Energy reminds residents to call 811 before beginning spring digging projects. National Safe Digging Month emphasizes the critical need to call 811 to ensure utility lines are properly marked before starting any digging projects.

Underground electric lines in Indiana were damaged nearly 350 times in 2024.

April is National Safe Digging Month, and Duke Energy is recognizing the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects. This simple step helps protect the nation's underground utility infrastructure and ensures the safety of both customers and professional excavators.

“Even if you or your contractor are digging just a few inches below the surface, underground utility lines can still be present,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Taking the time to check and be aware of what’s buried below is the best way to dig safely and prevent potentially dangerous damage to our underground utilities.”

The national 811 “Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can make a free call to have underground utility lines clearly marked. Contractors, homeowners, business owners, and anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. The local utilities will send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV and others) with stakes, flags or paint.

In 2024, Duke Energy reported nearly 350 cuts to underground electric lines in Indiana.

“Our strongest safeguard is raising awareness and providing continuous education about calling 811 before digging,” Pinegar said. “We are dedicated to the safety of our customers and communities, and spreading this message helps prevent digging and excavation incidents.”

For additional information about 811, visit Duke Energy’s Call 811 Before You Dig webpage. To get in touch with the 811 center, dial 811 or visit call811.com.

Stellantis EV infrastructure wins engineering competition

Clark Dietz, Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement. They will be recognized at the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for designing stormwater and roadway improvements to support construction of the $6.3-billion Stellantis Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Plant in Kokomo, Ind.

Spanning 1.5 miles of roadway, nearly 12,000 feet of storm sewer, and multiple regional detention basins, the $24-million infrastructure improvement project provides the essential foundation for Kokomo’s transformation into a leader in electric vehicle production. Clark Dietz utilized advanced hydraulic modeling tools and high-resolution LiDAR data to develop sustainable stormwater management solutions that mitigate flood risks, improve water quality, and enhance public safety.

The innovative design included daylighting more than 2,000 feet of piped channels, transforming them into naturalized waterways that filter pollutants, reduce flooding, and create ecological habitats. This approach demonstrates environmental stewardship and delivers significant benefits to the community, such as green spaces for recreation and education.

Clark Dietz provides multi-disciplinary engineering services from offices across the upper Midwest.

The project is eligible for additional honors as part of 194 entries this year representing engineering excellence from throughout the nation and the world. Judging for the awards program took place in February and was conducted by a national 32-member panel of built environment leaders, along with experts from government, the media, and academia. Award criteria focused on uniqueness, technical innovation, social and economic value, and generating excitement for the engineering profession.

Recognition of all award winners—including 16 Honor Awards, eight Grand Awards, and the prestigious “Grand Conceptor Award” for the year’s most outstanding overall engineering achievement—will take place at the EEA Gala, to be held at the Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.