Mayor declares April Child Abuse Prevention Month
Mayor Tyler Moore joined with Prevent Child Abuse Howard County on March 23 to proclaim April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kokomo. The proclamation was given in Millennium Park downtown, and Moore joined with organization members in installing the first pinwheels abound the gazebo.
Prevent Child Abuse Howard County director Barb Hilton explained why the organization uses the pinwheel as its event symbol.
“The pinwheel is a reminder that there is something everyone can do to help prevent child abuse,” said Hilton. “It is a symbol of a safe and healthy childhood.”
The organization’s goal this year is to have pinwheels pop up all over the city. To that end, it will make pinwheels available to residents at two events on April 1.
“We’re going to have a pinwheel drive-thru,” said Hilton. “On Friday, April 1, anybody can drive-thru at the Family Service Association (618 S. Main St.) from 11.a.m.-1 p.m. and pick up a packet of pinwheels and a sign.
“They don’t even have to get out of their car. The pinwheels are free of charge as long as supply lasts. We really want to decorate the city.”
The organization also will be present at the monthly First Friday celebration on April 1 in downtown, giving out pinwheels.
Hilton explained that Prevent Child Abuse Howard County is active year-round in educating and assisting parents and families to ensure home environments free of abuse. It provides free trainings and resources, such as car seats and portable cribs, to families who cannot afford them.
For additional information about Prevent Child Abuse Howard County or the many events taking place in April as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit Family Service Association of Howard County, Inc.: Prevent Child Abuse Howard County (fsahc.org) or call 765-457-9313.
EMA looking for volunteers
The Howard County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is looking for volunteers wanting to help the community. EMA has three departments within the agency: Police, Fire/EMS, and Communications. Howard County EMA will provide training free of charge.
EMA Police Department is the eyes and ears of local law enforcement. Officers are called upon for traffic assistance with accidents, fires, and security details. They assist with community events such as 5K runs, Haynes Apperson Festival, KHS & BobKats games, and can be found spotting severe weather as it moves into the county.
The Fire/EMS Department responds to fires along with the other volunteer fire departments in the county, assisting with water support, lighting, and firefighter rehab. This department also works closely with the Howard County Coroner’s Office. The Fire Department has two Tankers, a Pumper, Light & Air Truck, Fire Rehab, and Ambulance.
The Communications Department maintains the radios while EMA personnel are out on special events and provides emergency radio communications during disasters. The Department also supports the Mobile Command Center during emergencies and large events.
Those interested in making a difference can simply call the EMA office at 765-456-2242 or email hcema@howardcountyin.gov to schedule an appointment to apply.
Kokomo Beach getting more security cameras
The Kokomo Board of Works and Public Safety entered into a contract for installation additional security cameras at the Kokomo Beach water park at its meeting on March 23.
The cameras will be installed to provide additional surveillance after operating hours and during the off-season, according to a memo submitted by Kokomo Parks Superintendent Torrey Roe. The cost of the new cameras is $16,003.17.
Bids accepted on Cloverleaf Trail park
The Kokomo Board of Public Works and Safety accepted bids for a project to upgrade and outfit a micro-park along the Cloverleaf Trail at Jefferson and Lindsay streets. A single bid was submitted and opened at the March 23 meeting. It came from Play Pros of Kokomo at a price of $99,698. The board took the bid under advisement.
KPD officer involved in accident
On March 11, 2022, an accident involving a Kokomo Police vehicle took place at Ind. 931 and Markland Avenue. A report on the accident was filed on March 17 by the Indiana State Police.
According to the report, the police vehicle, operated by Officer Samantha Raber, was traveling south on Ind. 931, making a left turn onto eastbound Markland Avenue. The officer was running red and blue emergency lights, but no siren, as she entered the intersection and was struck while crossing the northbound lanes of Ind. 931 by a vehicle driven by Charles W. Thompson of Kokomo.
Thompson’s vehicle had the green light at the time of the accident.
Officer Raber stated she was responding to a call for service at Sam’s Club. She thought she had cleared the intersection, and was running with lights and sirens active, but remembered nothing after being struck. Thompson stated that he attempted to stop before striking the officer’s vehicle, but could not.
Witnesses stated and provided video evidence to support that Officer Raber did have emergency lights on, but did not have her siren active.
The reporting officer determined that the lack of a siren being employed contributed to the collision