News Round-Up Feb. 7-11

Commissioners, Board of Works, Ivy Tech making things happen

Heckert is county employee of the month

The Howard County Commissioners recognized Gabrielle Heckert, chief deputy of the Howard County Clerk’s office, as the county’s employee of the month at their Feb. 7 meeting.

Since taking the chief deputy mantle, Heckert has had to learn the duties of position as well as the duties of a second position that has been left vacant. The commissioners recognized her for her work on settling the county budget and handling grant funds tracked by the auditor’s office.

Heckert’s immediate supervisor, Howard County Auditor Jessica Secrease, gave a glowing endorsement of her second in command.

Gabrielle has shown ongoing initiative, leadership, and dedication in her role as chief deputy,” said Secrease in her nomination letter. “She is always willing to assist others while still meeting critical deadlines with the county and state. Furthermore, her patience, professionalism and helpfulness shine through her daily work.”

BOW hires two firefighters

The Kokomo Board of Works and Public Safety on Feb. 9 approved a request from Kokomo Fire Chief Chris Frazier to hire two new firefighters. Cadet firefighters Andrew Dulmes and Anthony Clayton will become official members of the department on Feb. 20.

BOW says yes to demo, reconstruction

Contracts to demolish a pair of dilapidated properties were awarded by the Board of Works on Feb. 9. Alliance Excavating was awarded the contract to demolish the property at 436 S. Indiana St. at a cost of $14,000. Yardberry Landscaping and Excavation was awarded the contract to demolish the property at 321 S. Courtland Ave. at a cost of $14,000.

The Board of Works accepted specifications for reconstruction of Center Road from Centerline Road to Dixon Road. The work will be advertised, and bids will be accepted until March 2 at 10 a.m.

A retaining wall in front of City Hall is in need of repair. The Board of Works agreed to hire Dan Haines Construction to perform limestone capping of the wall at a cost of $42,515.

‘Tuesday @ the Tech’ in Kokomo

Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo Campus is the site for the next “Tuesday @ the Tech” event Tuesday, Feb. 15. The event, set for 6 to 8 p.m., will offer a chance to tour the new campus at 1815 E. Morgan St.

“Tuesdays @ the Tech” are designed for prospective students, and their families, as time to learn about higher education opportunities offered by Ivy Tech. The Feb. 15 event will include tours of the campus and a chance to meet faculty members. Participants will learn about spring semester classes that begin March 23 in formats including online, virtual and face-to-face. They will also learn how they can benefit from the “stackable” credentials Ivy Tech offers that allow students to move through certificate programs, technical certificates and associate degrees, depending on their interest.

Also on the agenda is a review of the many sources of funding to help cover tuition and the free textbooks available during the spring semester.

For more information about how to register, go to ivytech.edu/kokomo or email Kokomo-enrollment@ivytech.edu . Walk-ins are welcome. The program will begin at 6 p.m. in Hingst Hall in Ivy Tech Kokomo’s new Health Professions Center.

Ivy Tech accepting nominations for Distinguished Alumni Award

Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 21 for Ivy Tech Community College’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. In celebration of the accomplishments of Ivy Tech graduates, the Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to recognize alumni from campuses across the state.

“We have so much to celebrate in Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area and topping the list are the many accomplishments of our alumni,” said Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of Resource Development for the Ivy Tech area that serves Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski and Tipton counties. “A prime example is our 2021 award winner, Jennifer Hindman, a 1997 graduate of Ivy Tech Kokomo’s EMT program who now serves as vice president, chief operating officer and interim hospital administrator of Community Howard Regional Health.”

The prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented each year to individuals who have made a positive contribution in their communities or to Ivy Tech. Established in 1998, this award is given to graduates of Ivy Tech in celebration of their professional, or personal achievements since completing their Ivy Tech education.

Nominations can be submitted online at https://giving.ivytech.edu/distinguished-alumni-award/nominate-a-distinguished-alumni/ .

“Ivy Tech’s success as a college is based on the success of our graduates,” Karickhoff said. “We encourage members of the community to nominate friends, family members, co-workers who have graduated from Ivy Tech and whose accomplishments and contributions merit this recognition.

For more information, check the nomination site above or contact Karickhoff at kkarickhoff@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5501.

Commissioners OK new sign, flooring

Bill Stonestreet of the Howard County Highway Department brought two requests to the Howard County Commissioners. As a result, the Emergency Management office on South Berkley Road will receive a new display sign at a cost of $8,341.04.

In addition, the Howard County Criminal Justice Center will have two sections of flooring replaced at a cost of $5,341.

While Stonestreet suggested that the funding could be taken from the highway department’s cumulative capital fund, the commissioners indicated that they will explore the possibility of using ARPA grant funding instead.