Russiaville man arrested on molest, incest charges
Also, city loan puts Amazing Thai on map; IU Kokomo profs to discuss AI
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On April 21, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Russiaville Police Department received a report concerning a suspect allegedly involved in criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Officers responded swiftly, and with the assistance of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Benjamin Newlon, age 37, on three counts of Child Molestation (Level 1 Felony) and three counts of Incest (Level 4 Felony). The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The Russiaville Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. In coordination with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office, this case will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Russiaville Police Department strongly encourages all parents and guardians to engage in open and ongoing conversations with their children about personal safety. It is essential that children understand appropriate boundaries, are able to recognize concerning behavior, and feel empowered to report any interaction that makes them uncomfortable. Fostering a safe, supportive environment at home is critical to prevention and early intervention.
Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses and as appropriate to protect the integrity of the case. Anyone with any information on this case should contact Marshal Joshua Fulkerson at 765-883-4545 or by submitting a tip using the Howard County Sheriff’s Office app.
The Russiaville Police Department emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
City loan puts Amazing Thai on map
A new dining destination has arrived on the south side of Kokomo. Amazing Thai, the creation of local entrepreneur Patamanun “Ja” Redfern, officially opened its doors on Saturday, May 3, at 3015 S. Lafountain St., next to Pizza King. The location previously housed Gordo’s Taco Shop, Poulard’s Cajun Cuisine, and Lucky Lemon Bakery.
Redfern brings years of culinary expertise to her new venture, having worked at Jay’s Authentic Thai—Kokomo’s only other Thai restaurant—for much of her career. Drawing from her extensive experience, Redfern aims to elevate the city’s Thai dining scene with a menu that blends authenticity, innovation, and accessibility.
“I could not have done this without the help of the city loan,” said Redfern, referencing financial support from the City of Kokomo’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). “I am looking forward to offering fresh, authentic Thai food.”
The restaurant was launched with assistance from the City of Kokomo’s Revolving Loan Fund, a program designed to support small business growth and stimulate local economic development.
“Amazing Thai showcases how Kokomo’s Revolving Loan Fund can empower experienced local entrepreneurs to bring fresh, dynamic businesses to our city,” said Mayor Tyler Moore. “We’re excited to support Ja Redfern and look forward to seeing the community embrace her vision.”
For details on the Revolving Loan Fund, visit www.cityofkokomo.org.
IU Kokomo profs to discuss AI
Join Indiana University Kokomo experts to discuss how to use and understand AI tools at a free community conversation from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at Bier Brewery, 1618 S. 10th St., Noblesville. Registration is requested here.
From the Taproom to the Tech Boom: What AI Means for Hoosiers will be led by Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences and professor of physics, and Paul Cook, professor of English. The program will explore the rapid rise of AI, from how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT work, to what these tools mean for our everyday lives, workplaces, and communities. Cook and Motl will discuss the science and engineering behind AI, as well as the many complex cultural questions it raises about ethics, education, commerce, faith, freedom, and the future.
Cook called AI a game-changer, and said people are still figuring it out.
“There is no bigger story in the world right now than AI,” he said. “It touches everything: education, culture, politics, technology, society, governance, business, healthcare, commerce, and more. We are in the earliest stages of an AI revolution that will move faster and cut more deeply than even the digital revolution.”
He said as an institution of higher education, IU Kokomo has an intellectual and ethical obligation to prepare students for it, as well as a responsibility to community members as good stewards of the region.
The varying points of view of experts from technology, science, business, and humanities will all contribute to the discussion.
“Humanities scholars in language, literacy, communication, and rhetoric are busy figuring out how this is going to change how we use language, learn, live, and love,” he said. “Folks in the sciences and technology fields are critical partners because they can help us understand how these technologies work. Those like me are there to guide how we should use them and track their social and cultural impacts.”
Motl, on the science side, will talk about what AI is capable of, its impacts, and what it may grow into in the future.
“It is probable that generative AI will transform most aspects of how we work, learn, live, and grow,” he said. “Facing these changes from an informed position will help us make better decisions.”
Whether you’re a business owner, educator, parent, or simply AI-curious, this event will offer practical insights and thoughtful conversations.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.