Good morning, Kokomo.

The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association launched an engagement program that lets local businesses and residents submit ideas and report concerns using an online form available via QR codes at downtown businesses and on their website.

Today, the Guy Kirby farm in Tipton County received the Hoosier Homestead Award—recognizing farms owned for over 100 years—and a Sesquicentennial Award for more than 150 years of continuous family ownership since 1875.

Markland Mall’s main entrance on S.R.

931 in Kokomo will close for pipe and paving work beginning Monday, March 31 — it will reopen by Monday, April 7 if weather permits — and shoppers should use other entrances.

On March 23, LFM95 LLC proposed a drive-thru convenience store for Kokomo's south side and requested a rezoning for 501 James Dr. The request will change the area from medium-density residential to small-to-medium scale general commercial and is pending review by city officials.

Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo now offers an accelerated Paramedic Science Program—students will graduate in four semesters instead of five.

Applications are accepted through May 15 for the Fall 2025 cohort, and classes will begin this fall to help meet local emergency response needs.

Gov. Mike Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1149 today—requiring the Indiana Department of Agriculture to set up an online portal for farmers to communicate with state officials and access funding—and the law also mandates an inventory of lost farmland every five years.

Howard Superior Court Judge Matt Elkin faces nine counts of alleged judicial misconduct after a state judicial commission filed on Wednesday said he repeatedly crossed ethical boundaries + the charges include allowing a defendant to live at and rent a home owned by his wife.

Kokomo eighth grader Shanna Fowler won two titles at the MIC Middle School Conference Championships on March 26, posting a 4:24.87 in the 400 SCY freestyle and a 1:12.03 in the 100 SCY breaststroke—she will work to beat her current best soon.

Birth and Baby Express

1:30-6:30 p.m. — Community Howard Regional Health — Registration not required for partners — Gain essential knowledge about labor, baby care, and hospital procedures in this informative class.

Elite Easter Buffet 2025

11 AM – 12 PM — Elite Banquet & Conference Center — Adult $25, Children 10 & Under $12 — Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of deliciousness this Easter Sunday.

Indiana USA Gymnastics Champions Banquet

10 a.m. — Bel Air Events — Tickets required — Celebrate the achievements of Indiana's gymnastics champions and graduating seniors in a night of recognition and inspiration.

2025 Kokomo Home Show

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Markland Mall — Free Admission — Discover local solutions for home and landscaping improvements this spring.