Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
Good morning, Kokomo.
🎭 Culture
Downtown Kokomo's iconic Koko-Mantis sculpture has been transformed into an Easter Bunny look with large bunny ears, a bunny nose and a giant carrot—sponsored by Community First Investment Group.
Residents have praised the surprise change that brings extra spring cheer to the downtown area.
Anne Shaw of the Howard County Historical Society and Kokomo Lantern publisher Pat Munsey discussed six inductees for the Hall of Legends Class of 2025—Eddie Bethea, Richard Blacklidge, Jonathan Russell, Sally Tuttle, Dr. Mary E.
Wilson, and R. L. Young—in a session this week. Tickets are available for the ceremony at Hingst Hall on the Ivy Tech Kokomo campus with a $60 price tag.
🎓 Education
Ivy Tech Kokomo raised $60,600 during its annual Ivy Tech Day event—exceeding the $45,000 goal—and local donors, community leaders, and college staff helped collect the funds.
The donations will support student success projects, including scholarships and emergency support, for students in the surrounding counties.
🏛️ Government
On Wednesday, Rep. Rudy Yakym released a statement after the Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee Hearing and said his bill H.R.
2284 would lower the cap on TANF administrative expenses from 15% to 10% to let more funds reach families. He noted that his recent meeting with the Indiana Diaper Bank— which distributed over 7 million diapers last year using TANF funding—illustrated how efficient operations can make a difference.
Governor Mike Braun signed two executive orders earlier this week to help former inmates secure jobs and housing and to improve working conditions for correctional officers.
The orders direct the Indiana Department of Correction to create and monitor a plan using feedback, training, and benchmarks — steps meant to reduce reoffending and staff turnover— as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety.
📰 Lifestyle
Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery at 4051 S.
Lafountain St. will host its first Cars and Coffee event of 2025 from 8:30—11 a.m. on Sunday, and the series will continue on May 18, June 22, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21.
🎉 Kokomo Events
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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.
Kokomo Collectible Show
6 AM – 12 PM — Kokomo Shriner's Club — Free entry — Explore a variety of collectibles and join a free learn-to-play event for kids.
🏠 Kokomo Real Estate
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💼 Kokomo Job Board
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📣 Kokomo Announcements
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