Good morning, Kokomo.

Multiple fireworks events are planned in Kokomo and nearby towns this summer for Fourth of July and local celebrations.

In Kokomo, Mercy Church will host a free show on July 3rd from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (with free treats available) and the Haynes Apperson Festival will feature fireworks after its concert on July 5th at Foster Park.

Fire Forged Pizzeria has opened in Kokomo using a mobile wood-fired oven to serve artisan pizzas at Fuel Church Parking Lot on Fridays and Sundays from 1 PM to 7 PM — plans for a full-sized food truck and permanent storefront are in the works.

Officials with Indianapolis Animal Care Services said a Kokomo woman—Krystal Cherika Scott, 24—on probation for an animal crushing case in 2021 was cited for 12 violations of animal care laws from an incident on June 24.

Attorney General Todd Rokita warned Hoosiers about scam texts and emails falsely claiming a final notice from the BMV—fraudsters threaten to suspend registrations, driving privileges, and more by June 26, prompting citizens to block links and report suspicious messages.

Kokomo police are asking for help in locating 75-year-old Thomas Pacheco who went missing Wednesday morning after he was last seen Tuesday, June 24 by his wife.

Duke Energy offers energy-saving tips as Indiana faces high temperatures this week — advising residents to adjust thermostats, use cooler water for laundry, and run appliances during cooler morning hours.

The company also provides programs for free home energy assessments and rebates to help families lower their bills.

Kokomo is named as one of the economic bellwether towns in a MarketBeat survey that asked 3,021 business leaders where change happens first.

The survey shows that local shifts in hiring, consumer behavior, and supply chains here may signal larger economic trends for the state—acting as early warning signs for future shifts—prompting closer attention to local conditions.

Indiana University Kokomo approved tenure and promotions for 15 faculty members, recognizing their achievements and potential.

The honors include awards for educators in disciplines such as psychology, biochemistry, history, and nursing and are expected to advance the campus's commitment to academic excellence.

Kokomo-area juniors and seniors interested in an auto career can join Chariot Automotive Institute’s Automotive Technician Education Pathway starting August 20 at the Button Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram location—students spend one hour in the classroom and two hours in the lab to earn college credit toward an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from Ivy Tech Community College while local high schools guide students through the application process.

Today, the Redevelopment Commission allocated $300k to remove a hidden obstacle found beneath the Farmers Market site at Fourth and Market streets — Steinberger Construction discovered unexpected soil conditions that need urgent removal to keep construction on track.

Max Gomez & Austin Plaine Live Concert

9 PM — The Coterie — $10 Tickets — Enjoy live performances by Max Gomez and Austin Plaine at this vibrant venue.

Comic & Toy Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Markland Mall — Free entry — Celebrate pop culture with vendors offering anime, toys, and comics.