Good morning, Kokomo.

The Indiana State Fair opens Friday, Aug.

7 at the Fairgrounds and Event Center and runs through Sunday, Aug. 23 (closed Mondays). Visitors can buy parking and tickets online to beat traffic while enjoying new attractions like reimagined Gate 6, free concerts, and a scenic train ride.

Emergency Management Agency Appreciation Week—honoring local emergency managers—is held from Aug.

2 to 8 after a full-scale exercise challenged agencies’ communications. IDHS shares videos and social media stories to highlight the work that keeps the community safe.

Miami County Highway Superintendent Chad Watson welcomed a $37.8 million refund that will reimburse local governments for tax revenue lost in April and May, following Gov. Mike Braun’s suspension of the gas tax which saved drivers about 60 cents per gallon.

Indiana University Kokomo nursing and microbiology professors Christian Chauret and Angela Opsahl offered tick bite prevention tips after CDC data showed tick bites in the Midwest nearly doubled over the past year.

They explained key steps to reduce exposure and what to do if bitten.

Kokomo enters the 2026 football season with first-year coach Grant Foes and experienced players, and the Wildcats are predicted to finish 4-5.

The season kicks off Aug. 21 at Mount Vernon (Fortville) and includes matchups against teams such as Terre Haute South and Anderson.