Good morning, Kokomo.

Earlier this month at Beaver Creek Campground, the Literacy Coalition held its first Creamed Corn Chug fundraiser where five locals competed—Matt Kennedy of Kokomo won by finishing a 60 oz pitcher in less than five minutes to earn a $250 prize and a golden trophy.

The successful event has spurred plans to bring the chug back in 2026 possibly at a higher-profile setting like the Haynes-Apperson Festival.

Cass County Prosecutor Noah Schafer announced that Kayla M.

Lincoln, 30, of Logansport was sentenced to 38 years in prison for dealing a controlled substance that led to a death—Lincoln entered an open plea to a level one felony on May 22 in Cass Superior Court Two.

A Kokomo man named Derek Wheeler, 35, was attacked on Aug.

16 in western Howard County and was air-lifted to a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering a deep abdominal wound—authorities arrested 54-year-old James I. Hampton Jr on Aug. 17. The Howard County Coroner identified Michael Edward Lee Hodges, 43, from Bringhurst as the victim in a motor vehicle accident on Aug. 6—DNA tests confirmed his identity.

Kokomo police responded just after 5 a.m. Saturday to a stabbing on 600 South block of CR 750 West that left 35-year-old Derek Wheeler with a severe abdominal wound — detectives later executed a search warrant on the 300 block of Branded Boulevard and arrested resident James Hampton on an attempted murder charge.

Susan Ploughe from IU Kokomo teaches a new faith community nursing microcredential that starts Sept.

24—registration is open to up to 20 licensed nurses. The eight-week hybrid course costs $400 and helps nurses build wellness plans for their church communities—expanding IU Kokomo’s AIM program this fall.

Bud Fields discussed the importance of obtaining permission before hunting or fishing on private property—without it, trespassing occurs—in his latest Outdoors with Bud episode on the Kokomo Lantern Podcast Network.

Local high school football teams held preseason practices last week as players and coaches prepared for the season in Kokomo and nearby schools.

Coach Small at Kokomo focused on a new offense while teams at Western, Northwestern, Eastern and Taylor showed strong energy — excitement is building for football season.

Western High School hosted its annual rivalry game against Kokomo on a scorching evening before a packed crowd—fans lined the field with lawn chairs—and the Lady Panthers won 6—2 with Allison McKitrick scoring four goals including the first at 14 seconds; the boys game was postponed in the fourth minute because of weather.

During the annual doubleheader, Western beat Kokomo 6-2 in the girls match and the boys match was stopped by lightning less than five minutes in—officials said it will be postponed until a new date is set.

Kokomo Sports Card Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Kokomo Shriner's Club — Free entry — Discover a treasure trove of new and vintage sports cards and memorabilia.

TreeHouse! Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Coterie — Free cover — Experience a high-energy reggae jam rock performance filled with conscious lyrics and tropical grooves.