Issuu

financing available *oac

Sewer back ups?

Broken/damaged drain lines?

What to look for:

Slow, sluggish drains

Soggy spots on your lawn where your sewer lines are located

Reoccurring clogs a ecting

multiple drains

Foul sewer odors

Someone recommended that your drain is damaged or needs to be replaced

What causes these issues?

Drains back up because there is a problem with them. Some pipes are just old, rough and falling apart and tree roots are inﬁltrating through breaks. Other lines are smashed by the directional boring of gas, electric and ﬁber optic lines. Then there are the pipes that are installed wrong or get damaged during construction.

How can All-Pro Plumbing help?

We’ll identify the issues

Assess root inﬁltration, breaks and damage to the line

Find the option that’s best for you & your budget

What solutions are available?

Drain Maintenance program

Excavation

Point Repairs

CIPP aka TRENCHLESS SEWER LINE REPAIR!

Trenchless Sewer Repair and Point repairs are an economical and e cient alternative to traditional excavation.

The entire pipe or portions of the pipe are restored to “better than new” condition without the mess of digging up the entire landscaping or foundation. Repairs can be completed under driveways, patios, landscaping or under your homes foundation.

Nick Byrd Medicare helps Seniors Navigate

Indiana Father-Son Duo Redesigns Light Switch Plates for Function and Style

PUBLISHER KIM SENKUS kim@townepost.com (317) 501-1743

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

JOHN BOLINGER NICK BYRD MELISSA GIBSON BAILEY GOLDSTEIN

ROBERT JONES

TERRY MULLINS

NATALIE PLATT

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER

Have a story idea or suggestion for the

LOCAL RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

THE WELLINGTON AT KOKOMO

2800 S. Dixon Rd.

765-455-2828 bloomatkokomo.com

PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY OF KOKOMO

329 Rainbow Dr. 765-455-1700 primroseretirement.com

WELLBROOKE OF KOKOMO

2200 S. Dixon Rd. 765-455-4443 trilogyhs.com

FIVE STAR RESIDENTS OF NORTH WOODS

2501 Friendship Blvd. 765-454-0001 fivestarseniorliving.com

THE VILLAS AT WATERFORD PLACE

800 St. Joseph Dr. 765-450-9842 trilogyhs.com

KOKOMO PLACE

3025 W. Sycamore St. 765-456-1490 opsliving.com

SILVER BIRCH OF KOKOMO

408 S. Washington St. 765-868-7266 silverbirchliving.com

WATERFORD PLACE

HEALTH CAMPUS

800 St. Joseph Dr. 765-450-9842 trilogyhs.com

JEFFERSON MANOR

603 St. Joseph Dr. 765-868-3000 fivestarseniorliving.com

THE RESIDENCES AT WASHINGTON STREET

400 N. Washington St. 765-450-6498 pivotal-communities.com

REFLECTIONS MEMORY CARE

2800 S. Dixon Rd. 765-455-1111 capitalsenior.com

BLOOM AT KOKOMO

2800 S. Dixon Rd. 765-455-2828 bloomsseniorliving.com

BRENTWOOD GREENE SENIOR LIVING

1534 E. Dodge St. 765-457-8452 brentwoodgreene.wodagroup.com

APERION CARE KOKOMO

3518 S. Lafountain St. 765-453-4667 aperioncare.com

EMERALD HAVEN

5007 S. Webster St. 765-434-2333 emeraldhavenalh.com

GOLDEN LIVING CENTERSYCAMORE VILLAGE

2905 W. Sycamore St. 765-452-5491 goldenlivingcenters.com

KOKOMO HEALTHCARE CENTER

429 W. Lincoln Rd. 765-453-5600 communicarehealth.com

TIPTON SENIOR FACILITIES

AUTUMNWOOD VILLAGE ASSISTED LIVING

1102 S. Main St. 765-675-9800 millerseniorliving.com

TIPTON SENIOR APARTMENTS

900 E. Jefferson St. 765-408-0210 tiptonseniorapartments.com

THE WATERS OF TIPTON

300 Fairgrounds Rd. 765-675-8791 watersoftipton.com

MEDICARE 2026

NICK BYRD MEDICARE HELPS SENIORS NAVIGATE CHANGES

Writer / Nick Byrd

In 2025, Medicare recipients experienced numerous changes — most of them not for the better. For example, the Medicare Part B premium rose by $10.30 from 2024, bringing it to $185 per month.

Another major change involved capping prescription costs at $2,000 per year. This shift pressured insurance companies, prompting them to raise premiums for Prescription Drug Plans, increase deductibles in Medicare Advantage prescription plans, and adjust co-pays for tier 3 drugs. For example, in 2024, some Aetna plans charged $47 for a tier 3 drug,

but in 2025, beneficiaries paid 25% of the retail price. That means a prescription costing $1,000 rose from $47 to $250.

Many insurers also dropped popular benefits such as monthly food cards, co-pay assistance cards, and extra annual funds for vision, dental, and hearing. One popular UnitedHealthcare PPO, for example, dropped its comprehensive dental benefits, retaining only coverage for annual exams.

Looking ahead, there is optimism 2026 will bring fewer disruptions and more benefits for recipients.

A major change came when Dr. Mehmet Oz was confirmed as the new CMS director. He has publicly supported Medicare Advantage plans. On June 23, 2025, Dr. Oz joined HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a press conference with insurance executives. During the event, insurers committed to reducing prior authorization requirements, particularly for imaging, physical therapy, and outpatient surgeries.

To improve continuity of care, insurers also pledged to honor existing authorizations when patients switch plans. Additional commitments included real-time responses for prior authorizations, streamlined electronic submissions, and improved communication with patients. Most importantly, they promised that medical professionals — not administrative staff — will handle denial reviews to ensure

evidence-based decisions.

These changes are welcome news for both patients and healthcare providers. As the rehabilitation director at a local assisted living facility, I frequently must inform residents we cannot begin their rehab programs without insurance approval. Some authorizations arrive quickly, but others take two to three weeks, which is incredibly frustrating for everyone involved.

More good news: CMS recently announced a 5.06% increase in federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2026. According to Rebecca Pifer of “Healthcare Dive”, the actual increase could reach 7.2% due to risk scoring adjustments. This adds up to an additional $35 billion allocated to Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, compared to a 3.86% increase in 2025.

Signed into law in August 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government began negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to lower the prices of 10 high-cost prescription drugs. These reduced prices will take effect in 2026. Medications on the list include Eliquis, Xarelto, Januvia, Jardiance, and Farxiga — prescriptions I frequently see when reviewing clients’ medications. There is hope that these will see significant price drops.

The current administration is also negotiating for “most favored nation” drug

pricing, which could further drive down costs in 2026 and beyond. What we do know is that the Medicare out-of-pocket maximum will increase by $100 to $2,100 in 2026.

In summary, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans are expected to improve in 2026. Details of the plans will be released on Oct. 1, 2025. Beneficiaries will receive their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September. Be sure to review it and feel free to call me to discuss your Medicare options during the Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. You can reach me directly at 765-776-6309 or through Brady Insurance Group at 765450-4661.

Nick Byrd is a health insurance agent with Brady Insurance Group, specializing in Medicare and Marketplace coverage. He offers in-person and scheduled phone consultations by request and will never call you unsolicited.

“Nick has been my agent for 2 years. He explained how the plan would suit my needs. He has answered all my questions. He responds in a timely manner. Ive known him for years and know of his honesty and truthfulness.”

Nick Byrd, Medicare and Health Insurance Specialist

SWITCH-RITE SIMPLIFIES LIGHTING

INDIANA FATHER-SON DUO REDESIGNS LIGHT SWITCH PLATES FOR FUNCTION AND STYLE

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Robert Jones

If you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb or VRBO rental, you’ve likely spent several minutes figuring out the lights — which switch goes to which room or lighting source.

In homes with open floor plans, it’s not uncommon to see four or five switches to control three connecting rooms. In the past, we’d break out the masking tape and mark which switch worked for what, right?

Tom Cox and his son, Chris, have an alternative for this.

“I’ve been a home builder since 1999 and a carpenter before that, and I’ve always had an interest in mechanical things. It’s a rewarding process to put together a project with all of the trades involved,” Tom Cox said. “One of the silly little problems we’d encounter was when a customer has meticulously labeled all the switches, and one time, I was asked if there was any better method. To be quite honest, the answer was ‘no.’ Even the best labeling attempt looks a little goofy compared to this nice, new home you’ve built.”

Cox was convinced there must be a way to create a switch plate that included an identifier, and seven years ago, he started the tedious process of drawing, sketching and brainstorming.

“My son was exiting the service and getting married. He moved back to Indiana and wanted to work with me, so I thought, maybe now is the time,” Cox said. “We started with the patent attorney, then the engineering process and met with mold manufacturers. We were able to utilize

resources right here in Indiana from design, engineering, mold production, testing and adjustments.”

Switch-Rite provides light switches with a label or plastic insert flush with the plate, identifying what room or device the switch operates.

Customers have the option of choosing inserts like “Living Room” and “Office,” but also “Fireplace,” “Ceiling Fan” and “Stairs.”

They even improved the classic light switch plate to solve more problems than just the

labeling itself.

“When I would turn over a new home to the customer, I’d walk through it with a very detailed list of things, and you want to provide something that’s new and aesthetically pleasing,” Cox said. “We made these switch plates slightly deeper than what you normally find because a conventional plate is about 30/100 of an inch from meeting the wall. It used to drive me nuts. The solution to that was to caulk, but when we developed this, we also made sure we had plenty of room for our label and everything to fit properly.”

As of August 2024, the Switch-Rite product has been made available to homeowners, but they’re concentrating on new builders, hotels and rental companies too.

“Our main goal is to create awareness. I think a lot of people simply don’t realize this is available yet. It’s something that’s always intrigued me. If we turned this or moved this over a little, it would look so much nicer, so we’re just tweaking things to make it a little better,” Cox said.

Visit lightswitchlabels.com to order or for more information.

MORE OPTIONS

SENIORS CAN TAKE FREE CLASSES AT IVY TECH KOKOMO

Writer / Bailey Goldstein

Learning continues past retirement for senior scholars at Ivy Tech Community College. Indiana residents age 60 and older can attend classes tuition-free toward an associate degree or simply for the joy of education.

From business and marketing to basic welding and electrical classes, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services Tashawnda Brown-Weston has helped seniors achieve their learning goals across many disciplines.

“It just depends on that individual,” Brown-Weston

says. “Maybe it’s something that they’ve already done or something that they want to learn new.”

Students must possess a high school diploma or GED and be retired from their primary vocation to qualify for the Senior Scholars program.

Brown-Weston champions the program for its flexibility.

“One of the good things about the way our classes run—it’s only an eight-week course instead of the 16-week course. That gives them the ability to take a course and take a break if they need to,” BrownWeston says. “That is how my mother ended up getting into the program. She’ll actually earn her certificate in elderly care. Her last class ends this summer.”

Senior scholars even have the option to participate in graduation ceremonies to celebrate their academic achievements with friends and family.

For Brown-Weston’s mother, Naomi Garner, the Senior Scholars program offered an opportunity to acquire textbook knowledge in a skill set she was already using in her daily life.

“She is taking a human services pathway on elderly care. That has been a great thing,” BrownWeston says.

Senior scholars can take advantage of the college’s resources, including the Indianapolis Library, academic advising, tutoring and course placement assessment.

Brown-Weston encourages senior students to overcome the barrier of learning new technologies.

“A lot of our seniors don’t do well with technology, and technology is everywhere,” Brown-Weston says. “So, we have an office technology program. They can take those classes. They can learn how to do Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel. Just how to get on a computer and navigate with confidence.”

Students of the Office Administration and Technology program gain the tools to navigate the modern world of digital systems and software.

The Senior Scholars program is embedded in the fabric of Ivy Tech Community College, going strong for more than 20 years.

“Senior citizens still play a very big part in our community. Making sure that they are tech-savvy and keeping their minds fresh is going to help more than just us as Ivy Tech,” Brown-Weston says. “It helps the senior. It helps their family members. They say knowledge is power. So, the more knowledge they have, I believe that it will keep them in a better place.”

Brown-Weston advises senior scholars starting their academic journey this fall term to utilize services like free tutoring for writing papers and brushing up on math, English, and basic computer skills.

“Just be ready to learn. We welcome with open arms like we do all of our students here,” Brown-Weston says. “We take pride in making sure that our students are successful.”

The Senior Scholars program covers tuition for credit courses only, and students are required to purchase their own textbooks.

The fall semester begins Aug. 25. Interested seniors should submit an application to Ivy Tech Community College, submit test scores or prior transcripts for course placement evaluation, and meet with an enrollment specialist or academic advisor. The enrollment center aids folks in completing the new student checklist before their first term.

Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is located at 1815 E. Morgan St. in Kokomo. Prospective students can call the Kokomo Enrollment Center at 765-459-0561 or visit ivytech. edu for more information.

Tashawnda Brown-Weston

AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1. Made cat sound 5. Pounce

7. Sad poem

8. Arm or leg

9. Pleasant

10. Ancient remnant 11. Anomaly 13. Owl’s cry 14. Brutal 18. Unassuming 21. Spur

Complied with

Become informed

Very short skirt

DOWN

1. Bed headrests

2. Jewish scholar

3. Denounce

4. Recover (goods)

5. Hanged unlawfully

6. Mooring weights

12. Price ticket

15. Rescue by helicopter

16. Confounding

17. Enlarges

19. Globe

20. Walking infant

22. Beginning 23. Throw out

26. Tablet 27. Light push

28. Male red deer 29. Rudder handle

WORD SEARCH

Aging Antiques Baby Boomer Byrd County Events Games Grace Historical Howard Issue Jack Kokomo Life Nick Pets Saws Scholars Senior Society Special Tipton Wagons Wisdom

FILL IN THE MISSING NUMBERS

The missing values are the whole numbers between 1 and 9.

Each number is only used once.

Each row is a math equation.

Each column is a math equation.

Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

KEEPING THE BEAT

SENIOR JAM BAND KEEPS MUSIC ALIVE IN KOKOMO

Many musicians never walk away from their craft. They love the sound, the instruments, the people, and the atmosphere that come from making music throughout their lives.

They call themselves the Senior Jam Band and meet on the first and third Monday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. at the old fire station across from Taylor High School.

“There are some original members, including Tim Jones and Dale Hoover, and a few regulars: myself, Dave Nave, Ralph Wyant, and Don Tapscott. Then, there are others that jump in from time to time and come and go,” said David Sprong.

They’ve lost a few beloved band members over the years too. It comes with the territory when jamming with retirees.

“It’s a jam session and open to the public. Come when you want to and leave when you want. There’s no admission. We’ll have coffee, soft drinks, and some finger foods,” Sprong said. “If you want to sing, put your name on the list, and when we call you, we’ll play whatever you want to sing. We also have a 50/50 raffle if you want to do that.”

When the Senior Jam Band performs their favorites, you can expect to hear some gospel music, rock ‘n’ roll, and country tunes from the likes of Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and others.

They’re good too.

The lead guitarist has been playing since he was 8 years old, and Sprong said he can sing just like Willie Nelson.

For more than two decades, a few local musicians in Kokomo have gotten together to play a variety of tunes for the community, and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

“I can’t count the number of people that have played with us that aren’t here anymore,” Sprong said. “We just lost our keyboard player in May, and we really miss him.”

Janie, Sprong’s wife, sings as do several other wives, and even people in the audience get involved.

So good, in fact, the band is often hired to perform at community events: anniversaries, class reunions, VFW events, and more.

Sprong said the band has created a favorite hangout spot for fellow seniors who want to have a good time.

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / John Bolinger

On a low attendance evening, there are 50 people, and often, there are just under 100.

“The majority of them know one another. They’ve been there more than once and they’re regulars. Some are coming in as far away as Frankfort and Tipton,” Sprong said.

For Sprong, he’s been playing since 2002 and loves everything about the experience.

“I like the music. I love to play with the guys, and I love getting together with all the people. This is our community, our friends. We get a lot of positive feedback. If we don’t host it one evening, we get a lot

of calls about when the next one will be,” Sprong said. “If there are five Mondays in the month, we’ll often throw in an extra jam session just because the people want it.”

Goodwill donations are accepted at the bimonthly event.

CURATED CLASSICS

NEW KOKOMO ANTIQUE MALL BLENDS VINTAGE CHARM WITH MODERN VISION

Come and explore the different eras of furniture, fashion, decor, collectibles and more at the Kokomo Antique Mall, a space dedicated to everything antique, artisan and unique. Located in a stunning 114-year-old building in the heart of Kokomo’s historic downtown district, the mall is filled with character and special finds throughout.

For a long time, antique malls and stores have somewhat ignored technology and the newer generations of what is now considered vintage.

Kokomo Antique Mall welcomes all of that into their store — they encourage the younger generations who are becoming interested in antique glass and furniture to also discover “newer” vintage pieces from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Anyone who likes to give a new life to older and previously loved items is welcome at the mall — as well as those who create and imagine new possibilities with unique visions.

The items you’ll find at the Kokomo Antique Mall not only belong to owner Amber Jordan and her husband, Todd, but to more than 70 vendors who source their pieces in various ways. For many serious

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photographer / John Bolinger

antique lovers, it’s the thrill of the hunt and the possibility of unique and rare finds that make the antique industry truly exciting.

“We are not necessarily your grandma’s antique mall. For us, an antique mall is a concept,” Amber Jordan says. “It is a place that holds many eras of history … from the last 25 years to more than 100 years. We want to encompass every time period.”

Jordan and her husband both grew up in Kokomo and decided to stay where they were raised to grow their only family. The couple have always admired the downtown area and love the historic buildings that come with it.

“There have been so many improvements to the city, even just since I was a kid,” she says. “Downtown has always had a special feel to it. The beauty of the historic buildings is just something we can’t get over. So many things have happened in these buildings … they have housed so many great family businesses and organizations, just like ours.”

Kokomo Antique Mall is the second business the couple have brought to the downtown area — they also own Kokomo Toys, a vintage toy store. With the success of the store, the husband and wife team left their prior careers at GM to create something new out of another passion they’ve always had — antiquing and thrifting. The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association is also making it easier than ever for businesses and residents to play an active role in shaping the future of downtown

Kokomo. Through a new community engagement platform, residents can share ideas, recognize positive contributions and help keep downtown vibrant and welcoming.

“We all truly want to make some place great where people can come in and enjoy all the finds in the shop,” she says. “It is so fulfilling when you get to see some joy on people’s faces as they find something special to them that they will place in their home and maybe one day pass down to their family.”

Kokomo Antique Mall balances thoughtful curation with nostalgic charm. Whether you’re digging for a vintage find, adding character to your home or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll through Kokomo’s historic district, this new addition adds a charming stop in downtown Kokomo.

“My family is truly grateful for what we have been able to create in the community. We try to give back where we can, with a small food pantry outside of our toy store as well as always having donations for the We Care telethon and whatever we can to donate to other local organizations that help those in need in the community,” Jordan says. “We have been successful in our endeavors and we will always choose to help Kokomo whenever and however we are able.”

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the mall invites casual drop-ins as well as devoted antique hunters. You can call 765-450-6731 or visit kokomoantiquemall. com for more information.

Kokomo Antique Mall

7,000 SQ. FT. OF ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, ARTISAN & MORE! Located at 121 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901 / Open Tuesday-Sunday llam-6pm

RAMPS TO FREEDOM

BRINGING MOBILITY AND DIGNITY TO HOWARD COUNTY RESIDENTS

Writer / Terry Mullins

What does freedom mean when you cannot even step outside your front door?

For many in Howard County, who face mobility challenges, stepping outside is not a simple act — it’s a dream. That’s where SAWS comes in. Short for Servants at Work, SAWS is a faith-based nonprofit with a powerful mission: to provide free wheelchair ramps to low-income individuals with disabilities across Indiana. But the heart of this effort in Howard County beats in the hands of a man who knows firsthand what it means to lose — and to regain — mobility.

Bob Hill of Kokomo didn’t intend to become a community organizer or a local hero. He just saw a need and stepped in to help. Years ago, some members of his church needed ramps, so Bob did what he always does — he helped. That spirit of neighborly compassion soon led him to SAWS through a friend already involved with the organization. What began as helping out here and

there became a deeper commitment, especially after a life-changing accident in 2019 left Bob in a wheelchair himself.

“I had a fall that paralyzed me,” Bob shares candidly. “I can’t build ramps anymore, but I can still design them, meet with families, and organize the teams. That’s how I serve now.”

And serve he does.

SAWS began more than 20 years ago when Rik Hagarty, a Carmel man, helped someone in his church who couldn’t leave their home without assistance. That single act of kindness grew into a statewide mission. Today, SAWS operates in 73 Indiana counties, with a goal of building 650 ramps in 2025 — 100 more than last year.

Howard County is no exception.

In his role coordinating SAWS’ work locally, Bob ensures that ramps go to the people who need them most: lower-income individuals without the financial resources or insurance to afford home modifications. The process begins when someone applies for a ramp on the SAWS website, sawsramps.org. Once approved, Bob visits the home, assesses the site, and starts working with local

churches or businesses to rally volunteers.

“We do ADA-compliant ramps,” Bob explains. “That means if someone’s porch is 20 inches off the ground, we build a 20-foot ramp. But we also have to work with the yard space we have — sometimes we have to get creative.”

Creativity, in this case, is paired with compassion. Bob recalls a recent project in Tipton that left a lasting impression.

“We built a ramp for a woman who hadn’t been out of her home in months — unless the fire department carried her out for doctor visits. When she rolled down her new ramp for the first time, she just cried. That’s why we do this.”

One Message Every Home Eternal Impact

Thank you, Bob H ill, for your ser vice to Cross America we’re grateful for volunteers who help carr y out the mission!

Come see what we’re all about Grab coffee, browse the bookstore, or volunteer with us there’s a place for you here!

Each ramp is built in a single day, usually between five to eight hours, depending on the size and the skill of the volunteers. Bob coordinates those teams, often reaching out to the applicant’s own church first, or to businesses who’ve stepped up to help over the years. He emphasizes that the SAWS model is 100% volunteer driven. The materials are provided by SAWS headquarters, funded through donations, church support, grants from local community foundations, and sometimes a small contribution from the homeowner.

“I don’t get paid. I don’t want to,” Bob says. “This isn’t about me. It’s about giving people back their freedom.”

Freedom, it turns out, often arrives one plank at a time.

The ramps don’t just restore access to the outside world. For many recipients, they are the final step before being discharged from rehab or returning home after surgery. In some cases, families are stuck in limbo, waiting to be reunited simply because there’s no safe way back into their home.

That’s the kind of life-altering impact Bob and the SAWS volunteers deliver week after week.

And he isn’t alone. Bob credits the efforts of churches, local

businesses and community partners throughout Howard and Tipton counties for stepping up when he calls. From fundraising efforts to hands-on builds, the work is powered by collaboration.

Yet Bob remains humble. When asked how many ramps he’s overseen, he refuses to share a number. “I don’t want it to be about me,” he says. “It’s not a pat on the back. It’s the Lord’s work.”

Still, the scope is significant — roughly 20 ramps per year in Howard County alone. Each one tells a story of compassion, resilience and hope.

“People want to help,” Bob insists. “They just need to know how.”

Because sometimes, the path to independence begins not with a door — but with a ramp.

If your Church or business in Howard County would like to help support this mission or you know of someone in need of a ramp, reach out to Bob at bobhill22@comcast.com.

If you’d like to volunteer or donate, visit sawsramps.org. The website offers options to sign up, contribute financially or refer someone in need. You can also follow their efforts on Facebook to see recent builds and success stories.

For a complete calendar of Kokomo events, go to visitkokomo.org.

KOKOMO AREA EVENTS

AUGUST

FIRST FRIDAY

AROUND

AUGUST

Downtown Kokomo

5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Get Schooled! Show your school spirit while learning something new about art, Kokomo, and other cool subjects.

14-15

WINDING CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL

9912 County Rd. West 100 S

Russiaville

KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

6 p.m.

Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park Old Ben Bash featuring Andy Frasco & The U.N.

SEPTEMBER

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK.

Stroll through Kokomo’s vibrant art scene and solve an artistic mystery along the way.

13 RELAY FOR LIFE

10 a.m.

Foster Park

14-21

ALL VETERANS REUNION

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization’s Healing Field on State Road 26

KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

5 p.m.

Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park

End of Summer Banger featuring Everclear, Local H, and Sponge.

TIPTON EVENTS AUGUST

1

FIRST FRIDAY

Downtown Tipton

4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Cruise-In with Music and Food Trucks with Jackwagons Car Club. Extended shopping hours, Local shops and cafes will be open for a unique shopping experience.

7-10

51ST ANNUAL MIDAMERICA THRESHING & ANTIQUE SHOW

Tipton County Fairgrounds

ENCORE’S 50+ LIFESTYLE EXPO

3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tipton County Fairgrounds

Discover the latest trends and innovations in wellness, home living, and engaging activities in Tipton and surrounding areas. 35+ vendors, giveaways, door prizes, and food trucks.

HORTON’S HOME & GARDEN AUTUMN MARKET

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

112 S. Main St. 765-675-2013

URBAN HOMESTEAD’S SIXTH BIRTHDAY BASH

Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

114 E. Jefferson St.

SEPTEMBER

As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and knowledge to help you through some of the hardest times you will face – the

4-6

been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and help you through some of the hardest times will face

Young-Nichols

TIPTON COUNTY PORK FESTIVAL

120 S. Main St.

the loss of a loved one.

Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.

27-28

HIPPIE FEST

Tipton County Fairgrounds View

Young-Nichols Funeral Home Serving Tipton County Since 1852

SEPTEMBER 16TH | 3PM-7PM

Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and knowledge to help you through some of the hardest times you will face – the loss of a loved one.

face

the loss of a loved one.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.

TIPTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

• 35+ Vendors

• Giveaways • Door Prizes

Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.

Food Truck

Discover the latest trends and innovations in wellness, home living, and engaging activities in Tipton and surrounding areas!

F. Nichols

B. Nichols

Phillip E. Nichols Robert F. Nichols Philip V. Nichols Robert L. Nichols Philip B. Nichols

Phillip E. Nichols Robert F. Nichols Philip V. Nichols

Robert L. Nichols Philip B. Nichols

Phillip E. Nichols

Robert F. Nichols

Philip V. Nichols

Robert L. Nichols Philip B. Nichols

Robert F. Nichols Philip V. Nichols Robert L. Nichols

Philip B. Nichols

JACKWAGONS ROLL IN

TIPTON CAR CLUB BUILDS COMMUNITY THROUGH CHROME, CRUISING AND CONNECTION

Writer / Terry Mullins

Drive through downtown Tipton on the first Friday of almost any month, and you’ll feel it before you see it—the low rumble of engines, the glint of chrome in the sun, and a sense that something a little nostalgic, a little rebellious and entirely authentic is happening.

That “something” is the Jackwagons Car Club.

At first glance, they might look like a typical bunch of car guys and gals gathered around muscle cars, rat rods and vintage cruisers. But talk to Brian Roberts, one of the group’s co-founders, and you’ll quickly discover the Jackwagons are much more than a car club—they’re a living, rolling expression of community spirit.

“We’re not here for trophies,” Roberts says with a grin. “We’re here to have fun, support Tipton and bring people together. And if you’ve got a car—or even if you don’t— you’re welcome.”

The club has grown fast. What started

as a small band of local car lovers has now evolved into a statewide network, with members joining from across Indiana. Their Facebook page boasts over 1,000 followers, and their monthly cruise-ins during Tipton’s First Friday events regularly draw 85 or more cars. It’s become a fixture for locals, a magnet for visitors and an undeniable engine of downtown energy.

The name “Jackwagons” itself is a nod to Roberts’ days playing slow-pitch softball and cracking jokes about those over-the-top “jackwagon” commercials of the early 2000s. “It was always a little tongue-in-cheek,” he explains, “but then it stuck. So, we embraced it.”

But don’t let the name fool you—the club has heart.

“We’ve got people in our group who don’t even own a car,” Roberts says. “They just like being around the atmosphere. They come to our breakfast, sit under tents at shows and enjoy the friendships. It’s about fellowship, not perfection.”

Instead, there are Hot Wheels giveaways at Christmastime, scholarships for trade school students and donations to local causes like the Humane Society and veterans groups. This summer, the Jackwagons even commissioned a handmade metal park bench honoring veterans—crafted from scratch by Med Creek Welding—and donated it to a local site.

“Kids need good leadership today,” Roberts says, pausing. “They need someone who shows up. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

The club’s reach extends beyond Tipton. On weekends, it’s not unusual for caravans of classic cars to head out to events in Fairmount, Plymouth, Roanoke or even Madison. Routes are posted on Facebook, and members join in wherever they can— sometimes hopping in mid-route to cruise alongside the group.

“It’s kind of like a throwback,” Roberts adds. “Old-school community, just done with a little more horsepower.”

Roberts runs the club alongside Heath Moreland, a well-known name in Tipton whose roots run deep in the community. Together, they’ve built more than a club— they’ve built a movement. One that’s inspired older residents to dust off their rides and younger generations to dream of metal flakes and pinstripes.

“We’ve had some of the older guys—70s, 80s—who used to cruise downtown back in the day,” Roberts says, smiling. “They told us, ‘I thought we’d never see this again.’ But now they’re parking on the square, just like old times.”

Their vision is simple but powerful: build something joyful, inclusive and lasting.

And judging by the growing turnouts and community engagement, they’re well on their way.

As Roberts puts it, “We just want to have a blast—and remind people what it feels like to slow down, connect and be part of something real.”

Want to join in or just see what the buzz is about? Follow the Jackwagons Car Club on Facebook, or better yet—take a trip to Tipton on the next First Friday. The engines will be revving, the laughs will be flowing and the Jackwagons will be there—doing what they do best.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts at jackwagonscarclub@yahoo.com or call 765-860-9944.