This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. We’re just a day away from Market Day! What are you shopping for this weekend?
Head downtown to the intersection of Washington and Mulberry streets from 9 a.m. until noon on Sat., July 11, to take advantage of a huge selection of handmade gifts, fresh produce, meats, and baked goods! Shopping at the Market is affordable, fun, and supports your community. Oh, and we’ll have the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Bookmobile!
It’s going to be a great day, so we’ll see you at the Market!
After more than 14 years of serving the residents of Center Township, including the past three and a half years as Center Township Trustee, Andrew Durham has announced that he will resign from office, effective 12:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, as he accepts a new professional opportunity.
Durham also announced that he will not seek reelection, bringing to a close 14 years of public service with Center Township. He made a statement with the announcement, expressing his appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.
“Although this decision was not an easy one, I believe it is the right decision for my family and for this next chapter of my career,” Durham said. “Over the past 14 years, Center Township has been much more than a place where I worked. It has been where I grew personally and professionally, where I met my wife, got married, became a father to two incredible boys, and had the privilege of serving a community that has meant so much to me.
“This is truly a bittersweet moment. Serving the residents of Center Township has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me. I want to sincerely thank our incredible township staff, the Township Board, community partners, volunteers, and everyone who has supported our work over the years.”
Durham made a point to honor former Center Township Trustees Jean Lushin and Rev. Dr. Robert A. Lee for their guidance and investment in him as he grew into the trustee’s role.
“I am especially grateful to former Trustee Jean Lushin for believing in a young college graduate and giving me my first opportunity in public service, and to the late Rev. Dr. Robert A. Lee for his mentorship, friendship, and unwavering belief in me,” said Durham. Their influence helped shape both my career and the person I am today.
“I also want to thank the many local elected officials, department heads, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and friends who have encouraged me, challenged me, and worked alongside me throughout the years. Public service is never accomplished alone, and I have been fortunate to work with so many people who genuinely care about making Howard County a better place.”
Durham said he will spend his remaining weeks in office ensuring a smooth transition within the township office as a new trustee steps into the role. The Howard County Democratic Party has 30 days from Durham’s resignation to convene a caucus of its relevant precinct committee chairs and appoint a new trustee. That appointee will have the opportunity to run for the office and appear on the general election ballot in November.
“One of my goals has always been to leave Center Township stronger than I found it, and I believe our staff, our financial foundation, and our community partnerships have positioned the township for continued success,” said Durham. “I will gladly make myself available during the transition to share my knowledge and help ensure a seamless handoff. I also hope to be a resource to the individual selected through the caucus process, as well as the Trustee elected this fall, should they ever need advice or historical perspective.”
Durham said that he has complete confidence in the Center Township staff and is certain they will continue providing expected services to the community throughout this transition. He also expressed gratitude to the many residents who have relied on the trustee’s office over the years.
“To every resident who came through our doors during one of life’s most difficult moments, thank you for trusting us,” said Durham. “It has been a privilege to walk alongside you, and I hope that, in some small way, we were able to make your journey a little easier.
“Center Township will always be home. While my role is changing, my commitment to this community will not. Thank you for allowing me to serve. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.”