Also, Howard County Stand Down, Nov. 5; Frozen Sandlot returns for ninth season; KUO holds Black and White Gala
This article is brought to you by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union. The holidays have a way of arriving faster than your budget expects. Before the shopping, travel, gatherings, and gift lists begin, now is a great time to give your finances a quick checkup.
Take a few minutes to set a realistic holiday spending budget. Start setting aside money for gifts and travel. Review upcoming expenses before they hit, and check your subscriptions and recurring charges. Make a plan that lets you enjoy the season without losing sight of your financial goals!
Looking for an easier way to save for the holidays? Solidarity’s Christmas Club account can help you get a head start on next year’s celebrations! With no minimum balance requirements, no service fees, and the option to save automatically through payroll deductions, you can set money aside at your own pace. Plus, your savings earn monthly dividends, and funds are automatically transferred to your Solidarity checking or savings account at the end of October. Learn more about our Christmas Club account and start saving for next year: https://solfcu.org/christmasclub/
A single-vehicle crash on County Road 1350 East, north of County Road 500 North, claimed the life of 20-year-old Hope Justice Jones of Kokomo during the early morning hours of October 11, 2026.
At approximately 12:29 a.m., deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a crash involving personal injury. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Honda Civic in a field adjacent to the roadway. Jones, a passenger in the vehicle, had been ejected.
Emergency medical personnel provided aid, and a medical helicopter was requested. Jones was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver, identified as Morgan Killebrew, 21, told deputies he was traveling south on County Road 1350 East when an animal entered the roadway. He reported losing control after the vehicle’s passenger-side tires left the pavement.
Preliminary reconstruction findings indicate the Honda left the west side of the roadway, traveled through a grassy ditch, and began sliding before striking a utility pole on the vehicle’s right rear passenger side. The vehicle then rotated, striking a telephone utility box and the ground before coming to rest in the field. Jones, who was reportedly seated in the rear seat, was ejected during the crash.
Killebrew cooperated with deputies and consented to chemical testing. A preliminary breath test registered 0.00. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital, where a blood sample was collected for testing.
Sergeant Christopher Cramer #34-74 responded to conduct the crash reconstruction. The investigation included documenting roadway evidence, photographing the scene, and using an unmanned aircraft to collect aerial photographs for scene mapping.
The Howard County Coroner’s Office positively identified Jones, and her family has been notified. According to the coroner’s office, the cause and manner of death remain pending investigation.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by members of the Greentown Fire Department, Converse Fire Department, Community Howard Medics, and Lutheran Air Helicopter Medics.
The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Nicholas Begley #34-110 and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Begley directly at 765-614-3410, or by submitting a tip through the Howard County Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.
Howard County Stand Down, Nov. 5
The community once again will lift up its veterans by holding and attending the Howard County Stand Down on Thu., Nov. 5. The annual event will take place at the United Auto Workers Local 685 union hall, 929 E. Hoffer St., from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The event fills the union hall with a wide variety of vendors and services, and those in attendance will be provided lunch. Services available at the Stand Down include:
- VA and state benefit assistance
- Housing and financial assistance
- Mental health screenings and referrals
- Job and education information
- Legal assistance
- Hair cuts
- Flu shots
- Food and clothing referrals
- Giveaways and door prizes
For more information about the Howard County Stand Down, email hocostanddown@gmail.com or call Angela Ciski of the Family Service Association at 765-513-8504 or Debbie Norris of United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties at 765-457-4357, ext. 1006.
Frozen Sandlot returns for ninth season
Bridges Outreach and the City of Kokomo are excited to announce that The Frozen Sandlot will be back for its ninth season. The ice-skating rink has become a staple in the community, opening each holiday season at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.
Organizers have announced that prices to attend the Frozen Sandlot will not be raised for the 2026-27 season. Tickets remain $7 per person and are good for the entire day. Ther ticket is just $5 for those who bring their own ice skates. The event opens Fri., Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and will remain in operation until Sun., Jan. 10, 2027.
Operated by Bridges Outreach, the Frozen Sandlot offers workforce development opportunities for the 25 young people who are employed by the organization, and for the younger Bridges students who participate in the internship program.
The Frozen Sandlot schedule can be viewed on the Bridges Outreach website and Facebook page. There are dates available for groups to rent out the rink or a heated suite for private events.
Travis Taflinger, Bridges Outreach’s CEO, explained that the Frozen sandlot has been the backdrop for Christmas and birthday parties, date nights, and employee appreciation evenings, small and large.
“We love hosting people from all over Indiana and beyond,” Taflinger said. “Families have the opportunity to spend time together, get outside and have some fun!”
The Frozen Sandlot has averaged more than 6,500 skaters in each of the past five seasons, and it remains in operation regardless of temperature. For particularly cold evenings, skaters and spectators enjoy that hot chocolate is offered nightly, and the skates are kept in a heated tent.
“The Frozen Sandlot is a great way for Bridges to employ current and old students and support the community,” said Taflinger. “Ice skating brings back a lot of great memories for adults in our community, and it is a great experience for their children. We love providing this family friendly service to North Central Indiana!”
For more information on planning an event please contact Taflinger via email at Travis@bridgesoutreach.com or call (765) 452-5723. For more information about The Frozen Sandlot, visit www.frozensandlot.com
KUO holds Black and White Gala
Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) invites the community to attend the Black & White Masquerade Gala on Sat., Nov. 7. Presented by Restored Life, the evening runs from 6-9 p.m. at KUO, 813 S. Union St.
The event includes a five-course meal, created by the kids participating in the UP program, along with a guest chef. Those in attendance are asked to get into the spirit of the evening while wearing masks to go with black and white attire.
Tickets are $75 each, and all proceeds go to benefit KUO. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 765-252-9954.