This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. Happy Saturday, everyone! It’s a great day to visit the Market! Make sure to head to the intersection of Mulberry and Washington streets today, May 16, from 9 a.m. until noon for the next farmers market! Check out dozens of booths from local vendors, selling plants and produce, meats and treats, crafts and cookies, and so much more!

The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is open each Saturday through mid-October. SNAP benefits are accepted, and kids can learn and play as part of its Little Sprouts program, teaching the importance of good nutrition. Can’t wait to see you at the Market!

Since 1982, Leadership Kokomo has been shaping tomorrow’s leaders by empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact in the local community. Leadership Kokomo recently celebrated the 19 individuals who completed the program in 2026 with a recognition event in Hingst Hall on Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo Campus.

“Leadership Kokomo is about more than developing skills; it is about building connections, inspiring civic engagement, and creating leaders who are willing to step forward and make a difference,” said Dr. Tammy Greene, facilitator of Leadership Kokomo. “This year’s cohort embraced that mission in meaningful ways throughout our community.”

This year’s cohort worked on several projects with positive impact on the community, including a new storage shed at Jackson Street Commons, support for the Next Up program with Kokomo Urban Outreach, and case management initiatives with United Way.

“The leadership, collaboration, and dedication demonstrated by this group will continue to make a positive impact throughout the community,” Greene continued. “We are proud of these graduates who have joined a growing network of leaders committed to strengthening Kokomo and Howard County through collaboration, innovation, and civic and non-profit engagement.”

The 19 graduates and their supporting business include:

• Alan L. Parks, Scouting America, Sagamore Council
• Angela Johnson, Community First Bank of Indiana
• Aricka Walker, United Way
• Bob Webb, Amvets Post 27
• Brittany Jameson, Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo
• Cameron Dessing, Center Township Trustee Office
• Catherine Ozminkowski, Community First Bank of Indiana
• Demian C. Harvey, Solidarity Community FCU
• Emily Hoover, Kokomo-Howard County Public Library
• Grace Russell, Bucheri McCarty & Metz LLP
• Heather Begley, Kokomo Housing Authority
• Jennifer Power, Community Howard Regional Health
• Jensen Pickett, City of Kokomo
• Karen Sandoval Villatoro, Dream Built Remodeling LLC
• Mary Applegate, Ivy Tech Community College
• Shane Nash, Office Pride
• Stephanie Herschberger, Indiana University – Kokomo
• Sydney Wilson, Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union
• Whittni S Hayes, Ascension St. Vincent

The program is facilitated through Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo in partnership with The City of Kokomo and The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance - Chamber of Commerce.

Applications for the upcoming cohort are now open. Greene said participants can expect intentional leadership training, meaningful community connections, interactive learning experiences, and opportunities to engage directly with local leaders and organizations that are shaping the future of Kokomo.

To learn more or register, visit leadershipkokomo.com or email Kokomo-leadershipkokomo@ivytech.edu