The Year in Towne Post News

Another year is in the books and the world is collectively on to 2025. We felt it was a great time to reflect on 2024, the great stories out of Kokomo, and the surrounding communities that make north-central Indiana a phenomenal place to live.

Kokomo’s Top 10 Stories for 2024:

1. Keyton Romero: The Sound of Strength

Keyton Romero, a Kokomo-based performer and motivational speaker, has overcome adversity to pursue her passion for music and inspire others. Her journey is one of resilience and dedication, with music serving as both a creative outlet and a source of healing.

2. Tenderloin-Tastic

Sure, it’s not in Kokomo per se. But who wouldn’t want to do a road trip to taste an Indiana classic? The visual novelty of it is part of the reason it’s well-known, but for The Tin Plate Fine Food & Spirits in Elwood, a happy accident helped to make their tenderloin so famous.

3. Teacher Spotlight: Hattie Johnson, Western Middle School

When Western Middle School teacher Hattie Johnson learned she had been named Best Educator for the Kokomo Tribune’s 2023 Best of Kokomo Awards, she was delighted but also stunned. Those who know the sixth-grade social studies teacher and sports coach weren’t surprised. Her ability to build connections with her students is legendary.

4. Pastors Celebrate Nine Years at Fuel Church

With locations in Kokomo and Westfield, the mission of Fuel Church is to fill people up with the grace and hope found in Jesus Christ. It is led by co-pastors Jacob and Tara Burgei, who returned home to Indiana in 2015.

“Tara and I were serving as student pastors in New Jersey when we strongly heard the call to establish a church called Fuel,” Jacob Burgei says. “I was raised in Kokomo and she is from South Bend. The concept is a different model than most. We feel the church should look like heaven; every race, tribe and tongue are welcome.”

5. The Thin Red Line: Nichole Duff

Nichole Duff has been with the Kokomo Fire Department for over two decades – 23 years to be exact. She is currently an EMT at Station 1, but has taken several fire classes and received certifications in various disciplines throughout her career. Duff is also involved in the Pink Heals Tour and Goodfellows of Kokomo, and also serves as the Muscular Dystrophy Association coordinator for the local Fill the Boot campaign – a role she has occupied for 20 years.

6. Medicare Changes on Deck

Back in July we spoke to Nick Byrd, the Medicare and health insurance specialist at Brady Insurance Group in Kokomo and the rehabilitation director at Silver Birch Assisted Living Facility. With 67 million Americans enrolled in Medicare and projections showing that number will reach 80 million by 2030, Medicare’s impact on health care services continues to grow.

7. Indiana Mr. Basketball

Flory Bidunga, a 2024 Kokomo High School graduate, was named the 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bidunga quickly excelled as a dominant center, earning Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice and scoring 1,609 career points. He continued his basketball journey at Kansas, citing the coaching staff and playing style as key reasons.

8. Women in Business Spotlight – Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union

Amy Benner’s favorite quote, by former Notre Dame football head coach Lou Holtz, may be the foundation for her success in the Kokomo community: “Do the right thing, do the best you can and always show people you care.” Benner has surely done that. As the current president and CEO of Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, she exemplifies a profound commitment to both career and community.

9. Pasture + Crate Burns Bright

Janelle Mitzner grew up on a farm in northwest Indiana. Her parents, aunts, uncles and siblings were business owners, and the idea that she would move two hours away and work at her marketing job at Beck’s Hybrids was a bit of a shock. Still, despite Mitzner’s move with her fiancé to his pig farm, spending long nights in the barn overseeing their Landrace pigs, her entrepreneurial roots inspired her next step. “I was looking for a hobby,” she said. “I saw an advertisement from a big candle and bath company, and I thought I could probably make candles myself.” What began as a fun, creative outlet, making six candles in an hour over a double broiler in her kitchen, became Pasture + Crate, a thriving high-end candle business.

10. DADCAMP

DADCAMP is not just a camping or father-child activity. It’s an experience where dads are inspired to become the best dads they can be. DADCAMP aims to bridge the gap between disengaged fathers and children, and rebuild strong relationships and leaders with a ministry-focused experience that is fun for both the child and dad. Since 2006 the team at DADCAMP has endeavored to reach as many fathers in the world as possible, and after more than a decade of consecutive growth, the leaders of the nonprofit think they have found an effective strategy to do so.

What will 2025 hold in store? Our hope is more great stories from in and around Kokomo. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Just email us at info@townepost.com. Cheers to another great year!

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