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INTRODUCING THE

FORTITUDE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES

EACH SHOWING FIRMNESS OF SPIRIT WHILE FACING ADVERSITY

JACK SULLIVAN

NOAH WALKER

ALOHNNA ALVARADO

NORA YOUNG

JADA WILLIAMS

financing available *oac

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Broken/damaged drain lines?

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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.

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

KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY MOSHIER

NATALIE PLATT

JULIE YATES

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

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CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

EDITOR JOSH BROWN

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RESEARCH STU DY SEEKING

People living with Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter

Purdue University, College of Pharmacy is seeking people living with atrial fibrillation/flutter who are planning to have or recently have had a electric cardioversion or ablation to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter. In order to qualify you must be taking anticoagulation (a blood thinner such as coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto).

If you qualify for the study:

• You will be asked to take a medicine called Zofran (ondansetron) or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for 4 weeks

• You will be asked to wear a Ziopatch on your chest which monitors your heart beats for 4 weeks and keep a log of any symptoms that you have related to the medicine and atrial fibrillation.

• You will complete 5 visits lasting about 30 minutes (1 visit at the start of the study and then a visit each week). The visits can be completed at your home or in the clinical reearch center located on the IU Indianapolis campus

• You will receive up to $350 after completing all study visits.

If you are interested in participating, please call or text 317-847-2094 or email: hwroblew@iu.edu

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FORTITUDE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES

EACH SHOWING FIRMNESS OF SPIRIT WHILE FACING ADVERSITY

Writer / Julie Yates

This month, Kokomo/Tipton Magazine is introducing five candidates for the Class of 2026 Fortitude Scholarship contest. Each student has a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or above, and plans to attend college/military/trade school upon graduation in 2026. Most importantly, all have shown fortitude in some way while in school. Despite working through challenges, these students have been able to maintain attendance, grades and involvement in school activities. Their struggles did not go unnoticed; each was nominated by the teachers and administrators of their high school.

JACK SULLIVAN

WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

Friends of Jack Sullivan, a senior at Western High School, describe him as an extrovert and someone who enjoys meeting new people. He’s known to be silly, funny and the person who sparks joy in a crowd. These traits are perfect for the career he would like to pursue. Next year, he will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University to train for children and family ministries.

Jack has firsthand knowledge of how important youth ministers can be to teens struggling with heartache. At the beginning of his freshman year, his father passed away due to a work-related accident. Jack missed the first two weeks of his high school career

It’s been such

and uses

and for a couple of days basically shut out those around him. He credits the support of friends and the connections he made at his church for helping him through his initial shock.

“The feeling of loss is always going to be there. Some days are good, and some days are bad. The toughest things are any award ceremonies; graduation will be hard for me because he was always there for everything,” Sullivan says.

“I’ve wanted to go into the ministry for a while. My stepmom, Sara Sullivan, is director of youth ministry at Judson Road Christian Church. I am a small group leader and worship leader for the children’s ministry there. My main goal is discipling the next generation of kids,” Sullivan says.

One high point in Sullivan’s high school experience was being an athletic trainer for football. He shares that getting to tape up his twin brother Chase before games further bonded them.

This year, Sullivan continued to work at Crew Car Wash. He was named Associate of the Year. As a team leader, he pitched in everywhere and did whatever was needed, especially behind the scenes. He also found

time to be on the bowling team.

“We had a pretty good season. I’ve been bowling for six years. I like it for the friendships, bonding and connections I’ve made. I might try to find a way to do some bowling when I’m in college,” Sullivan says.

This March, Sullivan attended a training at Johnson University in Tennessee for an upcoming mission trip. In July, he and a group of other students in the Christ in Youth program will travel to Dublin, Ireland. The participants in this outreach will run a Vacation Bible School for children.

“I’m in a better place than I was during my freshman year when I first lost my dad. Getting through it was tough. The main thing was having good friendships and connections with coworkers and friends. Having people around me made a difference,” Sullivan says.

“The first days were so hard. I didn’t talk. Then a bunch of people started to come to the house. Knowing that people were there and that they cared put a little brightness in my soul. My advice to anyone faced with the same thing is to reach out to those closest around you,” Sullivan says.

ALOHNNA ALVARADO

NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

Northwestern High School senior Alohnna Alvarado has found her niche thanks to the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at the Kokomo Area Career Center. A member of the culinary competition team, she and her cohorts recently earned a gold at Indiana ProStart, sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. Their entry won best appetizer in the state.

“The Culinary Program is two classes in the middle of the day: fourth and fifth periods. It’s a lot of hands-on cooking! When a class

from an elementary school comes over, we serve them the food we have made,” Alvarado says.

When Alvarado faced a difficult living situation, she didn’t let it deter her from attending the classes she loves. She, her mother and younger sister were displaced from the house they were living in due to some legal issues involving their landlord. They were forced to find another place to live.

“When we were without a house, it went on for a while, and it was a hard time. It was a lot of change, but people from church were supportive. Somehow the school found out, and my guidance counselor, Melainie Hardin, told me she was proud of me for staying in school and keeping up my grades,” Alvarado says.

Alvarado cites two other adults who have been mentors. One is her culinary arts instructor, Kaly Griggs, and the other is her mother. Both Alvarado and her mother work as servers at Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Alvarado’s knowledge of the food industry has been widened by the experience of working the front of the house.

“I really enjoy it, especially since I’m working with my mom. It depends on the week, but I work anywhere from 12 to 24 hours a week. My mom was able to tell me how to do things, which has helped. My mom has always been my biggest mentor and has significantly pushed me to do better,” Alvarado says.

Besides working at Cracker Barrel, Alvarado also babysits. She worked at a day care last summer. She is active at Pilgrim Holiness Church and helps supervise the church’s youth group bus during outings and activities. She was able to find the time to play softball during her freshman and junior years.

In the future, Alvarado would like to pursue a culinary career. She hopes to someday enroll at Sullivan University. Her goal is to earn a degree through their Culinary Arts and Food Service program.

“It has been kind of rough, but my mom, sister and I have always figured it out. I felt I had to hold it together for them. It’s not the situation; it’s how you choose to react. The world doesn’t end over small stuff. You must do good to get good,” Alvarado says.

JADA WILLIAMS

KOKOMO HIGH SCHOOL

By any account, Jada Williams’ senior year has been tough. However, despite facing housing instability and medical challenges, she was successful. Recognized for her genuine and heartfelt smile, she is a dedicated member of Kokomo High School’s girls varsity basketball team while maintaining a high level of academic achievement.

Williams began playing basketball as a freshman as a means to attend school in person. Due to COVID during her middle school years, she was a completely virtual, online student. Her father did not want her to attend in-person classes.

“My dad was very strict about it. But he loved basketball,” Williams says. “He is from Kokomo. The only way he would agree to let me go to inperson school is if I promised I would play basketball.

“I had never picked up a basketball. I was just doing it to make my dad happy. I got going and got better at it. I made friends and bonds. The team became family. I got to do something we all love to do together,” Williams adds.

This fall, things got rough for Williams and her family. In October, her father lost his job and because he was unable to pay other debts, the family lost their house. In addition, two weeks before Thanksgiving, Williams was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and pancreatitis.

Basketball season started, and her teammates picked Williams up and made sure she got to practices. After playing well in the first three games, she found herself in the hospital for a week after her appendix was removed. Still in a lot of pain and feeling weak, she was again transported to a hospital in Indianapolis due to pancreatitis.

“I was able to go to school one day before Thanksgiving break so I could get all my work,” she says. “I couldn’t eat solid food and had to be on a liquid diet. I couldn’t play in the next three games, but my coaches understood. They checked in with me and helped. My teachers helped too.”

Despite facing challenges, Williams is graduating with more than 30 hours of dual credits due to her advanced placement classes such as economics and Spanish. She has also taken dual-enrollment classes through Kokomo High School’s partnership with Ivy Tech Community College.

She would like to attend college and become an ultrasound technician or a labor and delivery nurse. She will not be playing basketball because she will have to work to support herself. She participated in Kokomo Leadership Academy, was named Most Improved Athlete and received her second varsity letter. She was also selected to be one of the commencement speakers at graduation.

“Even though I’ve been through all this stuff, I still love my parents. I wish things had been different. If I didn’t have faith, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. “My advice is to never give up. Hard times can’t stop you; see them as a lesson.

Schedule a campus visit, explore our program offerings, and apply today. Classes start June 8.

Scan the QR code or visit IvyTech.edu/Kokomo to get started.

NOAH WALKER

TIPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Noah Walker’s passion is long-distance running. As a member of Tipton High School’s cross-country and track team, he has pushed himself hard during his senior year. It is evident that his diligent training has paid off; he was able to improve his times when he competed in the 5K, onemile relays, 3,200-meter and 4x800-meter relay. To train for the events, which range in distance from a half-mile to 3 miles, Walker varies his workouts.

Each day he might do a different kind of run, focusing on speed one day by running a fast 2 or 3 miles versus a slower, easy 7 to 9 miles the next. Or he might do a long 13-mile run. His goal is to improve aerobic fitness and thus improve the cells’ ability to deliver oxygen while he runs long distances. Another goal he must address is the challenge of keeping his blood sugar levels stable.

“I have type 1 diabetes, which makes it difficult. It’s hard to manage and a challenge to overcome every day. I’m always trying to balance my blood sugar before running; it can’t be too high or too low. It can be unpredictable; a lot of complications come with it,” Walker says.

“I got the diagnosis in eighth grade. I wasn’t sure how to manage it. My high school cross-country and distance coach, Ethan Worthington, has always believed in me and helped me push through. My mom helps a lot figuring out what foods I should eat,” Walker says.

Walker started out the season with a couple of good runs, but after a dental procedure, his times dropped by a minute or two. He had lost blood during the oral surgery, and

his mom concluded he might be anemic. She researched ways to increase his iron levels by eating fortified cereal and spinach, plus taking multivitamins. He slowly built his times back up and had a huge personal best at sectionals, where he, along with two other teammates, qualified for regionals.

Workout distances for Walker are approximately 70 miles per week, about an average of 10 miles a day. When he isn’t training, he is involved in several clubs and activities with an emphasis on community service. A member of Key Club and student council, Walker is also a freshman mentor as well as an Extreme Mentor in the sixthgrade mentoring program. In addition, he participates in youth meetings at Trinity Wesleyan Church and is a 10-year member of 4-H, focusing on genealogy and food.

After graduation, Walker plans to pursue an education degree. He will attend Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. He has already committed to be on the crosscountry and track teams there.

“Long-distance running gives me the opportunity to be fit, exercise and be healthy. It puts me in a great mood. It gives me something to look forward to,” Walker says.

NORA YOUNG

TRI-CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Nora Young’s basketball season as a senior at Tri-Central High School was a personal-best success. While facing Taylor High School, she racked up four 3-point shots in the first half of the game. She was named Player of the Game for leading the team in points. Her growth in confidence and readiness to take shots earned her the Mental Attitude Award.

In addition, Young racked up some impressive statistics. She is ranked in the top nine for 3-pointers and in the top 30 for points per game in the Hoosier Heartland Girls Basketball Conference. In Indiana 1A, she is ranked in the top 82 for 3-pointers made.

The hard work Young put in made her achievements possible. They are even more impressive considering that during her sophomore year, she seriously considered giving up the game. The grief of her father’s passing caught up with her, and for a time she found it hard to find enjoyment in anything.

“My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2017. It moved to his liver, progressing to stage 4. He passed on October 7, 2020. It took a toll on my mental health, and I struggled at times. During my sophomore year, I was missing my dad; going through high school without him was hard. I didn’t want to live at that time. I wanted to quit basketball. I felt like I wasn’t good enough to play. My mom was my biggest counselor and helped me get through it. My uncle stepped up and told me that quitting was not what my dad would want,” Young says.

“Now, I’m 100% glad I stuck with it. I made so many friendships I never knew I needed. The coaching staff and coach Mathew Corn helped me find my passion again. I worked hard my junior year and progressed. My shooting improved my senior year,” Young says.

Young continued to keep up her grades

and other activities even while she was going through a rough time. She will be graduating with cum laude honors, having earned a GPA of 3.5.

This year, Young spends afternoons at Heartland Christian Academy, where she is experiencing what it’s like to be a teacher. She pitches in wherever she is needed and on Fridays teaches physical education to kindergarteners.

Young is planning on attending Ball State University to obtain a degree in elementary education. However, she has not ruled out the possibility of being an event planner.

“My challenge was growing up faster than I wanted to. My mom is my biggest inspiration; she wouldn’t let her sadness beat her down. A milestone for me was when my sister invited me to her senior prom. Afterwards, we were at a trampoline park, and I was having so much fun with other underclassmen who were there. At that moment, I was glad I was alive,” Young says.

“Senior year has been fun. I learned that it’s OK not to be OK. Don’t give up and believe in yourself,” Young adds.

Terri Sitzes, Director

•

When most businesses (or people) celebrate their 60th anniversary or birthday, a lot of time is spent reflecting on how things have changed in the six decades.

But for Cone Palace, a 60th anniversary doesn’t lend itself to much nostalgia. The Kokomo institution spends less time looking back and more time reflecting on how things have stayed the same. Since opening in May 1966, the Kokomo stand has remained in the same location, continuing to operate as businesses around it have shifted with time.

Originally opened as a Dairy Castle, the restaurant has never moved. Courtney Cain, now general manager, has a long personal history with the business. She started working there in high school, left for college, and returned in 2018, eventually stepping into her current role within the past two years.

“We’re more than just ice cream and food … but it’s the experience for the customer,” Cain says. “From the way we interact with our customers to the atmosphere we create here, we just want people to feel as welcomed as possible and leave in a better mood than when they came in.”

Many employees come recommended by regulars or current team members, and while there is no formal training program, expectations are clear from the start. The atmosphere of the eatery, how customers are treated, and how the space feels matters

SWEET TRADITION

CONE PALACE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF MEMORIES & CONSISTENCY

Writer / Natalie Platt

as much as anything on the menu.

Much of the menu reflects that same consistency. Chili dogs remain the top seller, while Arctic Swirls, the stand’s version of a Blizzard, rotate through flavors like Oreo, Reese’s, cookie dough and a popular puppy chow option. Vanilla Cokes have never left.

Over the years, recognition has come without much effort to seek it out. Eric Holcomb has visited multiple times, often ordering a corn dog and a chocolate shake, and Bill Clinton has also stopped in. Most customers, though, arrive the same way they always have, through recommendation rather than promotion.

“It’s word of mouth. We hear it all the time. People tell their friends, if you’re ever here, you need to try Cone Palace,” Cain says. “Grandparents are bringing their grandkids into the place they grew up in. Just being a small part of their memories, especially at 60 years old, is really special for us.”

Keeping a business open this long depends

on more than a strong menu.

“There is a lot of work behind the scenes to keep something like Cone Palace open for 60 years. It takes a lot of consistency, a lot of care, and a team that really takes pride in what they’re doing every day,” Cain says.

What has sustained the business, though, is a decades-old lesson in how to treat what keeps their business going — their customers.

“Trends are ever-changing, but people remember how you make them feel,” Cain says. “If you take care of your customers and build relationships, that’s really what keeps a business going long term.”

Cone Palace is located at 55 County Road West 300 South, Kokomo, IN 46902, and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., except on Friday and Saturday, when the eatery is open until 11 p.m.

MAIN STREET MAINSTAY

DOWN ON MAIN STREET BAR & GRILL’S 28-YEAR LEGACY OF COMMUNITY & TRADITION

Amy Richardson, Asst Manager

There is a strong history with Down on Main Street Bar and Grill, the popular, longtime eatery in Greentown on Main Street. Owner Rod Richardson has put

Writer / Amy Moshier

many years of time, effort and love into making it, and keeping it, what it is today.

“I bought it on April 23, 1998, so this April it will have been 28 years since the purchase,” he says. “It’s been a bar since the 1940s. Before I bought the place, it was called ‘The Idle Hour.’ Prior to that, it was a cigar and ice cream shop,” he says. “I planned on keeping it 5 to 10 years after retiring from Crysler. 28 years later, I’m still here!”

Richardson pays respect to the bar’s previous livelihood under other management.

“I still have the original ‘The Idle Hour’ neon on the wall behind the bar, adding to its historic tone,” he says.

“I changed the name so everybody would know about the new ownership. I named it after Bob Seger and his song Mainstreet,” he says.

For many longtime customers, the place is simply known by its acronym — DOMS, Richardson says.

“They’d say, ‘We’re going to DOMS Saturday night,’” he adds.

DOMS has seen many people come and go throughout its history, Richardson says.

“Many of our original customers have passed now. We have a big round table at the back of the bar. It’s just a big round poker table. We had everyone sign it before we put the polyurethane cover on it so it would be immortalized unless the table caught on fire. They are forever in the history. In fact, my parents even signed it. There’s at least 20 names on it, I think. My dad used to do karaoke for us, until 20 years ago.”

“We get a lot of our regulars, ages 40 to 60,” Richardson says.

With some recent changes to the law, DOMS now gets some business from some of the children of adult customers.

“Yes, the law now allows minors to enter the bar until 9 P.M. if they are accompanied by an adult. They must sit at a table and aren’t allowed to play pool or darts. They still have fun,” he says. “Problematic behavior has been very rare.”

The eatery has a small but meaningful menu, featuring popular hand-breaded (or grilled) pork tenderloins with homemade honey mustard cooked into the grill along with the half-pound hamburgers.

“We have the best tenderloins in Howard County, and those are the most popular dish on the menu. Half-pound hamburgers would be second,” Richardson says.

Personally, I had their grilled cheese with bacon and loved it. The friend I was with ordered the pork tenderloin and thought it was excellent.

Richardson’s manager, Carol Pennycuff, has been there for 22 years. She has enjoyed working for Richardson.

“He’s probably one of the best people you could work for,” she says. “He’s fair. He listens to you. It’s just been a great 22 years.”

When asked what the biggest challenge is that she has faced in her role over the years, she hesitated before answering.

“Maybe watching people to make sure we don’t overserve,” she says. “Sometimes people get upset over that, but it’s a really big part of the job, and it’s not easy to do.”

Richardson’s youngest daughter, Amy Richardson, has been there for 15 years.

“She’s the assistant manager and works Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights” he says.

Down On

MAINSTREET

Bar and GRILL

Join us 7 days a week for cold drinks and great food!

104 East Main Street, Greentown Mon–Sat 11am–1am; Sun 12pm–1am

What is Amy’s favorite thing about DOMS?

“The people,” she says. “The people and the atmosphere. There is a certain kindness here … we hardly ever have any problems. The community is great.”

Pennycuff also says the people are her favorite part about working at DOMS.

“It would be the customer association and whatnot,” she says. “We have a great time in here.”

As far as standout experiences are concerned, she says, “Oh, that could be any night. Our anniversary parties are always a big to-do, and they’re always a really good time.”

The bar has a reputation for being a safe establishment, and Richardson strives to keep it that way.

“We have had three police calls in the 28 years I’ve owned the place. I’ve never hired a bouncer,” he says. “I have told people that the day I hire a bouncer is the day I’ll put a for-sale sign in the window. I won’t run a place where people don’t feel safe.”

“It’s a nice little hometown bar.”

Indeed it is.