Summer is here

Kokomo Beach opens Saturday and Sunday to celebrate summer coming to town. The land of water works will open for full summer hours May 31. Kokomo Beach will host lovers of water from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 or $60 for a season pass.

Kokomo saves dollars

The City of Kokomo will save $350,000 when it refinances its sewer works revenue bonds at a lower rate. The sewer bonds were originally issued in 2005 at rates averaging 4.3 percent. The new interest rate will be 2.5 percent.

“Our department heads are tasked with pursuing every available option to save taxpayers’ money and maintain Kokomo’s strong financial position,” said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight.  “This savings reflects that goal.”

The City of Kokomo plans to pay off its $6 million parking garage bond in 2014, five years ahead of schedule.

‘American Idol’ winner on Honeywell Center stage

Scotty McCreery swept the American Idol stage with a win in 2011; now, the country crooner and baseball player will be singing live at Honeywell Center Sept. 12. We’re giving you a chance to win tickets before they go on sale May 28.

Hoosier wows on ‘The Voice’

Indy native Josh Kaufman floored the audience and judges on “The Voice” last night with his rendition of “Set Fire to the Rain”. Usher was flabbergasted with his team’s powerhouse voice saying: “He is the new voice of ‘The Voice’.” Even Kelly Clarkson weighed in on Twitter saying: “This white boy can saaaang!! Go Josh on @NBCTheVoice.”

Despite all the well-wishes for the Hoosier, a mistake dampened the sales of his cover: iTunes filed his version of “Set Fire to the Rain” under albums instead of songs. The other finalists are Team Blake’s Jake Worthington and Team Adam’s Christina Grimmie. The Voice will announce its winner tonight starting at 9 p.m. on NBC; show coverage starts at 8 p.m.