In this episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, Mayor Kegan Schmicker shares an inside look at the work happening across the City of Tipton and the priorities driving the year ahead. The conversation highlights key progress, ongoing projects, and the community-focused vision shaping Tipton’s continued growth.

Topics include:
• Strategic goals and leadership initiatives
• Community development and local momentum
• Infrastructure improvements and project updates
• Efforts to strengthen engagement and quality of life

Listen in to hear how Tipton is building forward and creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, and community partners.

Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of Tipton Thrives.

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, Mayor Kegan Schmicker shares a year-end recap of the City of Tipton’s progress in 2025 and a preview of what residents can expect heading into 2026.

Using the City’s strategic priorities as the framework, the episode covers:

• Building a stronger leadership team, including the vision for a future “Director of Special Projects” role
• Reinvigorating community pride, from trail and parks improvements to the downtown tree lighting momentum
• Investing in a vibrant arts ecosystem, including Arts Commission progress and future public art concepts
• Pursuing creative economic development, with updates on industrial park strategy, an ag-focused approach, and downtown second-story housing opportunities
• Supporting sustainable public safety, including staffing progress, the Public Safety Building timeline (targeting spring 2026), and a more strategic fleet approach
• Providing high-quality infrastructure, including stormwater/utility work tied to West Street and E Street, and road preservation efforts like liquid road treatment

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, Mayor Schmicker discusses two important projects impacting our community:

Baseball Field Project – where the project currently stands, why it has taken longer than expected, and what residents can look forward to.

Public Safety Building Renovations – the scope of the work, contractor bidding process, why these updates are needed, and how the improvements will benefit Tipton for years to come.

Stay tuned for honest, behind-the-scenes updates on how these projects are shaping Tipton’s growth.

Subscribe to the Tipton Thrives Podcast for more conversations about city projects, community development, and local news that matters.

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, Mayor Schmicker sits down with Adrienne Hall from the Tipton County Humane Society.

Adrienne shares the inspiring story of how the Humane Society has grown from its volunteer-led beginnings to the impactful organization it is today. We discuss their mission, the importance of community support, and how YOU can get involved—whether it’s volunteering, donating, or adopting.

Learn how the Humane Society continues to serve Tipton County and the difference it makes for both animals and people.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the word about this important work happening right here in Tipton County.

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, we’re joined by Steven Thompson, manager of the Tipton city pool. Steven shares stories about the pool’s 87-year history, how it’s remained a vibrant part of the community, and what makes it so special to generations of Tipton residents. From lifeguards teaching swim lessons to the nostalgic feel of riding your bike to the pool, this is a celebration of small-town traditions that still thrive today.

Tune in to hear:

• Why Tipton’s pool has endured while others have closed
• The value of community support in maintaining public amenities
• What the future looks like for Tipton’s aquatic legacy

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes celebrating what makes Tipton thrive.

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives podcast, Mayor Schmicker sits down with Lisa Willis-Gidley from 4C Health to explore the vital mental health services they bring to Tipton County and the surrounding areas. The conversation dives into the organization's mission, the diverse range of services they provide, and their passionate commitment to meeting people where they are.

From counseling and crisis intervention to community education and support programs, 4C Health is making a measurable impact on individual lives and the broader well-being of the community. We also discuss the increasing importance of mental health accessibility in small towns and how 4C Health is actively breaking down barriers to care.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• How 4C Health is expanding mental health resources locally.
• The importance of reducing stigma around mental health conversations.
• Ways community members can access services or get involved.

Whether you're a Tipton resident, someone interested in community health initiatives, or just passionate about mental wellness, this episode offers a meaningful look at how a dedicated organization is helping Tipton thrive.

Tune in and learn how you can be part of the movement toward a healthier, more connected community.

Join Mayor Kegan Schmicker as he sits down with Dylan Dietrick, Superintendent of Municipal Services, to discuss the city's ongoing infrastructure projects and seasonal preparations.

In this episode, we cover:

Pool Season Prep - Behind-the-scenes work getting Tipton's community pool ready for summer, including pressure washing, pump maintenance, and facility preparations

Yard Waste Management - How the city handles weekly yard waste collection and efforts to improve efficiency with proper containerization

Large Item Pickup - Details on the city's $35 flat-rate service for furniture, appliances, and bulk items 

West Street Reconstruction - Progress update on this major infrastructure project, including new water mains, service lines, and upcoming roadway reconstruction with improved drainage

East Street Project - Preview of the next phase of sewer separation and road improvements planned for late summer/early fall

Dylan brings nearly a decade of experience from INDOT to his new role, having worked on projects including the Highway 31 railroad overpass. As a Tipton native, he's committed to improving the city's infrastructure while managing the department's diverse responsibilities.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to Tipton, this episode provides valuable insights into the city's infrastructure investments and how municipal services keep our community running smoothly.

Join Mayor Kegan Schmicker as he sits down with Heath Moreland and Brian Roberts from the Jackwagon Car Club. Discover how this group of automotive enthusiasts is revitalizing Tipton's rich car culture tradition while giving back to the community.

In this entertaining episode, learn about the club's origins, their upcoming events for the 2025 season, and how they've partnered with local businesses to bring car enthusiasts from over 30 different communities to downtown Tipton. Heath and Brian share stories about Tipton's fascinating automotive history, including legendary local car builders and the quarter-mile racing scene of decades past.

The two reveal exciting details about their scholarship program supporting trade education, their commitment to veterans, and how their First Friday cruise-ins are bringing new life to downtown businesses. Don't miss this fun conversation filled with classic car nostalgia, community spirit, and a few laughs about the meaning behind their unique club name!

#TiptonThrives #JackWagonsCarClub #ClassicCars #CommunitySpirit #FirstFridays

In this episode of the Tipton Thrives podcast, Mayor Kegan Schmicker welcomes Anna Tragesser from the Tipton Arts Commission to discuss the exciting new developments in our local arts scene.

Episode Highlights:

• Tipton Arts Commission: Learn about the newly established Arts Commission formed in summer 2024 and their mission to support creative activity, steward public art collections, and generate economic activity through the arts in our community.
• Visiting Artist Program: Anna announces an upcoming visiting artist program funded by the Indiana Arts Commission that will bring workshops, activities, and public events to Tipton in late spring/summer. This artist will engage with community members of all ages and skill levels.
• The Power of Arts in Community Development: Discover how creativity serves as a valuable community resource that can enhance quality of life, economic development, and sense of place in Tipton.
• Barn Quilt Demonstration: Watch as Anna shares her expertise on barn quilts, explaining their significance as markers of place and personal expression while Mayor Schmicker tries his hand at painting.

Whether you're an established artist or simply curious about the creative opportunities developing in our city, this conversation offers valuable insights into how the arts are helping Tipton thrive. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming arts events and opportunities to engage with the visiting artist program!

In the latest episode of the Tipton Thrives Podcast, Mayor Schmicker is joined by Tipton Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Ryan Glaze. 

Mayor Schmicker and Dr. Glaze discuss challenges and opportunities related to growth in Tipton, including:

-Population decline
-School funding
-Facility investments
-Branding efforts
-Community support
-Future challenges

The conversation emphasizes the interdependence between the city and school system, with both Mayor Schmicker and Dr. Glaze recognizing that attracting new families is vital for sustainable growth. They wrap up the conversation sharing the goal of leveraging Tipton's strong community pride to attract new residents and students.