Journalism
As a journalist, I focus on writing clear and concise stories that prioritize readers and delve deeply into local issues. As the Peru Editor of the Indiana Plain Dealer, I write 8-10 stories weekly, covering crime, local government, events, and economic development.
‘Honoring history, rectifying recognition’
It was 11 o’clock at night, and Mallorie Berger was looking through tax returns from her grandfather Alonzo Marshall’s business, trying to find any piece of information that could support her application for a historical marker. One by one, she typed names from the returns into Ancestry, hoping to find…
‘Out of the Ashes’
MIAMI COUNTY — A flower farm nestled between U.S. 24 and U.S. Business 24 in rural Miami County has big dreams for future growth. Phoenix Petals & Pies offers a patch of self-serve annuals and perennials, dried flowers, floral arrangements, and five-inch pies made by owner Jayme Arthur. Located at…
The Pink Jet wages war against breast cancer
MIAMI COUNTY — Sometimes all it takes to transform a weapon of destruction to a weapon of peace is a fresh coat of paint and a new mission. For the Pink Jet, which departed Peru Friday, that coat of paint is pink, and the mission is to bring awareness to…
Circus City Festival
The Circus City Festival is an annual, week-long celebration held in Peru, Ind. — the “Circus capital of the world.” Over 200 children and young adults perform 10 shows, acrobatics and all, as thousands pour into the small town to watch them. This was my second year covering the festivities,…
Second Chances: How juvenile diversion programs are reshaping justice
Editor’s note: To safeguard the identity of the minor in this article, the name “Luke” has been used in place of the juvenile’s real name. When Luke ended up in trouble again, he wasn’t expecting another chance. After being placed on probation after his last offense, he was told that…
Making Her Mark: Historical marker memorializes Marie Stuart Edwards
PERU — The home of an iconic Peru resident and champion for women’s suffrage was put on the map Saturday, with the dedication of a historical marker remembering the life of Marie Stuart Edwards. The marker sits in front of a yellow house at 123 W. Main St., where Edwards…
Peru farm shares the ‘magic’ of alpacas
From the Andes mountains to the plains of the Hoosier State, one of the country of Peru’s most famous animals has found a home over 3,000 miles away from their South American roots. Peru, Ind. is home to Circus City Alpacas, a farm started by Andrea and Richard Hammersley. Around…
Mother-daughter duo bring Cuban flavor to Peru
Peru’s newest food offering, A Cuban & A Half, is set to open Tuesday, with a buzz already surrounding their menu of traditional Cuban dishes. Hilda Lennon and her daughter Lyndi Cook hope to bring a taste of their family tradition to Peru and give back through their distinct flavors.…
Mitchell Page convicted on all three counts of murder
After over two and a half years and four days of testimony, the State of Indiana has finally rested its case against Mitchell Page, who is charged with the 2021 murders of Jessica Sizemore, Jessiah Hall, and Sizemore’s 4-year-old daughter Rae’Lynn Sizemore. During the jury trial, detectives, investigators, eyewitnesses, and…
Redmon opens ‘Form from Chaos’
Local artist Patrick Redmon opened his newest exhibit, “Form from Chaos” at the Kokomo Art Center October 19, which celebrates the process of creating art and the renewed joy it has brought Redmon. Kokomo Art Center Curator Lesley Wysong said the collection of pieces, which range from large-form paintings to…
Miami Nation of Indiana holds annual removal memorial march
Published in the Oct. 25, 2023 issue of the Peru Tribune View published version The Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana gathered outside their tribal complex Sunday, the smell of burnt sage tinting the brisk morning air as members prepared for their annual march to the Wabash River, memorializing the…
About
Alex Bracken is a journalist, designer, and photographer currently based in Peru, Indiana. He is a recent graduate of Ball State University, where he concentrated in emerging media and graphics.