Don and Lynn Darda
2025 Halleck Community Service Award recipients

When told of their selection for the community service award, both said their pick as a team was a surprise, and they felt “very honored and humbled.”

Hanson noted that “whether it be working on the Winamac tree committee, volunteer reading at the school, sharing their talents and love of community countywide as active members of Pulaski County Tribe, and Winamac Main Street, their willingness to help all organizations to work together and improve their community through arts, physical labor if needed, maintaining community projects, and focusing on making Pulaski County a great place to live is exemplary.”

She added that behind the scenes, doing what needs to be done, and working with people from an array of organizations to accomplish the task is where “you find Don and Lynn - Better Together.”

The couple reside in Winamac and have two grown children.

The Dardas will be honored at the 2025 H. J. Halleck Community Service Award banquet at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at the Winamac VFW. Tickets are $25 per person, or $45 for two. Please remit payment to the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 113, Winamac, IN 46996. Please RSVP by April 21 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

About the Halleck Award

The Halleck award was first presented by the Chamber in 1979 to its namesake, the late Dr. Harold J. Halleck. Last year's recipient was Doug Denton of Monterey.

The Chamber notes that every town, every city is blessed with a handful of individuals who selflessly donate their time, energy, and hard work to make their community a better place for everyone to live. Such individuals often give this time and energy for years without the gratitude and recognition they deserve. In order to recognize such outstanding individuals, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce awards the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award to one deserving individual each year.

 

Halleck Award Recipients

Halleck Award recipients are:

1979 - Harold J. Halleck, M.D.*

1980 - John Herbert Hoch*

1981 - Fred Russell*

1982 - Richard Dodd*

1983 - James A. Freeman*

1984 - Charles Byfield*

1985 - R. Marshall Fritz*

1986 - Janet Gorrell Meyer*

1987 - Martin T. Barco*

1988 - William R. Thompson, M.D.*

1989 - William A. Russell*

(award moved from autumn to spring)

1991 - C. Paul Riggs*

1992 - Daniel Frain

1993 - Don* & Dee* Galbreath

1994 - Hank Kopkey*

1995 - Thomas P. Shank*

1996 - Bob Goble*

1997 - Brooks Roudebush*

1998 - Bill Sheppherd*

1999 - Rita Mrozinski*

2003 - Lawrence* & Elaine Parish

2004 - Christine Smith*

2005 - Alladean Clouser*

2006 - Wayne & Mary Lou* Bonnell

2007 - Don Good

2008 - Jay Kopkey*

2009 - Judy Heater

2010 - Steve & Lin Morrison

2011 - Michael Shurn

2012- Tom Murray Sr.*

2013 - David W. Barr*

2014 - Jackie Frain

2015 - Judy Stinemetz*

2016 - Charles & Darlene* Mellon

2017 - Daniel P. Murphy

2018 - Charles McKinley*

2019 - Howard Conner

2020 - Paul & Brenda Gilsinger

2021 - Betty Kruger

2022 - Douglas Denton

2023 - Michael O'Connor

2024 - Ray Michau

*Deceased

 

 

  
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Local News Briefs

Chamber names Don, Lynn Darda a as 2025 Halleck Award recipients

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce has announced its selection for the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award are Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson made the announcement Tuesday (March 18). The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been active volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. The annual Halleck Award Banquet will be Thursday, April 24, at the Winamac VFW.

‘Grill-n-Gather’ event April 4 to celebrate new Francesville licensed daycare facility

The Pulaski County Early Learning Network, a program of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, has planned a special “Grill-n-Gather” event for the county community to celebrate the progress of Francesville’s first licensed childcare facility.

After months of hard work, the organization is inching closer to transforming the Saint Francis Solano Church building into an affordable, high-quality, childcare center. The facility will address the unmet childcare need in the Francesville community while supplementing - and not replacing - the trusted childcare providers so many know and value.

'Traditions!' Broadway favorite 'Fiddler on the Roof' returns to Winamac stage April 4-6

 WINAMAC - The Tony award-winning, Broadway favorite Fiddler on the Roof will return to the Winamac Community High School stage the weekend of April 4-6

The school’s drama department will present the classic musical which follows the story of Tevye, a Jewish peasant in pre-revolutionary Russia in the early 1900s. The dairyman father struggles to maintain his traditional values while attempting to marry off three of his daughters who have modern romantic ideals - all while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.

PCPL lists March activities, programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for March. The include free trees for Earth Week, an adult refrigerator magnet craft, and kids’ “spring break bingo.”

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2025 environmental action grant

Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives may apply

MERRILLVILLE -  Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

Now in its 10th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically provided $577,000 in funding to a total of 143 projects with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana.

  

Indiana News

Culp bill to improve access to agricultural resources signed into law

STATEHOUSE (March 25) – State Rep. Kendell Culp's (R-Rensselaer) legislation to create an online hub to improve Hoosiers' access to agricultural related information, grant opportunities and data on lost farmland has been signed into law.

Currently, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is made up of five divisions and various other programs and initiatives. Culp said House Enrolled Act 1149 will create a one-stop shop to streamline information, helping Hoosier farmers better navigate state and federal agricultural resources, grant applications, regulatory checklists and an updated inventory on lost farmland.

Former Indiana governor joins Doral Renewables board of directors

PHILADELPHIA (March 21) - Doral Renewables LLC, a leading developer, owner and operator of renewable energy projects, has announced the appointment of former Indiana governor Eric J. Holcomb to its board of directors.

Holcomb recently completed his eight-year term as the 51st governor of Indiana, during which the state saw record-breaking investments and job creation, according to a statement from Doral.

INDOT warns public of toll-related text scam

Caution urged before opening suspicious links

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is aware of a tolling-related text message or “smishing” scam targeting Hoosiers statewide.

False messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action; in addition to a link for payment.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session. 

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Feb. 17: IDH reports state flu level 'very high'

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Feb. 11 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 462 statewide from Jan. 29-Feb. 4, up 70 from its previous weekly report. There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, and one (reported) COVID death.

In addition, the IDH reported Feb. 17, that the state's influenza-like illness level is " very high" for the week ending Feb. 8, with 17 flu-associated deaths during the reporting period (97 total for the current season).

  

Post News

Pulaski County first responders receive thermal drone donation

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reports it has received the donation of a DJI thermal drone for the county’s drone team and first responders from Doral Renewables LLC.

“This advanced technology will enhance our emergency response capabilities, providing critical aerial support for search and rescue operations, fire response, and public safety missions,” said Chief Deputy Fred Rogers.

Pulaski County Tribe launches ‘Creative Hub’ vision

Receives $10,000 Early Action grant

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) is setting the stage for a new chapter in community enhancement, one centered on creativity, culture and collaboration.

Interested residents are welcome to “join the conversation and help piece together the future of creativity in Pulaski County.”

Star City Lions support EPES reading program

The Star City Lions Club recently presented a donation to the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School.

RIF is a leading national children’s literacy nonprofit. The organization works to bring the joy of reading to children to create skilled readers.

Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting, honors county businesses

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its new “Better Together” motto while honoring county businesses for their achievements at the organization’s annual meeting March 13, in Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson led the meeting, outlining the Chamber’s activities the past year, introducing the board of directors, noting membership milestones and announcing awards. Entertainment for the evening was provided by comedian Jay Harris.

State Parks recognizes employees, partners, volunteers for service

Tippecanoe River SP among honorees
Photos now added

INDIANAPOLIS (March 17) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks recently honored its volunteers, partners, and employees for their commitment to conserve, manage, and interpret resources while creating memorable experiences for guests in 2024.

New partnership to address mental health, substance use issues in Pulaski County

WINAMAC (March 6) – The newly-appointed State Court Behavioral Health administrator has connected with the Pulaski County Community Navigator program to more fully address mental health and substance use issues in the county.

The new state administrator, Brittany Kelly, is working to gain insight on the county’s Navigator program, located in the superior court, which provides connection services to county residents for a variety of needs/issues.