According to America’s State Parks, more than 500 First Day Hikes will be held in all 50 states in 2013. First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to foster healthy lifestyles and promote year-round recreation at state parks.

Details about hike locations, difficulty, length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes and click on your state of interest to find a First Day Hike nearest you.

DNR’s Division of State Parks & Reservoirs is hosting 20 First Day Hikes throughout the state. They are:

  • Brookville Lake: Meet at 1 p.m. at the Wildlife Wander trailhead in Mounds State Recreation Area.
  • Brown County SP: Meet at 10 a.m. at the nature center.
  • Chain O’Lakes SP: Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the campground general store for a half-mile, sunset luminary walk on Trail 3.
  • Charlestown SP: Meet at 1 p.m. at the Riverside Overlook for a 2.3-mile hike on Trail 6, which is rated “rugged.”
  • Falls of the Ohio SP: Meet at 1 p.m. on the deck at the interpretive center to investigate the life of the Devonian Sea, preserved in limestone. If water is high, the hike will be along the river bank.
  • Fort Harrison SP: Meet at 11 a.m. at the Delaware Lake parking lot for an easy stroll around the lake. Dogs on leash are invited. The park will provide treats for hikers and dogs, and offer information on the new dog park under development.
  • Harmonie SP: Meet at 10 a.m. Central Time at the pool parking lot.
  • Indiana Dunes SP: Meet at 10 a.m. Central Time outside the nature center for a moderate hike on Trail 9 to the Beach House Blowout and back.
  • Lieber SRA (Cagles Mill Lake): Meet at 9 a.m. at the Hilltop Shelter for an hour-long walk.
  • McCormick’s Creek SP: Hikers should bring their digital cameras and meet at 2 p.m. at the Canyon Inn for a photo safari in the canyon. Refreshments will be provided afterward.
  • Mounds SP: Meet at 2 p.m. at the visitors center front porch for an hour-long hike around the Great Mound.
  • Ouabache SP: Meet at 11 a.m. at the bison enclosure for a hike around the enclosure, followed by a short bison program and a bison feeding session.
  • Patoka Lake: Meet at 11 a.m. at the beach for a 1-mile “Resolution Walk.”
  • Prophetstown SP: Meet at 2 p.m. in the parking lot on the far east end of the park for a hike near the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers, where new hiking trails will open in 2013.
  • Pokagon SP: Meet director of Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs Dan Bortner at 1 p.m. at the Inn’s Lonidaw Lounge for a hike to Lake Lonidaw, then up to the toboggan run for cocoa and marshmallows.
  • Salamonie Lake: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Hominy Ridge Shelter in Salamonie River State Forest for coffee, hot chocolate and a brisk walk. Pets on leashes are welcome.
  • Shakamak SP: Meet at the log cabin at 1 p.m. The hike will end with hot chocolate and a warm fire.
  • Spring Mill SP: Meet at 1 p.m. at the nature center amphitheater.
  • Summit Lake SP: Meet at 1 p.m. at the beach parking lot for a 2-mile walk on the Prairie Trail (Trail 1). Hikers are encouraged to bring binoculars. Pets are welcome.
  • Turkey Run SP: Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the nature center for a two-hour, moderate hike to look for bald eagles and other winter wonders. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided at the Narrows Covered Bridge.
  
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Local News Briefs

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

Pulaski County America 250 committee to meet April 28

The Pulaski County America 250 Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Monday (April 28) at the new Pulaski County Historical Society Museum, 110 N. Monticello St., Winamac.

All who are interested in helping to develop county plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary beginning this summer through 2026 is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.

Pulaski County Economic Development Summit April 29

The annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall, Winamac. The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. The program will also feature the annual “State of the County Economy” address by CDC executive director Nathan Origer.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

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.

  

Indiana News

Southbound I-65 reopens in Jasper County following hazmat fire

ROSELAWN (April 22) - I-65 southbound reopened near mile marker 230 at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, almost 17 hours following a spectacular semi-truck fire and hazmat cleanup which included an overnight repaving of a section of the interstate. No injuries were reported.

After assessing the damage to the roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation determined that the accident scene needed to be resurfaced. INDOT already has a contract in place for this area for pavement patching with Rieth-Riley Construction, and they were able to mobilize to take over the scene once cleanup was complete. A total of 7,700 square feet of asphalt to a depth of four inches (and six inches on the outside shoulder) had to be replaced overnight.

Braun signs package of executive orders to ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15) – Gov. Mike Braun Tuesday signed a landmark package of executive orders with initiatives to improve Indiana’s health and well-being.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were in attendance to support Indiana’s initiative. Indiana now joins a number of states that have embraced, through legislation or executive orders, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.

DEA/ISP Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 26

PERU – The Indiana State Police will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Saturday, April 26 for their 27th “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative.

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs.

 

Pulaski County unemployment rate up slightly at 4.3 percent in February

Pulaski County's unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3 percent in February, up from 4.2 percent in January, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (March 31). The rate was 3.8 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,535 employed persons in a labor force of 6,831 in February. In January those numbers were 6,507 of 6,793. A year ago the numbers were 6,381 of 6.645.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

Pulaski Superior Court appears saved

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24) – Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made to HB1144 approved by both the state house and senate Thursday evening in the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislation is now pending the approval of Gov. Mike Braun.

Chamber presents Don, Lynn Darda with 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award to Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac at its annual award banquet Thursday evening (April 24), at the Winamac VFW.

The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been enthusiastic volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. 

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker

Alliance Junior Board visits BraunAbility

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors had the opportunity to visit BraunAbility in Winamac in April.

During their visit, the student directors were given a presentation about the company and had the chance to ask questions. They also had a tour of the facility, which allowed them to see the manufacturing process of vehicles equipped to assist individuals with disabilities.

Jury finds Monterey man guilty of attempted murder 

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Circuit Court jury has found a Monterey man guilty of attempted murder in connection with a July 3, 2023 shooting in downtown Monterey.

Kenneth D. Ketcahm, 41, was also convicted on additional charges of criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. The verdict was returned Monday (April 14).

Fatal crash on U.S. 421 under Investigation

MEDARYVILLE (April 15) – The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash which claimed the life of a Porter County man Tuesday on U.S 421 near the intersection of CR 800N in Cass Township.

The crash involved a dump truck and minivan. Release of the identity of the deceased minivan driver is pending the notification of family.