To obtain free at-home COVID-19 tests visit www.covid.gov/tests

To obtain a COVID vaccination contact the Pulaski County Health Department at 574-946-  to schedule an appointment. The CVS pharmacy at Winamac also offers COVID vaccines. Click here to register. For further information on vaccines, call Indiana 211 (866-211-9966) for assistance.

Pulaski County reported 27 new cases and no deaths Monday for the Aug. 2-8 period. The county's re-infection rate was 25.8 percent of cases). Tests administered averaged 16 per day for the most recent count. The county's all-time pandemic numbers are 3,274 (reported) COVID cases and 85 total deaths, plus two probable COVID-caused deaths.

Pulaski County area vaccination rate
 of the eligible population
fully vaccinated

The breakdown by area zip codes:

  • 46996 (Winamac) – 54.0%
  • 47946 (Francesville) – 37.7%
  • 47957 (Medaryville) – 32.5%
  • 46960 (Monterey) – 49.4%
  • 46985 (Star City) – 37.0%
  • 46511 (Culver) - 58.3%
  • 46939 (Kewanna) – 44.3%
  • 46978 (Royal Center) – 38.2%
  • 46534 (Knox) - 39.5%
  • 46366 (North Judson) – 40.6%
  • 47978 (Rensselaer) - 41.9%

Source: IDH Vaccine Dashboard
(Aug. 12)

A total of 3,812,653 individuals are fully vaccinated in Indiana, or a total of  54.8% of the state population. This total includes 1,954,050 individuals who have received the first booster shot, and 374,419 who have obtained the second booster.

In Pulaski County there are 6,102 fully vaccinated individuals. A total of 3,026 county residents are up-to-date with booster shots, including 527 eligible residents who have received a second booster shot.

Nationwide, a total of 67.3% of the eligible population are fully vaccinated. U.S. COVID cases are down 13.7% in the past week, hospitalizations are down 2.6%, deaths are down 6.1% and vaccinations are up 255.4%.

Indiana's COVID-19 hospital census stands at 804 which is down three in the most recent report. There are 113 COVID patients (up three) in ICU beds statewide, with 33 (down five) on ventilators.

(The IDH COVID Dashboard is updated Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.)

CDC Community Levels

COVID-19 CDC Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. The levels are updated weekly.

Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in their area.

In Pulaski County, the CDC community level continues for the second week at High In the near area, Fulton, Cass, White and Jasper counties have also moved to the High level, while Marshall is at the Medium level. Starke County continues at the Low level. After spending the spring months mostly at the low level, over 50 Indiana counties have moved to the High level, and about 35 counties have moved to the high level. Only five counties remain at the Low level. See CDC map here.

The precautions at the High level are:

  • Wear a mask indoors in public
  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
  • Get tested if you have symptoms
  • Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
  • If you are at high risk of getting very sick, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.

People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

If you are immunocompromised, learn more about how to protect yourself.

 

 

  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

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 activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

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

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles outbreak in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.