Pictured at the workshop: Brian Blackford, Indiana Communities Institute, Don Darda (PCT), Lynn Darda (PCT), Diana Day (PCT), Lydia Campbell-Maher (Indiana Arts Commission), Brandi Larkin (PCT).

The training focuses on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with community.

The workshop offered actionable insights into how rural communities can leverage creativity to enhance quality of life, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen community connections.

For PCT, participating in Creative Convergence reflects an ongoing commitment to growth - not just for the organization but also for its members, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact in Pulaski County.

 

Why Creativity and Culture Matter

The workshop highlighted the critical role arts and culture play in fostering economic growth and community vitality.

  • Rural counties with performing arts organizations experience population growth three times higher than those without. These counties also provide higher incomes for residents and recover more quickly from economic recessions (National Endowment for the Arts).
  • Neighborhoods with increased arts activities see improvements in housing, population growth and school test scores, as well as a decrease in crime (Knight Foundation).
  • Communities prioritizing quality-of-life investments see stronger population and job growth compared to those focused solely on business-friendly strategies.
  • Research from Ball State University revealed that “micropolitan” communities with high quality-of-life indicators attract more residents and experience higher employment growth.

Quality of life isn’t just a byproduct of economic success; it’s the foundation of it. People no longer follow jobs - they seek high-quality communities and bring opportunities with them. This shift aligns with PCT’s mission to foster collaboration and celebrate Pulaski County’s unique attributes.

 

Building on Inspiration

Creative Convergence underscored the transformative role of collaboration in driving meaningful change. Community collaboration is a cornerstone of PCT’s mission, and the workshop emphasized the importance of working alongside residents, organizations and local businesses to bring creative projects to life.

“This experience has strengthened our understanding of how the arts can bring communities together, create opportunities and shape a positive future for Pulaski County,” noted PCT leadership, underscoring their commitment to collaboration. “We look forward to sharing ideas and working alongside our community to shape projects that will inspire connection and growth.”

 

Looking Ahead

PCT has already demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the area through initiatives like the Hometown Holiday Celebration and public art projects. The Creative Convergence workshop reaffirmed the value of these efforts while inspiring new ideas for future initiatives.

While specific plans are still being developed, PCT is eager to channel the inspiration and knowledge gained into tangible actions. After absorbing these new insights, the organization looks forward to exploring fresh ways to connect and enhance the community experience.

“Armed with new ideas and inspiration, PCT is ready to take the next steps in turning creativity into action for Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

Pulaski County Tribe remains dedicated to its mission of strengthening community connections through collaboration and celebration. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.

 

Pulaski County Tribe is a non-profit organization in Pulaski County. The organization serves as a channel that brings together organizations, businesses and residents to positively impact communities in Pulaski County. You can learn more about PCT at www.pulaskicountytribe.com. To contact the organization, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  
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Local News Briefs

Pulaski Christmas Lights return for 35th year

PULASKI – The annual Pulaski Christmas Lights displays returns this year and will be lit from 5 to 11 p.m., nightly beginning Sunday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Jan. 1, for public viewing.

Returning favorites include lighted (and many animated) Santas, reindeer, angels, Nativity scenes, farm animals, storefronts, gingerbread persons, Christmas trees and the signature wreath arch. This year will also feature many updated and new light displays.

HVRM offers 'Santa Trains'

Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and into December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson.

Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.

CFoPC: Triple impact of #GivingTuesday gift in Pulaski County

Save the date! #GivingTuesday is Dec. 3, and The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) will once again spearhead the local observance of the day.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of celebrating generosity, created in 2012 for the purposes of fostering philanthropy, encouraging giving to important causes and celebrating the generosity of the community.

Chamber's Winter Wonderland Dec. 6

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22nd annual Winter Wonderland Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., in downtown Winamac.

The sixth annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” will welcome Santa at 7 p.m., Friday evening. The event will also feature craft and food vendors, horse-and-wagon rides, Christmas stories at the train depot and more.

PCPL announces November programs, activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for November. They include the annual “Our Heroes’ Tree,” a food drive, a recycling of old eyeglasses program, a Golden Experiences Art Exhibit, nature programs, and a Medicare 101 session.

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.

Funding opportunity available for substance misue projects through Pulaski County Drug-Free Council

Do you care about reducing substance misuse in our county? Do you have an idea that could prevent misuse or help people enter recovery? Do you need funding to make your idea a reality?

The Drug-Free Council is pleased to announce that approximately $27,000 is available in grant awards to address problems related to substance misuse in Pulaski County.

  

Indiana News

Harvest season draws to end across most of Indiana

EAST LANSING, MI – Winter preparations commenced as harvest season for many farmers throughout Indiana came to a close last week, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 61 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.6 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 0.66 inches, 0.03 inches below normal.

Thanksgiving dinner cost down slightly in Indiana

But still high relative to recent years

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 20) – Hoosiers gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner will find slight relief when it comes to purchasing ingredients, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. 

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows that Hoosier shoppers can expect to spend approximately 2% less at the grocery store compared to 2023. According to this year’s pricing survey, Hoosiers are paying an average of $53.31 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.33 per person.

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms receives $2.7 million to enhance education

FAIR OAKS (Nov. 12) – Seven Farm Credit System institutions have partnered with Indiana-based Lake States Dairy Center to enhance public knowledge and education of sustainable agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, CoBank, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Mid-America, Farm Credit Services of America and Greenstone Farm Credit Services will contribute a combined $2.7 million over the next five years to help the center showcase food safety, animal care, nutrition, environmental stewardship, employee care and community.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.6% in September

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6 percent in September, down from 3.8 percent in August, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Oct. 28). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's September unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.2 percent in August. The August 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August (seasonally adjusted), down fractionally from 4.2 percent in August. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Nov. 15: Serious respiratory illness low in U.S.; but RSV elevated

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Nov. 12 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 300 from Oct. 20 - Nov. 5, down two from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Nov. 3-9) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

Holidays can be hard

Ask for help if you need it

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration and connection with loved ones.

However, for many, it can also bring challenges such as stress, loneliness or heightened emotions. Stressful family dynamics, financial pressures, or even the societal expectation to feel cheerful can amplify existing struggles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are resources and individuals ready to help.

Plymouth Tube announces sale of Winamac plant

WARRENVILLE, IL (Nov. 6) – Plymouth Tube Company has completed the sale of its Winamac carbon and alloy seamless tube mill to an affiliate of Shadowbriar Capital Partners.

The Winamac plant will continue to operate as a stand-alone business named Crossroads Seamless USA.

PCT reps attend workshop, learn to ‘leverage arts, culture for community growth

WINAMAC (Nov. 25) - Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) recently took another step forward in advancing its mission to create a stronger, more connected community by joining nine other groups selected from a pool of 40 applicants to participate in the Creative Convergence workshop in Fishers (IN) Nov. 21-22.

Members Brandi Larkin, Diana Day, Don Darda, and Lynn Darda dedicated two full days to exploring how arts and culture can drive meaningful community impact.

Training, equipment enable county police to safely defuse potentially dangerous Nov. 19 domestic incident

Pulaski County police deputies arrested a Winamac man near midnight Tuesday (Nov. 19) on three felony charges, including domestic battery, following a meticulously planned and executed operation that resulted in a safe conclusion for all involved.

Arrested was Leonard Salyer, 30. The incident began when the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Knox Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute that originated in the Denham area of Pulaski County.

EPCS Board approves Secured School Grant

WINAMAC –  The Eastern Pulaski School Board discussed and approved a Secured School Grant the school corporation has received, during its Nov. 11 regular monthly meeting.

The matching grant for almost $39,500 will update the school campus key fob system, intercoms and camera system at doors to integrate with the school’s Verkada system.

West Central closes bond on construction projects

 FRANCESVILLE – The bond for the next round of construction projects at West Central Schools was closed Nov. 6, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe reported to the school board at its November meeting.

She added that bid drawings are due from architect firm Moake Park to construction manager Tecton by Nov. 18, and the bonds sent out to bid around Dec. 23.