Work on the county home roof began in October and lasted about a month. The Friends of Pleasant View hired BB Carpentry of Winamac in February, after receiving sealed bids from three local contractors. BB Carpentry was awarded the contract with the lowest bid.

Initially, the Friends had hoped to begin roofing last spring, according to Baker, but not all of the funding had been secured. “By summer, we had raised over half of the amount,” he said, adding that time was running out as the roof had begun leaking by that point. “We needed to replace the roof as soon as possible, but we only had the funds to do half.”

Baker met with Pulaski County commissioners and council members several times to discuss the project. “Before we ever started roofing, we got approval from the commissioners and council,” he said, adding that he explained to county officials that the group only had enough funds to reroof half of the building.

“It just made sense to replace the whole roof at one time, rather than do half now and the other half later,” said Baker. “The commissioners agreed to do the entire roof at once and the council agreed to help with the expense.”

According to Baker, the final cost of the project was under the estimated bid, leaving the county to contribute less than $7,000 of the near $20,000 expense.

“I’m glad the Friends and county officials were able to work together on this project,” said Baker. “The roof was in need of repair and we were able to do it while saving the county thousands of dollars.”

Baker said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s support.

“We began raising money for this project about a year ago, holding several fundraisers and dinners,” he said. “So many people donated to this project, including a number of individuals as well as local organizations.” The Knights of Columbus, Eagles, VFW, Northern Indiana Power from the Past, Fulton/
Pulaski Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and area churches were among those who donated to the project. In addition, the Friends also received grant money from Kankakee Valley and Jasper County REMCs.

Barn Project next

Now that the roof project is complete, the Friends of Pleasant View is turning its attention to the barn on the property. Earlier this year, commissioners had discussed tearing down the barn due to disrepair and lack of money in the budget to make those repairs. The Friends organization would like to save the barn from demolition as it is a historic feature of the property.

“The county home itself is 130 years old and the barn has been a part of the property for many years,” said Baker. “We don’t want to see it torn down, and I don’t think the public wants it torn down either.”

According to Baker, the barn is in need of some repairs, but appears to be structurally sturdy. He said the Friends of Pleasant View is in the process of raising funds now to make repairs to the barn. “We just hope county officials will give us a chance to repair the barn rather than tear it down.”

The Friends of Pleasant View, a nonprofit organization, was formed in 2009 by a group of citizens to save the county home from closing. Since then, the group has assisted the county home and residents with food, supplies and repairs. In addition to the roof, the group funded the installation of a wheelchair ramp at the home and purchased a television for the residents.

Members meet on the fourth Monday of the month at the county home. Meetings are open to the public.

Article submitted by Friends of Pleasant View