A carry-in dinner preceded the awards ceremony. All members of band, guard, choir and drama were honored with certificates of participation and letters, graduation numberals and chevrons for varying years of participation. Awards for student achievement were presented by teachers Patrick Schuttrow and Micah Combs.

The Tyler Roth memorial award for oustanding achievement in drama was presented to Caleb Schmicker. The Jennifer Spurgeon memorial band award was presented to Paul Hettinger.

Other awards were presented as follows:

Outstanding Band Awards (Small Plaque):

9th Grade = Clark Gudas
10th Grade = Joshua Gilman
11th Grade = Andrew Brandon
12th Grade = Tyler Abbott
 
Outstanding Guard Award (Small Plaque): Danyell Bailey
 
Outstanding Choir Awards (Small Plaque):

9th Grade = Joshua Tankersley
10th Grade = J.T. Garnett
11th Grade = Nicole Johnston
12th Grade = Katherine Sayer
 
Caption Choral Awards  (Certificate):

Mental Attitude= Emerald Blankenship
Most Improved Male = Jeremy Bentle
Most Improved Female = Morgan Parish
Outstanding Section Leadership (Male) = Tyler Abbott
Outstanding Section Leadership (Female) = Jessica Fox
Outstanding Citizenship for the National Anthem = Ridge Parks, Tyler Abbott, Jared Garey, Ralph Thomas, J.T. Garnett, Jordan Morning, Caleb Schmicker, Joshua Tankersley, Chris Moreland (Men's Ensemble)
 
Caption Band Awards (Certificate):

Mental Attitude Male=Jared Garey
Mental Attitude Female=Tori Gardner
Oustanding Leadership Male=Andrew Brandon
Oustanding Leadership Female=Katie Budd
Most Improved Male=Clint Maxwell/Jonah Christiansen
Most Improved Female=Kristy Haunn
 
Outstanding Drama Awards (Small Plaque):

9th Grade = Joshua Tankersley
10th Grade = Zach Markley
11th Grade = Ralph Thomas
12th Grade = Ben Taylor
 
Band Leadership Award (Pen and Pencil Set): Danyell Bailey

This award is presented to a student who is selected by fellow Band members as an exemplary student.  The recipient displays firm musical knowledge, willingness to volunteer, provide leadership and assistance and seeks out independent musical performance opportunities.
 
Arion Award for Choir (Pen and Pencil Set): Caleb Schmicker

This award is presented to a student who is selected by fellow Choir  members as an exemplary student.  The recipient displays firm musical knowledge, willingness to volunteer, provide leadership and assistance and seeks out independent musical performance opportunities.

 

Patrick S. Gilmore Award for Band (Plaque): Andrew Brandon
 
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (Certificate and Statuette): Tyler Abbott

This award is presented to an outstanding Jazz Band member who displays enthusiasm, leadership and dedication in Jazz Band.  The recipient also displays qualified skills in improvisation and advanced Jazz techniques.
 
Director's Award for Band  (Plaque): Amber Thompson

This award is presented in recognition of a student's overall positive influence on the Band Department and outstanding display of talent.  The recipient must exhibit a hard work ethic as well as an interest in furthering their musical education.
  
Director's Award for Choir (Plaque): Jordan Morning

This award is presented in recognition of a student's overall positive influence on the Choral Department and outstanding display of talent.  The recipient must exhibit a hard work ethic as well as an interest in furthering their musical education.
 
Frederic Chopin Piano Award (Certificate): Jared Garey

This award is presented in recognition of a student's ability and competency as a piano performer and accompanist for the choral department.  The recipient must exhibit an exemplary work ethic and display an interest in furthering their musical education.

National School Choral Award (Certificate and Statuette): Ridge Parks

This award is presented to a four-year choral member in recognition of outstanding talent, enthusiasm and leadership.  The recipient displays excellent practice skills and an exemplary attitude.  The recipient is self-motivated to achieve only the highest musical standards.
 
John Philip Sousa Band Award (Certificate and Statuette): Tyler Abbott

This award is presented to a four-year band  member in recognition of outstanding talent, enthusiasm and leadership.  The recipient displays excellent practice skills and an exemplary attitude.  The recipient is self-motivated to achieve only the highest musical standards.
 
Drama “Oscar” Awards (Statuette):

Outstanding Musical Performance=  Ridge Parks
Best Actor in a Supporting Role = J.T. Garnett
Best Actress = Nicole Johnston
Best Actor = Tyler Abbott
 
Drama Caption Awards  (Medals/Certificates):

*Outstanding Technical Achievement = Zach Markley
*Director's Award for Outstanding Achievement = Jordan Morning
Excellence in Stage Management = Rachel Tetzloff, Brennon Morning
Excellence in Choreography = Katy Sayer, Emerald Blankenship, Ralph Thomas
*Outstanding Achievement in Leadership = Caleb Schmicker
*Outstanding Character Role = Ben Taylor
Mental Attitude = Ralph Thomas
*Denotes Medal
 
Jennifer Spurgeon Memorial Band Award (Plaque): Paul Hettinger
 
The Tyler William Roth Award for Outstanding Excellence and Achievement in Drama:  Caleb Schmicker

This award, dedicated in 2002, was established to honor the inspirational life of Tyler W. Roth and his profound contributions to the Winamac High School Drama Department. It is presented to a Senior student who exemplifies only the highest qualities of integrity, responsibility, talent, excellence and achievement.  The recipient must have upheld all the high standards set and achieved by Tyler W. Roth.

(Roth's motto):  “I live my life to the best of my ability, each and every day, no matter what!”

  
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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.

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.”

HB1144 sparks concerns Pulaski County may lose its superior court

Update: Bill advances in state senate

The Indiana Senate voted 33-16 Tuesday (April 15) to advance legislation that would abolish 11 trial courts in mostly rural counties, including the Superior Court in Pulaski County. House Bill 1144 now returns to the House chamber for further consideration.

Among the state senators who voted in favor of the bill was Pulaski County’s representative in the upper chamber Ed Charbonneau.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

 

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.