HONOR ROLL AWARDS

High Honor Roll: Marissa Bailey, Jordan Culp, Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Evan Kruger, Veronica Leman, Kirby Neihouser, Alyssa Parish, Alisha Tanner, Bryce Tanner.

Honor Roll: Emily Brick, Matt Burge, Jalia Danford, Rusty Disinger, Spencer Dobson, Tricia Geyer, Sarah Hammonds, Joe Hintz, Keelin Isch, Ashley King, Justine Kruger, Sean Pelsy, Dillan Rehn, Daril Richie, Shelbi Shidler, Zoe Viktora.

 

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS
Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger, Kyle Hayslett, Kirby Neihouser.
Perfect Attendance Special Recognition: Kyle Hayslett (4 Years); Clayton Grieger (Elem/MS/HS).

 

DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS

Athletic: 4 Year Awards - Marissa Bailey, Matt Burge, Kelsey Coggins, Ty Conley, Jordan Culp, Rusty Disinger, Spencer Dobson, Cortney Feuquay, Joelyn Flotow, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Evan Kruger, Justine Kruger, Dylan Laposi, Veronica Leman, Steven Masters, Evan Neihouser, Dillan Rehn, Alisha Tanner, Bryce Tanner, Troy Wireman.

Business: Outstanding Business Student - Shelbi Shidler.

Computer: Outstanding Computer Student - Shelbi Shidler.

English: Senior English Award - Laura Dewlen.

Life Skills Outstanding Peer Tutors: Ty Conley, Marissa Hamilton, Ashley King, Jenna Wagner.

Life Skills Students of the Year: Alyssa Alexander, Branden Conley, Joey Kottka.

Math: Senior Calculus Award - Marissa Bailey.

Physics: “Achievement in Physics” -Evan Neihouser, Kirby Neihouser, Troy Wireman.

Anatomy/Physiology: Emily Brick, Marissa Hamilton, Keelin Isch, Veronica Leman.

National Honor Society Members: Marissa Bailey, Jordan Culp, Jalia Danford, Laura Dewlen, Spencer Dobson, Clayton Grieger, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Keelin Isch, Evan Kruger, Justine Kruger, Veronica Leman, Evan Neihouser, Kirby Neihouser, Alyssa Parish, Shelbi Shidler, Alisha Tanner, Bryce Tanner, Zoe Viktora.

 

DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

Academic Honors Diplomas: Marissa Bailey, Ty Conley, Jordan Culp, Jalia Danford, Laura Dewlen, Spencer Dobson, Clayton Grieger, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Sarah Hammonds, Keelin Isch, Evan Kruger, Justine Kruger, Veronica Leman, Evan Neihouser, Alyssa Parish, Shelbi Shidler, Alisha Tanner, Zoe Viktora.

Technical Honors Diplomas: Sean Pelsy, Bryce Tanner.

D.A.R. Good Citizen Award: Marissa Bailey.

USMC Awards: Scholastic Excellence - Marissa Hamilton/Evan Kruger.

US Army Scholar/Athletes: Jordan Culp/Alisha Tanner.

Boys’ State: Jordan Culp/Clayton Grieger.

Girls’ State: Zoe Viktora.

Academic All-Star: Marissa Bailey.

President’s Education Awards: Marissa Bailey, Jordan Culp, Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Evan Kruger, Veronica Leman, Evan Neihouser, Alyssa Parish.

Senior Leadership Award: Jordan Culp.

Principal’s Leadership Award: Laura Dewlen.

Salutatorian: Laura Dewlen.

Valedictorian: Marissa Bailey.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Health Careers Scholarship: Kirk Huber
West Central Athletic Scholarships: Jordan Culp, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Evan Kruger, Justine Kruger, Alisha Tanner.
Pulaski Foundation Carneal Scholarship: Keelin Isch
Giving Back Scholarship: Evan Kruger
Jim Dobson Scholarship: Kyle Hayslett
Alliance Bank Scholarship: Evan Kruger
Koster Family Scholarships: Marissa Bailey, Jordan Culp, Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger, Lexi Gudeman, Marissa Hamilton, Evan Kruger, Veronica Leman, Shelbi Shidler, Alisha Tanner.
Barbara J. Drone Scholarship: Zoe Viktora
Buczek Family Scholarship: Kirby Neihouser
North Central Co-Op Scholarship: Jordan Culp
West Central National Honor Society Scholarships: Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger
West Central Student Council Scholarship: Evan Kruger
West Central FFA Scholarships: Laura Dewlen, Tricia Geyer, Colby Rodehan, Zoe Viktora
Deb Haring Memorial Scholarship: Zoe Viktora
West Central Life Skills “Class Act” Scholarship: Ty Conley
Francesville Legion Auxiliary Scholarship: Justine Kruger
Retired Iron Workers Scholarship: Kirby Neihouser
Carroll/White REMC: Justine Kruger
IVY Tech Valedictorian Scholarship: Marissa Bailey              
Wabash College Scholarships: Jordan Culp
Francesville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship: Keelin Isch
Mike Rishel Memorial Scholarship: Clayton Grieger
Pulaski County Power From the Past Scholarship: Evan Kruger
Brandon Carlson Memorial Scholarship: Alisha Tanner
Reece/Sharron McGee Scholarship: Justine Kruger
Mellon Family Scholarship: Veronica Leman
Pulaski County Soil/Water Scholarship: Dillan Rehn
Anderson Family Scholarships: Ty Conley, Evan Neihouser, Alisha Tanner
Ralph Harris Memorial Scholarship: Lexi Gudeman
Lerch Family Scholarship: Marissa Hamilton
Fulmer Seeds/Service Scholarship: Dillan Rehn
Martha Timm Memorial Scholarship: Laura Dewlen
Dickinson Family Scholarship: Spencer Dobson
Francesville-Salem Township Library Petra Scholarship: Zoe Viktora
Overmyer Family Scholarship: Emily Brick, Alyssa Parish
Jeff Moncel/Phil Pixey Memorial Scholarship: Spencer Dobson
Jeanette Moncel Memorial Scholarship: Jalia Danford
Dr. Mike Gutwein Memorial Scholarship: Kirby Neihouser
Postmasters Scholarship: Clayton Grieger
William J. Hubbard Memorial Scholarship: Marissa Bailey
Angie Huber Memorial Scholarship: Sarah Hammonds
The Patio Drive In Scholarships: Laura Dewlen, Clayton Grieger
Betty Rebeck Memorial Scholarship: Laura Dewlen
Freshour Scholarships: Jordan Culp, Sean Pelsy, Shelbi Shidler, Zoe Viktora
Saint Joseph’s College Dean’s Scholarship: Shelbi Shidler
Francesville Lions Club Scholarship: Alyssa Parish
Dale/Ann Ward Scholarship: Bryce Tanner
Getz Family Scholarship: Sean Pelsy
West Central Scholarships: Ty Conley, Joelyn Flotow, Tricia Geyer, Sarah Hammonds, Keelin Isch, Ashley King, Justine Kruger, Kirby Neihouser, Colby Rodehan, Kasey Williams.

  
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Local News Briefs

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.

PCT invites photographers to capture spirit of county in photo contest

Participate, share perspective on county

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

  

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.