Winamac Community commencement exercises Friday, May 25

 WINAMAC - Commencement exercises at Winamac Community High School will be at 7 p.m., Friday (May 25), in the school gymnasium. The program will include the tradition of awarding several community scholarships.

The Class of 2012 numbers 93 seniors, and will be led down the aisle by valedictorian Jordan Morning and salutatorian Tyler Abbott.

Winamac seniors no longer select a class motto, colors or flowers.

Winamac Community High School Class of 2012

Tyler Dean Abbott+*
Tyler Lyn Allman
Katy Lee Anspach+*
Danielle Marie Avila
Danyell Nicole Bailey+*
Billy Benn
Bobby Joe Benn
Alec Richard Berger
Katelyn Reee Bierrum+*
Ariel Emily Blount+
Amber Rae Brooke
Michael Christopher Brown
Thomas Edward Bryant
Jonah D. Christensen+*
Travis Lee Clifford
Jessica Renae Cook
Trevor Dale Courtney
Alexis Marie Craft+*
Natasha Nicole Daugherty*
Alishia Marie Davis+
Baleigh Renae Dickson
Courtney Jo Dix+*
Elizabeth Ivory Eldridge
Tadeusz Stephan Fiolek III
Jessica Rene' Fox
Victoria Lane Gardner+*
Jared Parker Garey+
Alyssa Christine Garnett+*
Caitlynn Ann Gourley
Felicia Marie Gradowski+*
Dalton James Grandstaff
Alexander Steven Gudas+*
Michelle Rayanne Gudas+*
Cassandra Michelle Hanson
Kristy Marie Haunn+*
Paul Taylor Hettinger+*
Jacob Andrew Hines
Robert J. Hoffmann
Wesley Brandon Hurlburt
Andrew Isajczuk
Samantha S. Johnston
Connor Michael Kasten+*
Becca Ann Keiser
Alan Michael Kestle
ErinTaylor Knorr
Abigail Marie Koepkey
Dustin R. Kough
Kristina Caye Krohn+
Robert Kyle Krohn+*
Jason Daniel Martin
Shawn Michael Matthews
Clint David Maxwell
Michael Evan Maxwell
Ryan Stanley McFarlin
Stefanie Taylor McGovern
Bryan Steven McKinney
Andrew Shawn Miller
Jake Allen Minnick
Brennon Donald Morning*
Jordan Troy Morning+*
Victoria Lyn Morrison*
Nathan James Nava
Rose Newman
Chelsea Rose Newman
Dalton Shane Overmyer
Morgan Abigail Parish
Ridge Jacob Parks+*
Hillary Michelle Parlett
Brandi Elizabeth Partin
Cameron Lee Patrick
Spencer David Penicaro
Alicia Marie Puckett
Sarah Kathleen Annabelle Redweik
Teah Renee Tisha Rushing+*
Jeff Eugene Saltsman
Katherine Lee Sayer
Caleb Andrew Schmicker+*
Ashley Reann Schwartz
Geneva N. Shidler
Jamie Lauren Shorter
Trent A. Shorter
Dylan J. Spence
Rusty Steele
Aaron Robert Stepp
Katie Marie Sullivan
Benjamin Scott Taylor+*
Rachel Nicole Tetzloff+*
Blake Andrew Tolson
Jesse Lee Warner+
Jenna Michelle Wicker+*
Kyle James Widner
Payton Joseph Windsor
Joseph Lee Wolfe
 + Denotes Academic Honors Diploma
* Denotes National Honor Society
 

 

West Central commencement exercises Sunday, May 27

FRANCESVILLE - The 44th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School will be at 2 p.m., Sunday (May 27), in the school gymnasium. The program will begin with a baccalaureate service with the address given by Tom Dewlen, followed by the graduation program.

Fifty-nine seniors will receive diplomas. Commencement addresses will be given by valedictorian Marissa Bailey and salutatorian Laura Dewlen.

CLASS MOTTO: 

“You have brains in your head. 
You have feet in your shoes.   
You can steer yourself any direction you choose. 
You’re on your own and you know what you know. 
YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go … ”   - Dr. Seuss 
                                   
CLASS FLOWER: Cream Lily
CLASS COLORS:  Cardinal/Black

  

West Central High School Class of 2012

David Tyler Abrams
Alyssa Mae Alexander
Marissa Anne Bailey # + *
Brent Adam Benesh
Emily Jo Brick
Matthew Robert Burge
Kelsey Renee Coggins
Branden Michael Conley
Ty Gregory Conley #
Zephaniah John Conley
Cinthia Alejandra Coss
Jordan Hunter Culp # + *
Jalia Maria Danford # *
Cody Lee Daniel
Carl Dewight DePoy
Laura Elizabeth Dewlen # *+
Russell James Disinger
Spencer Michael Dobson # *
Cortney Lynn Feuquay
Joelyn Rose Flotow
Jenjer Suralta Gella
Tricia Ann Geyer
Carlos Gregorio Gonzalez
Clayton Lee Grieger # + *
Alexandria Nicole Gudeman # + *
Marissa Ashley Hamilton # + *
Sarah Mariah Hammonds #
Kyle Douglas Hayslett
Joseph Allen Hintz
Krystal Lynn Hoagland
Keelin Mary Isch # *
Ashley Elizabeth King
Cody Stephen Klask
Joseph Alexander Kottka
Evan Lucas Kruger # + *
Justine Breanne Kruger # *
Dylan Kylor Laposi
Veronica Ann Leman # + *
Steven Wayne Masters
Trenton Michael Mullet
Evan Pierre Neihouser # + *
Kirby Morgan Neihouser *
Tylor Allen Pack
Alyssa Nicole Parish # + *
Sean Christopher Pelsy ~
Dillan Wayne Rehn
Andrew Christopher Rhymer
Daril Amos Richie
Colby Douglas Rodehan
Caira Lee Salyers
Kaylie Lynn Sampson
Shelbi Lyn Shidler # *
Alisha Nicole Tanner # *
Bryce Allen Tanner ~ *
Zoe Brienne Viktora # *
Jenna Lee Wagner
Kasey Lynn Williams
Brady Lee Wireman
Troy Eugene Wireman
 

 * National Honor Society
# Academic Honors Diploma
~ Technical Honors Diploma
+ President’s Education Award

 

 

Culver Community commencement exercises Friday, June 1

CULVER - The Class of 2012 at Culver Community High School will hold its commencement exercises at 7 p.m., Friday, June 1, in the school gymnasium.

CLASS MOTTO: 

Our Past is behind us... ... Our future is ahead of us... ... But our memories are forever with us. 
                                   
CLASS FLOWER: Gerbera Daisy

CLASS COLORS:  Black and White

  

Pulaski County Seniors in Culver Community High School Class of 2012

Allen Biggers
Alyssa Binion
Chloe Broeker
Kyle Garland
Jimmy Gonzalez
Savanna Greene
 Chelsey Jones *
Blanca Jurado #
Virginia Lesher
Anthony McHugh
Kacie Smith
Amanda Steele

 * National Honor Society
# Academic Honors Diploma
 

 

North Judson San Pierre commencement exercises Sunday, June 3

NORTH JUDSON  - Graduation ceremonies at North Judson-San Pierre High School will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 3, in the school gymnasium.

CLASS MOTTO: 

Once a Bluejay, always a Bluejay 
                                   
CLASS FLOWER: Royal Blue Gerber Daisy

CLASS COLORS:  Royal Blue and Old Gold

 

Pulaski County Seniors in NJSP High School Class of 2012

Staci Allen ~ +
Alexandrea Bailey ~
Crystal Davis ~
Kendall Hochstedler ~ #
Mikalah Lambert ~
Christopher Lippelt ~ # * Salutatorian
Amanda Miller
Sierra Rater ~
Dalton Richie
Leonard Salyer
Brandi Sutphin ~
Dillion Trusty
Nad Vella
Shantell Vierke
Howard Webber
Paul Wireman

 * National Honor Society
# Academic Honors Diploma
~ Core 40 
+ Technical Honors

 

  
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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.