The event was made possible through the generous support of the Indiana Arts Commission and the Tippecanoe Arts Federation - allowing the Pulaski County Community to celebrate the talents of local students and community members.

The visual arts shared the stage with the performing arts this year as well. The Eastern Pulaski ExPrEsS Choir, celebrating its 25th year, gave a rousing concert. A special recital performance by “Miss Emily’s Ballerinas,” a part of the Home School Gym program, treated the crowd to four pieces, which concluded with a beautiful solo performance by Emma Todd.

The Noah Ginex Puppet Company gave two comedic puppetry performances, as well as providing entertainment as “wandering minstrels” – or “monsters” if you will.

Closing the show with a rockin’ performance was the Pulaski County Extension Chords. For those who missed this witty, funny and talented choral performance, you can catch their upcoming performance at 7 p.m., May 3 – tickets available through the Purdue Extension Office.

The art exhibition and contest had over 100 entries from young artists who submitted pieces from Eastern Pulaski Elementary, Winamac Community Middle and High Schools, Caston Elementary School, West Central Elementary and High Schools, and a local home school group. Award winners were:

 

Grades K-2 Painting

1st     Adian Smith – Eastern Pulaski

2nd     Megan Fred – Caston

3rd    Megan Fred – Caston

 

Grades K-2 Drawing

1st     Drake Fritz – West Central

2nd     Elizabeth Weiss – Eastern Pulaski

3rd    Aiden Smith – Eastern Pulaski

 

Grades K-2 Mixed Media

   1st     Garner Moon – West Central

   2nd     Hayden Fritz – West Central

   3rd     Kailee Bishop – West Central

 

Grades 3-5 Drawing

   1st     Brayden Heater – Eastern Pulaski

   2nd     Heather Rak – Eastern Pulaski

   3rd     Kelsey Conner – Eastern Pulaski

 

Grades 3-5 Mixed Media

   1st     Abbey Clemmons – West Central

   2nd     Wendy Salazar – West Central

   3rd      Daniel Waller – West Central

 

Grades 6-8 Drawing

   1st     Caleb Todd – Home School

   2nd     Adrianna Smith – Eastern Pulaski

 

Grades 6-8 Photography

   1st     Zane Kroft – West Central

   2nd     Angel Earles – Eastern Pulaski

 

Grades 6-8 Mixed Media

   1st     Zane Jenkins – Eastern Pulaski

   2nd     Mariah Collins – Eastern Pulaski

   3rd      Mariah Collins – Eastern Pulaski

 

High School Painting

   1st     Brooke [Last name unknown] – West Central

   2nd    Cari Fairchild – West Central

   3rd     Mackenzie Pfledderer – West Central

 

High School Drawing

   1st     Dakota Rogers – Eastern Pulaski

   2nd     Cathleen O’Brien – Eastern Pulaski

   3rd     Lilly Neunschwader – Eastern Pulaski

   Honorable Mention: Becca Semradt – West Central

   Honorable Mention: Dakota Rogers – Eastern Pulaski

 

High School Best of Show: Dakota Rogers – Eastern Pulaski

Elementary School Best of Show: Abbey Clemons – West Central

 

“Art on the Spot” consisted of several tables where participants could create and take home original pieces of art. Between puppet building, tile painting, clay creations, face painting, monster creation and more creatively fun items, organizers gave the TV show “Colorsplash” a run for its money! Great art was created and enjoyed by all.

All this would not have been possible without assistance from volunteers! Psi Iota Xi would like to thank Tom Barry, Caitlin Barry, Dave Bennett, Bunny Decker and The Church of the Heartland for all their hard work setting up, tearing down, supervising and keeping the sound system running. Thanks to Venture Crew #2229 for providing sustenance to keep everyone’s energy up.

Finally, Psi Iota Xi gives special thanks to all of its generous donors:

Art Gallery Sponsors: Kewanna Metal Specialties, Inc., S & D’s Market, Inc., Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Art Table Underwriters: Galbreath, Winamac Coil Spring, Town & Country Women.

Event Underwriters: Braun Corporation, Goble Heal Chiropractic, P.C., Keller Advisory Group, Inc., Marita Grisel, CPA, Murphy Law Office, Pond View Golf Course, Bennett Insurance Agency.

Additional Support: Alliance Bank, Beauty Break, The First National Bank of Monterey, Frain Mortuary.

 

About Psi Iota Xi

Psi Iota Xi was originally founded in 1897 in Muncie, Indiana. Our mission is to further charitable enterprises; study the best art, literature, and music; develop ourselves socially, morally and intellectually; and ask for God’s help to advance in these fields of endeavor. The Winamac Chapter was established in 1996.

  
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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.

Pulaski County America 250 committee to meet April 28

The Pulaski County America 250 Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Monday (April 28) at the new Pulaski County Historical Society Museum, 110 N. Monticello St., Winamac.

All who are interested in helping to develop county plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary beginning this summer through 2026 is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

 

Pulaski County unemployment rate up slightly at 4.3 percent in February

Pulaski County's unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3 percent in February, up from 4.2 percent in January, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (March 31). The rate was 3.8 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,535 employed persons in a labor force of 6,831 in February. In January those numbers were 6,507 of 6,793. A year ago the numbers were 6,381 of 6.645.

 

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.