The 50-year-old community swimming pool was closed last year by the town council because it needed extensive and expensive repairs, or replacement. Owned by the town, summer operations of the pool had been contracted to the YMCA for its last 13 seasons.

The pool was constructed in 1963 and opened in 1964. Many local children learned to swim there, and thousands spent their summer days and evenings at the town pool over five decades. On hot summer days, the pool often averaged nearly 200 visitors. But subsequent town boards/councils apparently failed to maintain a fund for eventual major repairs and/or replacement of the pool.

Without the town pool, Winamac residents have no public swimming facility. Winamac Community High School has no swimming pool, but West Central High School on the west side of the county does.

In other business, John Bawcum and Dave Bennett met with the council to discuss the Winamac Parkway.  Construction has begun and is due to be completed within the month. This project encompasses elements of the "Safe Routes to School" program and also takes advantage of the Panhandle Pathway bike/hike trail.

Council members Tom Murray and Dan Vanaman expressed dislike for the curves in the Panhandle path, but it was explained the curves will provide space for amenities such as shelters, benches and gardens, and also that the grant awarded for the project required this.

Bennett asked the council for permission for the current Winamac Parkway committee to facilitate parkway events. The council voted to grant the Winamac Parkway Committee permission to continue their work on the parkway, keeping the town council informed of events and planning.

Also in other business, the council received two bids for the electric project west of town (a third firm declined to bid). Council members voted to accept the low bid from ISC (IMPA Service Company) of $104,950. A discussion followed regarding the bids ISC received for materials for the project.  The council voted to accept the bid from HD Supply.

Old Business

The lease with the YMCA was discussed. The council approved a motion for the town manager and town attorney to work with the YMCA regarding the lease for the triangle property.

New Business:

John Kocher, as a town citizen, asked the council if something can be done with the building on the southwest corner of Logan and Main streets.  After discussion, the council asked the town manager and town attorney to see what can be done about the building.

Council member Judy Heater asked the council for permission to block off part of Logan Street for the Spirit of Pulaski County Festival on Aug. 8.  The council gave its approval.

Council president Ken McFarland reported to the council that the annexation committee has been looking into property for the solar park.

Following a discussion on the monthly claims, the council voted to approved them.

Reports:

Chief of Police Mike Buchanan reported to the council that his department had over 180 calls last month.  There were several drug arrests. His department has been using the bicycle at night. Officer Pickens will begin the basic physical program at the academy on July 6.  On July 27, he will begin at the academy. Buchanan and park manager Rick Dilts have discussed possible closing of the restrooms at the park and if the council will approve. The police officer on duty will close the restrooms around 11 p.m. each night. The council gave its approval. 

Council member Judy Heater noted that during softball games, several people have commented that the police were not present in the park during the events. Buchanan replied that his department has not started overtime.  There have also been numerous calls and complaints at Rinehart Park.

Council member Richard Denney asked if anyone had reported a white van in town taking dogs. Buchanan said he had not heard of any reports.

Town manager Brad Zellers reported on the following town matters:

  • The smaller dog gate was added to the dog park.
  • The Sidewalk Program is underway and applications are being returned to the office.
  • As of now, the employee insurance will remain unchanged.
  • The 4-H Fair Parade is July 7, and the council gave permission to enter a vehicle from each department. The employees will have to donate their time to drive a vehicle.
  • Greenspace Winamac has two new members: Judy Heater and Don Darda.  Judy Poor has also said she would sit on the committee. Council member Judy Heater suggested asking Proscapes or Jerry Jones or a representative from either business be a part of the committee. It was also suggested asking the garden club for a representative.
  • Peggy Georgi with Indiana Municipal Electric Association (IMEA) sent a praising letter regarding Jake Berger and Brett Beach’s attendance at the IMEA Spring Conference. Council president McFarland requested that a copy of letter be placed in their personnel files.
  • In the board packets, a letter from the Pulaski County Community Foundation was provided for the Council’s information.
  • IMPA needs documents so the town manager can be the commissioner replacing council member Richard Denney.  The council voted to adopt Resolution # 1 of 2015: A Resolution Appointing a new commissioner to the Indiana Municipal Power Agency - with Denney abstaining from the vote.
  • Discussion was held regarding the name change from Winamac Greenspace to Greenspace Winamac.  The council voted to adopt Ordinance # 3 of 2015: An Ordinance to Change the Name of Winamac Greenspace.
  • The ordinance book was updated. The council voted to adopt Ordinance # 4 of 2015: An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Winamac, Indiana, and Declaring an Emergency, with the spelling correction of “peach” to “peace."

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported to the council that his department has been working on the West Winn project and is awaiting the boring crew. He worked with Jeff Heims to remove ash trees. He also looked at all the dead ash trees in the park and is coordinating removal of the trees with Heims.  The electric department has also worked on transformer work for Two Guys, line clearance, changed out poles, and started electrical work at the school. Shorter reported that there was very little storm damage.

Water and street superintendent Jeremy Beckner reported to the council that his department has put in two water taps, swept streets, continued pick-up of brush, continued mowing, graded and placed stone in alleys, flushed hydrants, and shut off water on Pearl Street and fixed the issue before the new sidewalks were installed. The department is currently painting the parking lines and curbing uptown. They will put in a tap for the school’s football field. The inspection for the inside of the elevated tank at the complex is scheduled for Aug. 4 with Dixon Engineering. Council president McFarland commented that the tank at the water plant needs to be painted also.

Town manager/wastewater superintendent Brad Zellers reported to the council that the first lagoon air lines have been replaced. Two employees have received their CDLs. The outside clarifier has been moved to inside and the state inspector will be at the wastewater plant this month.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger provided the council with information from the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District annual report. She reported that INPRS is beginning audits; so they may be in the office to audit the books. She also reported the daily cost for the State Board of Accounts to audit is now $175. 

 

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 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.

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

Indiana State Parks offer free admission May 4 for ‘Welcome Weekend’

INDIANAPOLIS - Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties Sunday, May 4, the second day of “Welcome Weekend” and the opening day of Visit Indiana Week.

Find an Indiana State Parks property and what’s new there at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you’ve never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips. 

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.  

 

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.

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

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. 

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.