Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park member Mike Schultz, secretary Cindy Schultz and vice president John Wheeler Sr. celebrate the announcement of a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Pulaski County to help upgrade the electrical and add a handicap accessible entrance to Tepicon Hall in Tippecanoe River State Park.

Leaders of the friends group announced the winning grant from the Community Foundation for Tepicon Hall just in time for Thanksgiving.

Such an achievement represents another quality collaboration. Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park. President Danny Kistler praised the project as "ambitious" and is grateful for the Community Foundation’s annual grant program.

“We’ve been waiting to see the Tepicon Hall project take shape for some time,” Kistler said. “The upgrade will improve this historic building, taking nothing away from its rich past, but ensuring that the building will still be a comfortable and accessible space for all people in future years.”

The news comes after Friends of Tippecanoe River’s recent Halloween raffle and other fundraisers.

The mission of Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park is to collaborate with Tippecanoe River State Park regarding conserving and enhancing the natural resources and facilities to enrich visitor experiences; educating the public about the park and park-related issues; natural and cultural interpretive activities that connect property visitors with park resources in a deeper way; historical preservation; enriching the lives of members through this unique service experience within the mission, goals and staffing levels of Tippecanoe River State Park.

Upgrading the electrical infrastructure, adding ceiling fans and the addition of a handicap accessible entrance will effectively support this mission.

Board vice president John Wheeler Sr. said, “This project has been a big endeavor for the group. The scope of the project is bigger than anything we’ve taken on in the past. It’s quite an exciting time for the group to see such big strides being made with the addition of this grant.”

We hope that the Tepicon Hall upgrade will also receive a thumbs up from the Pulaski County community, as we plan to host an open house to celebrate when construction is complete.

 

About Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park:

Founded in 2012, Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that supports Tippecanoe River State Park in Winamac, Indiana, with conservation activities, education, recreation and historic preservation and promotes the activities of Tippecanoe River State Park.

 

About Community Foundation of Pulaski County.

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County encourages the growth of endowed funds to serve and enrich our community today and tomorrow. It is committed to improving quality of life by funding community projects, stewarding endowed funds for the future, and fostering philanthropy in Pulaski County.  Currently the Community Foundation holds 100 different funds that benefit worthy charities or charitable causes in Pulaski County. For more information, please visit www.cfopc.org or call 574.946.0906.

  
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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 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.