Councilmember Judy Heater stated that the pool committee continues to seek funds through fundraisers. Donations from the Galbreath LLC and BraunAbility firms have already been received.

In other business, the council voted 3-1 to proceed with the process of drafting a park board ordinance to re-organized the park committee.

Town attorney Justin Schramm outlined the matter with the council, including current ordinances in place. Discussion was held, and the council indicated it would like additional information. 

Councilmember Dan Vanaman voted in opposition to drafting a new ordinance. Council member Jim Watkins was absent from the meeting.

 

Town Manager Brad Zeller’s report:

  • Long Branch Hotel has been torn down and hauled away. The county was not able to provide a truck for helping with the hauling. K. R. Denth Trucking, Inc. from Lynwood, Ill. hauled for a cost of $2,070. Approval to pay this invoice is needed, and the council voted its approva
  • The Iris-Elm Garden Club would like to plant wildflowers in some of the Long Branch Hotel area. The Council would like more information regarding the matter.
  • The committee for the Indiana Main Street program has begun working with OCRA to get the program started.  (Indiana Main Street encourages the revitalization and restoration of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns. The program provides technical assistance and educational opportunities to participating communities. Indiana Main Street is the state's coordinating program to the National Main Street Center.)
  • Cathy DeFries has asked for permission to have a shaved ice booth in the caboose.  Discussion was held regarding water and sewer services. Electric and water deposits will need to be taken. The council tabled the discussion until next month.

 

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger's report:

  • The list of uncashed and undeliverable checks was presented to the council. The council voted to approve the list.
  • Fire contracts were received from the following townships and need council approval:  Jefferson Township, Rich Grove Township, and Franklin Township. The council voted approval..
  • The Town received the aviation and 911 invoices from the county auditor’s office.  The aviation appropriation was over budget so $15,000 was paid from the general fund and the balance of $3,952.49 was paid from the Rainy Day Fund.

Department reports:

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan presented the statistical report for last month. He stated that with the weather being fairly good, his department had a quiet month. 

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported that the vac truck has been serviced; they helped the Water Department with three water line breaks; plowed snow; waxed all vehicles; helped with sand at the Long Branch Hotel; conducted lab work; and emptied the drying beds.

Water and Street superintendent Jeremy Beckner reported that his department has been fixing water leaks; continued to pick up brush; repaired potholes; and hauled sand for the Long Branch Hotel. He is going to begin testing large customer meters to make sure the readings are correct. All of the water meters have been replaced except for one which should be done this week.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter was not in attendance. His report was presented to the council by Zellers. The electric department replaced four small poles in Van Meter Park for a switch over; completed line clearance in Van Meter Park; replaced poles on CR 200 South and added down guy wire. The new truck should be ready in a couple of weeks. Everything has been put back in place from the fire at Jenkins;

Zellers asked the council, on behalf of park manager Dave DeLorenzo, to consider three  bids for the removal of trees in the park. The bids were: Heims Tree Service $3,875; Leroy’s tree Service $9,000; and Williams Tree Service & Stump Removal $8,650.  the council voted to accept Heims Tree Service’s bid.

 

Sgt. First Class David Tapia Jr. addressed the council regarding recruitment to the U. S. Army in Winamac. He reported he has been trying to engage students at the high school and is experiencing difficulties with the school guidance counselor and principal.  Councilmember Judy Heater suggested Sgt. Tapia speak with the school corporation’s superintendent directly. Sgt. Tapia also presented statistics with the U. S. Army.

Jim O’Donnell asked that the roadway in front of his house and to the alley south of him be looked at as water stands in that intersection. The Town will look into this issue.

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan stated that neither Medaryville, nor Francesville pay Pulaski County for 911 dispatch. Zellers will look into why Winamac pays.

Before the meeting, council president Kenneth McFarland asked that a moment of silence be taken as a tribute to the passing of recently retired councilmember Richard Denney.

 

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.