Murphy, longtime Winamac attorney and current Pulaski County Prosecutor, was the 35th recipient of the Halleck Award. He has been involved in many organizations throughout the county. He is known for his commitment to Boy and Girl Scouts, St. Peter's Church, Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and Pulaski County Human Services. He is a U.S. Army veteran.

Dan Murphy of Winamac was presented with the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce's 2017 Halleck Community Service Award Saturday evening at the Chamber's annual meeting/awards dinner. With him are wife Linda (left) and Chamber president Judy Heater.

Chamber president Judy Heater presented the award. State Rep. Douglas Gutwein, who has worked with Murphy in the past, also presented him a special recognition from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.

In accepting the award, Murphy noted that winning such an award is not a goal, but the result of looking around and seeing those - especially children - who need help and working with others to meet that need.

"This service has been a pleasure, working with kids and watching them experience things they've never had an opportunity to do before," he remarked in reference to his work with scouting.

Murphy noted that he and his wife moved to Winamac in 1982. "We were looking for a good place to raise a family. We found it."

 

About the Halleck Award

The Halleck award was first presented by the Chamber in 1979 to its namesake, the late Dr. Harold J. Halleck. Last year's recipients were Charles and Darlene Mellon.

The Chamber notes that every town, every city is blessed with a handful of individuals who selflessly donate their time, energy, and hard work to make their community a better place for everyone to live. Such individuals often give this time and energy for years without the gratitude and recognition they deserve. 

In order to recognize such outstanding individuals, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce awards the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award to one deserving individual each year.

Criteria for the Halleck Award are as follows:

The award recipient must be a resident of Pulaski County.

The recipient should have an identifiable and successful record of service to the community in a variety of public service endeavors.

The recipient may be male or female of any adult age.

The recipient need not be retired.

Posthumous awards are not given.

 

Halleck Award Recipients

Halleck Award recipients are:

1979 - Harold J. Halleck, M.D.

1980 - John Herbert Hoch

1981 - Fred Russell

1982 - Richard Dodd

1983 - James A. Freeman

1984 - Charles Byfield

1985 - R. Marshall Fritz

1986 - Janet Gorrell Meyer

1987 - Martin T. Barco

1988 - William R. Thompson

1989 - William A. Russell

(award moved from autumn to spring)

1991 - Paul Riggs

1992 - Daniel Frain

1993 - Don & Dee Galbreath

1994 - Hank Kopkey

1995 - Thomas P. Shank

1996 - Bob Goble

1997 - Brooks Roudebush

1998 - Bill Sheppherd

1999 - Rita Mrozinski

2003 - Lawrence & Elaine Parish

2004 - Christine Smith

2005 - Alladean Clouser

2006 - Wayne & Mary Lou Bonnell

2007 - Don Good

2008 - Jay Kopkey

2009 - Judy Heater

2010 - Steve & Lin Morrison

2011 - Michael Shurn

2012- Tom Murray Sr.

2013 - David W. Barr

2014 - Jackie Frain

2015 - Judy Stinemetz

2016 - Charles & Darlene Mellon

2017 - Danield P. Murphy

 

 

Local News Briefs

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours May 7 in Medaryville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County May 7, in Medaryville.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in May to assist constituents with casework questions.

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.

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

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. 

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546. 

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.

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

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

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. 

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.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.

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