Chamber president Aaron Paulsen presented the Halleck Award to Charles McKinley as his wife Joyce and Dan Frain looked on.

Those attending the banquet were welcomed by Chamber president Aaron Paulsen. Members from Boy Scout Troop No. 229 and Girl Scout Troop No. 47609 performed the flag presentation, and the invocation was given by Pastor Jeff Seger of the First Christian Church, Winamac. A dinner followed.

Dan Frain of Winamac recognized past award honorees. Lois McKinley introduced her brother as the recipient of this year's Halleck Award. After receiving the award, McKinley shared some life stories, particularly about his experiences in community service.

McKinley is retired from the family monument business acquired by his grandfather in 1895. Charles joined his father in the firm in 1955 and bought the business in 1969. He was a 40-year member of the Winamac Rotary Club and current member of the Winamac Kiwanis Club. He served in the U.S. Army with the engineering corps in Korea and has been active with the American Legion and V.F.W. He served two terms on the Winamac Town Council and has been active in the First Christian Church. He has been a member and office hold in the Masons and Eastern Star. He followed his father's footsteps as a member of the Winamac Conservation Club.

McKinley and his wife Joyce, who will be married 50 years this autumn, have six children.

 

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 recipient was Daniel Murphy.

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.

 

Previous Halleck Award Recipients

Previous 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 - Daniel P. Murphy

 

 

  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

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.

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 activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

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

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

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.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles out break in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

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.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

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.