Council president Tom Murray asked for a motion to support, or not support the pool project. Council member Jim Watkins asked how much money has been raised for the project so far. Heater responded that the Town has pledged $150,000, other donations total $140,000, plus $10,000 is designated for a maintenance fund. If the park board could apply for and receive a $200,000 grant, a total of $500,000 would be available to build the pool. Murray asked how the town was going to maintain the pool. Heater said the pool committee will continue to fund raise.

Vanaman made a motion to back a pool. Heater seconded the motion. The motion failed on a 3-2 vote. Council member Alvin Parish said he was not opposed to the pool, but stated he doesn’t think the town can afford the pool at this time. His concern is that the committee will not be able to raise enough funds for the operation of the pool. Parish then made a motion that the council withdraw any support of the pool at this time. The motion passed with a 3-2 vote.

In other business, town manager Brad Zellers spoke to the council regarding vacating an alley behind Frain Mortuary, as requested by Jon Frain. Following discussion, the council voted to vacate the alley.

 

Town Manager's report

Zellers also reported on the following:

  • Ordinance No. 3 of 2018: "An Ordinance Amending Various Fee Schedules for the Town of Winamac" was presented to the council. Following discussion, the council voted its approval.
  • Ordinance No. 4 of 2018: "An Ordinance Regulating Public Nuisances on Private Property within the Town of Winamac" was presented to the council. Discussion followed. The council asked to change the height of the grass from 12 inches to 8 inches, and wording that states “city” was changed to read “town”. The council voted to approve the ordinance, with the stated changes.
  • Resolution No. 5 of 2018: A preliminary and declaratory resolution of the town council designating a certain area of the town as an Economic Revitalization Area for the purpose of qualifying applications of assessed valuation deductions pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1 was presented to the council for discussion. The public hearing will be scheduled for 6 p.m., July 9. The council voted to adopt the resolution.
  • A citizen would like to form a cemetery committee. Kim Russell commended the town for the care and maintenance of the cemetery from the storm damage. Russell asked the council for permission to pursue a DNR grant for preservation of the headstones. The council gave its permission to pursue the grant. Heater made a motion to form a cemetery committee with herself, Dan Frain, Jon Frain and Kim Russell, with additional members at a later date. After discussion, the committee was formed, and formal action will take place in the future.
  • 25-30 headstones are damaged at the cemetery, and the insurance company is stating the town is not covered for this damage. The insurance company will pay $1,000 to the town for each tree that was down.
  • The fireworks will be held this year on the school grounds. If there is a strong east wind, they will be postponed to the next day.
  • The town has received the recommendation from Midwest Engineers for the water projects Division A and Division B. Zellers suggested the recommendations be forwarded to the grant administrator, Mike Kleinpeter, who will forward to OCRA for its blessing. Once they are returned, the town will move forward with the project. Division B recommendation is H&G Underground utilities and Division A recommendation is KDM Services.
  • The town will be reimbursed from FEMA for the cleanup at the park from the flood in March.
  • The town needs a democrat representative on the Winamac Plan Commission. Zach Denham has expressed his interest on serving on this committee. The council voted to appoint Denham to the commission.
  • The vac truck needs repairs of approximately $11,000.
  • Standard Properties did not provide its tax abatement papers to the town for approval by the deadline. In order to comply, a public hearing will need to be held and the council will need to pass a resolution. After discussion regarding the fees for preparation of the resolution, town attorney Justin Schramm will prepare the resolution at no cost to the town. The council voted to approve the tax abatement.

In new business, Parish asked if a reminder could be placed in the utility bills that the garbage containers should be placed at the curb at 5 p.m. before pickup and removed 24 hours after pickup, and include the grass clippings issue. Zellers will research the ordinance for the exact time frame.

 

Department reports

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan provided the council with the monthly statistics. Buchanan reported that patrolman Alec Berger passed the agility test and will begin the academy on June 18. Buchanan, who is retiring, thanked the council for the cooperation he received over his 37 years of service, and in return, the council thanked Buchanan for his service.

Water and Street Supervisor Jeremy Beckner reported his department continues to pick up leaves and brush, continues to locate lines, is working on the bathroom plumbing and painting the floor and will install fixtures soon, mowed the railroad tracks, and cleaned up the cemetery after the storm with the help from all departments. Parish asked how many tombstones were moved or damaged and it was reported 25-30.

Electric Superintendent Doug Shorter reported his department has been working with Glenn White on the construction of his new buildings, performing storm work and line clearance, has set some poles and helped with the cemetery cleanup after the storm.

Heater asked if Zellers or Beckner could place something in the newspaper asking that when people mow their grass, to mow toward their yards and not into the streets.

Zellers asked the council to consider placing Barry Day as the wastewater department foreman. The council voted its approval.

Day then reported his department is doing normal spring maintenance, moving the drying beds and outside clarifier, and cleaning the inside clarifier. The vac truck has been repaired. The department is mowing the grounds, and has pulled both pumps at the plant. Maintenance work has been completed and a new pump installed. Spraying is underway. A catch basin was installed on Main Street with help from DeSabatine's. The department is checking lift stations, continues to provide locates for Lightstream, and has responded to a few sewer calls. The employees continue to study for the wastewater exam and have 180 days in which to take the test.

It was reported to the council that resident Bonnie Hanawalt has a concern regarding  the empty barrels on the property to the west of her property.  Also, there is an issue of a trailer that is in the alleyway.

First Sgt. Mark Hoffman thanked Town Marshal Buchanan for his service to the town over the years.

  
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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

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

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 outbreak 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.