Following a picnic buffet, CFPC President Gregg Malott led the program and introduced guest speakers Tabatha Chapman and Lori Carlson.

Chapman shared her story after receiving a Pulaski County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in 2009. After graduating from Purdue University in 2013, she returned home, married, and attained a law degree from I.U. Today, Tabby is a corporate attorney for BraunAbility, and she expressed her happiness at both living and working in her home community. Serving on the Community Foundation's scholarship committee recently provided an opportunity for her to consider what she has been doing for the community that has given her so much.

Remarking to the audience, Tabby said, “Whether it is your time, money, or even your passion that you donate to help make this community great and setting up the younger generation for success, it is working, and it does not go unnoticed … even by a millennial like me.”

Carlson is vice-president of the UpTown Project in Francesville, described by Malott as one of the “fastest growing nonprofits in the county.” A Main Street organization, the Uptown Project is devoted to enhancing downtown Francesville’s identity by providing social, commercial, and recreational opportunities to strengthen the community’s quality of life. A short video described the organization’s goals and purpose.

In addition to monthly events, its latest and largest accomplishment to date is the “Montgomery Mercantile,” a remodeled commercial building downtown. Many hours of work and volunteer labor enabled the group to turn the old building into a modern boutique housing 15 micro-shops. Carlson stated the generosity of many donors and a sizable grant from CFPC enabled the project to be completed in time for a grand opening this summer.

CF Executive Director Wendy Rose shared highlights from the Foundation’s past year, focusing on progress being made due to local generosity and CF support.

“Love Your Community” placemaking grants are all nearly complete in all six county communities.

Four community grants have been awarded around the county so far this year: Winamac’s First United Methodist Church summer food outreach program; Star City’s Community Building updates; Francesville’s Montgomery Mercantile; and Panhandle Pathway trail equipment.

Thirty-eight scholarships totaling over $65,000 were awarded this spring, and elementary students continue to participate in Fans of Philanthropy Club camps each year.

Recognition was given to Good Oil Company as a business giving back for community benefit. The company created a fund in the community foundation to make impact on the issue of school safety. They also launched a fundraising campaign to allow community members to support the cause through a variety of options at local Good Oil stations.

The Community Foundation’s re-accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations was announced as affirmation of its commitment to excellence and accountability. National Standards establishes legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations, and accreditation means CFPC has met the highest standards for local philanthropy.

Rose reminded the group that #GivingTuesday is Nov. 27 this year, and CFPC will again encourage everyone across the county to use the annual giving day to support community grants or any other charitable cause or program they wish. She also recognized Kim Krause for coordination of #GivingTuesday, Fans of Philanthropy, and the CF Scholarship Program through 10 years of service to the Community Foundation.

 

About Community Foundation of Pulaski County

Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing two decades of experience, CFPC 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 over 100 different funds that benefit worthy charities or charitable causes in Pulaski County. For more information, call 574-946-0906 or visit www.cfopc.org.

  
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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.