Pulaski County's unemployment rate fell to 6.1. percent in April, down from 7.7 percent (revised) in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Friday (May 17). The rate was 6.4 percent a year ago.

The state's April rate dipped to 8.5 percent (seasonally adjusted), from 8.7 percent in March. The April 2012 rate was 8.3 percent. The U.S. rate improved to 7.5 percent (seasonally adjusted), down from March's 7.6 revised rate. A year ago, the national rate was 8.1 percent.

Forty-nine seniors will receive diplomas. Commencement addresses will be given by valedictorian David Putt and salutatorian Evan Kaeb.

The Class of 2013 numbers 87 seniors, and will be led down the aisle by valedictorian Kathleen Budd and salutatorian Andrew Brandon.

Applications for the position will be accepted until May 28. Interviews will be completed by June 29, and the new superintendent will be named in early July; however, he/she will not be officially placed until the end of July after a public meeting.

Bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasant are prized game birds. However, populations of both have suffered from permanent habitat loss or lack of maintenance on existing habitat.

The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 passed 15 to 5 and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion while protecting the estimated 16 million ag-related jobs across the country.

Approximately 700 people drown in the U.S. each year from recreational boating accidents. The vast majority of those drowning victims probably used one of these excuses.

The Winamac Town Pool is scheduled to open for the season at 12 noon, Saturday, May 25.

Pool passes may be purchased at the Pulaski County YMCA. Also registration for swim lessons has begun at the Family Y.

The most planting progress occurred in northern and some central areas. At this time farmers are ahead of both 2009 and 2011 when approximately 15 percent and 18 percent of the corn acreage had been planted respectively.

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike Pence Thursday vetoed House Enrolled Act 1546, concerning unauthorized collection of local option income tax in Jackson and Pulaski counties after legal authority for those tax collections had expired.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department will hold its annual Memorial Day Service at 12 noon, Tuesday (Mary 28), at the county justice center.

Those honored will include the county's fallen officers, Sheriff Charles Oglesby, Sheriff Milo Lewis and Deputy Sheriff Shad Bassett.

Long time secretary, Betty Podell, and treasurer, Betty Parcel, have retired from their positions after nearly 40 years each.

Seniors will receive special recognition in the form of academic competition awards, honor roll, scholarship awards and special academic and athletic awards. Representatives from various colleges, local organizations and the school will present these awards.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly discussed his recent travel to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey, Monday (May 6).

Donnelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a congressional delegation to meet with U.S. military and diplomatic personnel, as well as government leaders in each country. 

Adam Shidler, 32, Winamac was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital Thursday in critical condition. He was a passenger in a two-vehicle, head-on crash. Meanwhile, Richard Scott Reid, 46, Medaryville, died hours after he attempted suicide by hanging Saturday in a Medaryville garage.

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Gov. Otis R. Bowen, 95, died Saturday night after a life and career “characterized by integrity, devotion to family, and love for Indiana,” Gov. Mike Pence said on Sunday.

Dr. Bowen's family lived for a while in Pulaski County when he was a youth, and Bowen graduated from Francesville High School.

Mike Haschel of Winamac led county runners, finishing with a time of 1:19:20 and a 59th place finish overall. He was followed by Glenn Bailey who completed the Mini in a time of 1:27:07.

The board of directors has announced several special events to recognize area older Americans.

This year, District 3 and District 7 board seats are up for election. The individual elected to represent the districts will serve a four-year term on the Indiana State Fair Board of Directors.