Whether it’s confiding in a trusted friend, reaching out to a counselor or connecting with a support group, taking that first step can make a world of difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction during this time, it’s important to remember that help is available. You are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Do not struggle – ask for help.

 

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council wishes to share the following resources with the community. As we move through the holiday season, let’s prioritize compassion—for others and for ourselves. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Together, we can foster a community of understanding and support, creating a safe space for healing and hope.

Mental Health and Substance Misuse Resources

Narcan/Naloxone

Narcan is a lifesaving medicine that can reverse opioid overdoses. Learn more:

https://www.overdoselifeline.org/about-naloxone/ Narcan kits are available at the following locations:

  • Pulaski County Library (121 S Riverside Dr., Winamac): 24/7 Narcan box located by the back entrance to the library.
  • Francesville Fire Department (122 E Montgomery St., Francesville): 24/7 Narcan box located on the west side of the fire department by the bathrooms.
  • Monterey Lions Club (6194 E Main St, Monterey): 24/7 Narcan box located on the outside of the entrance.
  • Star City Community Building (2550E Key St., Star City): 24/7 Narcan box located on the outside of the building.
  • Winamac, Private Residence (602 N Monticello St., Winamac): 24/7 Narcan available on the 12th Street side of the house in a white box next to the sidewalk.
  • West Side Center (510 E. Main St, Medaryville): 24/7 Narcan box located by the front door.
  • Pulaski County Sheriff Department (110 E Meridian St, Winamac). 27/4 Narcan available - free, no questions asked.
  • Pulaski County Health Department (125 S. Riverside Dr. #250, Winamac): Free Narcan dispensed by Public Health Nurse. Hours are: M, Tu, Th 8:30am-4:30pm; Wed 8:30am-7:30pm; closed Sat/Sun.

Sharps Disposal

Whether you are managing a chronic illness or using illicitly, you can dispose of used needles at 24/7 kiosks, as they are placed outdoors at the following locations:

  • Medaryville: National Street entrance at the White Post Volunteer Fire Department (422 E Main Street)
  • Monterey: Front entrance to the Health Clinic (6194 E Main Street)
  • Winamac: Front entrance to Pulaski Memorial Hospital (616 E 13 th Street)

Prescription Drug Disposal

Do you have extra or expired medications to dispose of? Take them to one of the following locations:

  • CVS Pharmacy (850 N. Plymouth Rd, Winamac). Drop box is located at the back of the store in the pharmacy area.
  • Pulaski Memorial Hospital (616 E 13th Street, Winamac) Use the entrance for the Community Pharmacy near the ER. Drop box is straight through the doors toward the pharmacy.
  • Pulaski County Sheriff Department (110 E Meridian St, Winamac). Drop box located next to Sherriff’s office inside the Justice Center. No questions asked.

Pulaski County Navigator

The Navigator is available to “navigate” you to the resources you need. Call, text or email Katie Surma. Phone: 574-205-9522 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

More resources are listed on the Drug-Free Council’s website at: drugfreepulaski.org.

Be well this holiday season. You are loved and you are not alone.

 

About Pulaski County Drug-Free Council (LCC)

The LCC’s mission is to support a county-wide effort to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other substance misuse among our youth and adults in Pulaski County. The LCC’s vision is to keep Pulaski County free of substance misuse and addictions, to enhance the quality of life in Pulaski County. The group invites the community to combat substance misuse and look beyond stigma. The LCC meets the second Wednesday of every month, 12 noon(Eastern) at the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac. All are welcome –including by video call. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.facebook.com/pulaskidrugfree or www.drugfreepulaski.org.

  
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Local News Briefs

Holidays can be hard

Ask for help if you need it

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration and connection with loved ones.

However, for many, it can also bring challenges such as stress, loneliness or heightened emotions. Stressful family dynamics, financial pressures, or even the societal expectation to feel cheerful can amplify existing struggles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are resources and individuals ready to help.

PCPL lists December events

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for December which include a wide variety of Christmas and Winter Break offerings, such as visits from Santa, a Grinch story time, ornament-making crafts and gift-wrapping opportunities.

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.

Tax planning for farm families program Jan. 29

Looking for strategies to reduce your tax burden? Thinking about what you can deduct, capitalize or depreciate? What about all that land, equipment, equity - even your own retirement?

Tax planning for farmers is important, but it’s also complicated. That’s why the Keller Advisory Group, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County have partnered for an event to offer professional advice.

Pulaski Christmas Lights return for 35th year

PULASKI – The annual Pulaski Christmas Lights displays returns this year and will be lit from 5 to 11 p.m., nightly beginning Sunday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Jan. 1, for public viewing.

Returning favorites include lighted (and many animated) Santas, reindeer, angels, Nativity scenes, farm animals, storefronts, gingerbread persons, Christmas trees and the signature wreath arch. This year will also feature many updated and new light displays.

HVRM offers 'Santa Trains'

Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and into December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson.

Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.

  

Indiana News

OCRA announces 20 communities to receive more than $3.6 million in federal grants

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 19) – Pulaski County and Kewanna are among 20 Indiana communities which will receive a portion of more than $3.6 million in Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Grants and Planning Grants through the Community Development Block Grant program.

The announcement was made Thursday by  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

Reps. Culp, Jordan to serve on key House committees

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16) – State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse. (Both legislators’ districts include portions of Pulaski County.)

House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members' two-year terms.

Yakym selected to serve on Ways and Means Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has been selected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee in the 119th Congress.

The Committee on Ways and Means, the oldest tax-writing body in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1789, shapes fiscal legislation including taxes, tariffs, and social service programs.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.5% in October

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.5 percent in October, down from 3.6 percent in September, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Tuesday, (Nov. 19). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's October unemployment rate was 4.4 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.3 percent in September. The October 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in October (seasonally adjusted), the same as September. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Respiratory illness activity moderate statewide; lower in Pulaski County - but on the rise

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Dec. 10 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 328 from Nov. 27-Dec. 3, up 8 from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Dec. 1-7) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no COVID death in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

The Gift of Public Transportation

By: Ashley Bice, AVP/Marketing Director

Most people don’t have to think twice about jumping in their vehicles and driving to the places they need to go - work, school, shopping and appointments.

Imagine what it would be like having that taken away from you. Your eyesight starts failing. You are laid off and cannot afford gas. Your car breaks down and it’s a few weeks before you can get it repaired.

Hoover appointed to county election board

Aaron Hoover of Winamac has been appointed as the Democrat representative to the Pulaski County Election Board, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Pulaski County Democratic Chairman Doug Denton.

Hoover succeeds Jessye Gilley as the party representative to the election board.

County police respond to two separate, troublesome domestic disputes

WINAMAC – Pulaski County sheriff’s deputies were called to two separate domestic disputes Sunday and Monday (Dec. 8, 9), one resulting in knife injuries to two persons, and the other causing minor injuries to a deputy.

The sheriff’s office reports its wish to inform the community of critical incidents such as these, and acknowledge the professionals responding to the danger.

NIPSCO announces Public Safety Education and Training Action grant recipients

Pulaski County EMS receives grant

MERRILLVILLE - Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) has announced that 16 organizations across northern Indiana will be able to further their public safety initiatives as a result of support from the 2024 NIPSCO Public Safety Education and Training Action Grant program.

Among the grant recipients is Pulaski County EMS which will receive funds for emergency medical responder education. 

Corrin Combs named 2025 Lily Scholar

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County announced Corrin Combs of Winamac Community High School is the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pulaski County.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.