Special Events:

February is Library Lovers Month. Throughout the month, write a name or message on a heart at the library’s main desk for $1, $5 or $10. We’ll display your heart to show your love for the library, and your donation will go directly toward this year’s Summer Reading program.

 Go on a Blind Date with a Book. Check out a wrapped book, read it and rate it. Bring your rating back to the library by the end of February for the chance to win a gift bag with movie tickets to the Isis Theatre and more.

Winter Reading continues. Complete reading challenges and win prizes. Readers of all ages, child through adult, may participate. Stop in at the library to learn more and sign up.

 The library is partnering with Neighborhood Forest to provide free trees for kids. Visit www.neighborhoodforest.org to sign up now so you may receive trees to plant during Earth Week. Call or come in to learn more.

 Shelley from Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District will talk All About Foxes, including the gray and red foxes found in Indiana, at a children’s program at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. Kids may make a craft.

 Make a beautiful Eucalyptus Crystal Wall Hanging at the library at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10. Supplies for this adult craft are limited – call the library at 574-946-3432 to reserve your spot.

Teen Activity Board will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19. These gatherings feature a fun mix of activities, education and food for all participants. All local teens, ages 12-18, are welcome to attend.

 Join us for an evening of creativity at our “Creative Canvas” Adult Painting workshop from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20. All materials will be provided for the class. Space is limited; advance sign-up is required. Call the library to reserve your spot.

 Ellen from the Tippecanoe River State Park will lead kids in a game of Snowflake Trivia and share a craft at 4 p.m., Monday, Feb 24.

 Come to the children’s area for Saturday Story Times at 10 and 11:30 a.m., on the following dates for stories, songs, crafts and more:

  • 1: Penguin Story Time
  • 8 : Valentine Story Time
  • 22: Favorite Winter Books Story Time

 The library will have Crafts for Kids available all day on Fridays in the children’s area while supplies last. Make a heart-shaped suncatcher, a newspaper polar bear, and more.

 

Regular Programs:

 Kids can use their imaginations to make amazing creations with Legos at Lego Builders from 3:30 to 6 p.m., Mondays.

 Come in for Story Time and activities for toddlers on Toddler Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. If you can’t make it in the morning, Afternoon Story Time is held at 5:15 p.m., Tuesdays.

 Are you new to Genealogy? Not sure where to start? Come to Genealogy Help from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, when Malissa is on hand to help you use the library’s genealogy collection. This weekly program is held upstairs in the Delores “Dee” Galbreath Local History Room.

 The library shows a Family Movie suitable for all ages every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Visit the library’s website to see what is playing on a particular date.

 On Thursday mornings at 10:30, Duplo bricks and larger blocks are available for toddlers to play with at Toddler Legos.

 The library’s collection of Board Games for all ages is available on Thursdays after school.

Book Club meets at the library the second Friday of the month (Feb. 14) at 2:30 p.m., as well as at Tippy’s Grappa Room on the third Tuesday (Feb. 18) at 5:30 p.m. The library can send a Zoom link for the Friday session to any attendees who call the library at 574-946-3432 to register in advance. The book up for discussion this month is Table for Two by Amor Towles. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

  
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Local News Briefs

SWCD annual meeting Feb. 12 to discuss ‘carbon markets’

The Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will hold its public annual meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Celebration Station in Winamac.

Key speaker will be Jean Brokish of American Farmland Trust whose topic will be “Making Sense of Carbon Markets and Climate – Smart Incentives.”

PACE grants application deadline March 3

Pulaski Alliance for Community Education (PACE) is offering $60,000 in educational grants to eligible organizations this spring.

Organizations whose primary mission is public education may apply for grant funds. Participants in CAPE II/III are also encouraged to apply for a portion of funds available to sustain or continue original CAPE program activities.

PCPL announces February programs, activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for February. They include Valentine-themed crafts, winter reading challenges, a children’s program on foxes, snowflake trivia and adult canvas painting.

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.

Chamber seeks nominations for 2025 Halleck Community Service Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award.

The award will be presented at the HJ Halleck Award recognition banquet (date to be announced). Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 7.

PCT invites photographers to capture spirit of county in photo contest

Participate, share perspective on county

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

  

Indiana News

Braun: Indiana should be national model for bold, innovative leadership

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun delivered his first “State of the State” address at the Statehouse Wednesday evening, outlining his plans to tackle “runaway” property taxes, create “farm savings accounts” to stabilize income for farmers in bad crop years, and to streamline state government.

The governor also addressed strengthening the state police force, checking undocumented immigration, restructuring the state’s economic development commission, reigning in health care costs, facilitating universal school choice – and more.

Pulaski County December unemployment rate down to 2.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.1 percent in December, down from 3.9 percent in November, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Jan. 25). The rate was 2.7 percent a year ago.

The state's December unemployment rate was 4.5 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.4 percent in November. The November 2023 rate was 3.6 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in December (seasonally adjusted), nearly the same as November (4.2 percent). A year ago, the national rate was 3.7 percent.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The bills under discussion, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session. 

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

IDH reports state influenza cases at 'high' levels

Plus: bird flu update

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Feb. 4 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 392 statewide from Jan. 22-28, up 58 from its previous weekly report. There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, and also no COVID deaths.

In addition, the IDH reported Feb. 3, that the state's influenza-like illness level is "high" for the week ending Jan. 25, with two flu-associated deaths during the reporting period (52 total for the current season).

  

Post News

Sheriff’s office posts annual review

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department responded to 6,435 calls for service in 2024, according to its annual report compiled in January.

Deputies logged 429 field arrests, and worked with the county coroner on 36 death investigations.  In 2024 there were 25 counts of resisting arrest, and five counts of battery on an officer. (A field arrest means that Pulaski County law enforcement established probable cause for a misdemeanor or felony offense.)

CFoPC welcomes two board members to new terms

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc. (CFoPC) has announced new terms for two members to its 2025 board of directors - one returning and one new to the organization.

They are Shane Pilarski of Francesville and Christi Beavers of Winamac.

Pardoned J6 Hobart man fatally shot by Jasper police deputy

Updated

JASPER COUNTY – A Hobart man, pardoned last week for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop by a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy along SR 14 near the Jasper/Pulaski county line.

Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, was pulled over by the deputy, according to a report from the Indiana State Police. The officer attempted to arrest Huttle, but the suspect allegedly resisted. An altercation took place, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect.

Purdue to again offer Direct Course Credit to students with 4-H experience

Purdue Extension-Pulaski County has announced that Purdue University will again offer Direct Course Credit this year to students who have 4-H experience.

4-H’ers who are thinking about attending Purdue, or who have already been accepted may wish to check the opportunity to receive credit for first-year courses.

EPCS Board begins new calendar year with two new members

WINAMAC – The Eastern Pulaski Community School Board was joined by two new members, Steve Rausch and Greg Kiser at its Jan. 13 meeting.

They were sworn-in, along with returning members Jimmy Terry and Taylor White, all of whom were elected to the board in November.