Special Events:

 The library is excited to offer a new digital service for families with young children: Playgarden Prep Online. This online preschool program provides daily lessons with certified teachers, pre-recorded videos, live classes on Zoom, hands-on learning tools, playdates for socializing, DIY projects and more. Playgarden Prep is most suitable for children ages 2 to 4, though some parents have found it to be a useful tool even with their younger and older kiddos. This service is available at no charge to resident PCPL cardholders. To learn more or to register for the program, visit our website.

 The library iscelebrating National Library Week April 6-12 with the theme “Drawn to the Library.” What draws people to the library? Everything! From books to digital resources to creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities. Celebrations during the week will include Library Workers Day on Tuesday and Cookies & Coffee on Patron Appreciation Day on Wednesday.

 Shelley from Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District will present the program “I Care for My Environment” at 3 p.m., April 9. Kids will learn how they can make a positive impact on the Earth as well as make a sustainable craft at this children’s program.

 Make a beautiful Ladybug Welcome Sign at the library at 5 p.m., Monday, April 14. 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, April 16. 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 an evening of creativity at our “Creative Canvas” Adult Painting workshop on from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17. All materials will be provided for the class. Space is limited; advance sign-up is required. Call the library to reserve your spot.

 Just in time for Earth Day, kids will get hands-on practice using common items to make something new as they create DIY Grocery Bag Jump Ropes. Ellen from the Tippecanoe River State Park will lead children in this craft at the library after school at 4 p.m., Monday, April 21.

 Grab a book and join others for an hour of silent reading and refreshments in the library’s cafe/lounge at Silent Book Club at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 23.

 During Preservation Week (April 28-May 2), the library will recognize the importance of preserving and caring for its most important items. Malissa with give Genealogy Tours & Talks in the Delores “Dee” Galbreath Local History Room at the library from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 29; and from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday, May 1.

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

  • April 5: Easter Story Time
  • April 12: Butterfly Story Time
  • April 26: Superhero Story Time

 While work is being done on the real courthouse, the library is temporarily hosting a replica of the Pulaski County Courthouse from the courthouse’s collection. The model was originally created in 1980 by Roy Hupp, great-uncle of Winamac U.S. History teacher Patrick Schuttrow, and recently restored by Schuttrow’s students. The model can be viewed anytime in the Delores “Dee” Galbreath Local History Room at the library.

 

Regular Programs:

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

 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 on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m.

 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.

 The library will have Crafts for Kids available all day on Fridays in the children’s area while supplies last. Make a Spring Flower, Unicorn, the Lorax and more.

Book Club is held at the library on the second Friday of the month (April 11) at 2:30 p.m., as well as at Tippy’s Grappa Room on the third Tuesday (April 15) at 5:30 p.m. We 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 Pets and the City by Amy Attas. Copies of the book are available to check out at the library.

  
Ace Hardware
Pulaski Health Care Center
Pulaski Health Care Center - Parkview
FNB Monterery
Habitat
WKVI Side

Local News Briefs

'Traditions!' Broadway favorite 'Fiddler on the Roof' returns to Winamac stage April 4-6

 WINAMAC - The Tony award-winning, Broadway favorite Fiddler on the Roof will return to the Winamac Community High School stage the weekend of April 4-6

The school’s drama department will present the classic musical which follows the story of Tevye, a Jewish peasant in pre-revolutionary Russia in the early 1900s. The dairyman father struggles to maintain his traditional values while attempting to marry off three of his daughters who have modern romantic ideals - all while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours April 2 in Winamac

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County April 2, in Winamac.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in April to assist constituents with casework questions.

‘Grill-n-Gather’ event April 4 to celebrate new Francesville licensed daycare facility

The Pulaski County Early Learning Network, a program of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, has planned a special “Grill-n-Gather” event for the county community to celebrate the progress of Francesville’s first licensed childcare facility.

After months of hard work, the organization is inching closer to transforming the Saint Francis Solano Church building into an affordable, high-quality, childcare center. The facility will address the unmet childcare need in the Francesville community while supplementing - and not replacing - the trusted childcare providers so many know and value.

PCPL lists programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

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 names Don, Lynn Darda a as 2025 Halleck Award recipients

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce has announced its selection for the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award are Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson made the announcement Tuesday (March 18). The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been active volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. The annual Halleck Award Banquet will be Thursday, April 24, at the Winamac VFW.

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2025 environmental action grant

Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives may apply

MERRILLVILLE -  Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

Now in its 10th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically provided $577,000 in funding to a total of 143 projects with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana.

  

Indiana News

INDOT prepared for severe weather, widespread flooding through weekend

Heavy rain expected in south, central Indiana 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is prepared for severe storms, heavy rain, and widespread flooding expected to move across Indiana starting Wednesday afternoon and evening.  

As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches for all Indiana counties south of a line extending from Terre Haute to Indianapolis, and Muncie. NWS is calling for potential double-digit rainfall totals in parts of the state, primarily in southern Indiana. Significant flash and river flooding is likely in these areas. Severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes are anticipated Wednesday afternoon and evening, followed by widespread heavy rain and additional storms through the weekend.

Culp bill to improve access to agricultural resources signed into law

STATEHOUSE (March 25) – State Rep. Kendell Culp's (R-Rensselaer) legislation to create an online hub to improve Hoosiers' access to agricultural related information, grant opportunities and data on lost farmland has been signed into law.

Currently, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is made up of five divisions and various other programs and initiatives. Culp said House Enrolled Act 1149 will create a one-stop shop to streamline information, helping Hoosier farmers better navigate state and federal agricultural resources, grant applications, regulatory checklists and an updated inventory on lost farmland.

INDOT warns public of toll-related text scam

Caution urged before opening suspicious links

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is aware of a tolling-related text message or “smishing” scam targeting Hoosiers statewide.

False messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action; in addition to a link for payment.

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. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

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 status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session. 

 

Indiana Health News

Respiratory illness activity in Indiana at low levels

Plus update on measles nationwide

As of March 28, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care remains at a low level across most of the U.S., according to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline. COVID-19 and RSV activity are declining nationally to low levels.

The level of respiratory illness activity in Indiana is low. States reporting moderate levels are Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Maryland and New Hampshire.

  

Post News

Winamac names 2025 valedictorian, salutatorian

Winamac Community High School has named its top academic seniors in the Class of 2025. They are Valedictorian JeeAnne Peterson and Salutatorian Kamryn Huddleston.

Winamac will hold graduation ceremonies Sunday, June 1.

Wind storm results in downed trees, power lines

Updated

A strong windstorm swept across Indiana late Sunday afternoon (March 30), leaving behind power outages, uprooted trees, some building damage and two deaths in Porter and Elkhart counties.

The worst damage locally occurred in northwest Pulaski County and the northern tier of townships. The storm materialized as had been predicted in the days leading up to Sunday.

Pulaski County Tribe launches ‘Creative Hub’ vision

Receives $10,000 Early Action grant

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) is setting the stage for a new chapter in community enhancement, one centered on creativity, culture and collaboration.

Interested residents are welcome to “join the conversation and help piece together the future of creativity in Pulaski County.”

Pulaski County first responders receive thermal drone donation

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reports it has received the donation of a DJI thermal drone for the county’s drone team and first responders from Doral Renewables LLC.

“This advanced technology will enhance our emergency response capabilities, providing critical aerial support for search and rescue operations, fire response, and public safety missions,” said Chief Deputy Fred Rogers.

West Central School Board considers options for school resource officer

FRANCESVILLE – West Central Schools Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe discussed options for the addition of an SRO (school resource officer) with school board members who have expressed an interest in moving in that direction at the board’s March 7 meeting.

The Indiana State Police encourages school corporations to hire SROs to facilitate school safety.

Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting, honors county businesses

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its new “Better Together” motto while honoring county businesses for their achievements at the organization’s annual meeting March 13, in Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson led the meeting, outlining the Chamber’s activities the past year, introducing the board of directors, noting membership milestones and announcing awards. Entertainment for the evening was provided by comedian Jay Harris.

Star City Lions support EPES reading program

The Star City Lions Club recently presented a donation to the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School.

RIF is a leading national children’s literacy nonprofit. The organization works to bring the joy of reading to children to create skilled readers.