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.

  
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Local News Briefs

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.”

HB1144 sparks concerns Pulaski County may lose its superior court

Update: Bill advances in state senate

The Indiana Senate voted 33-16 Tuesday (April 15) to advance legislation that would abolish 11 trial courts in mostly rural counties, including the Superior Court in Pulaski County. House Bill 1144 now returns to the House chamber for further consideration.

Among the state senators who voted in favor of the bill was Pulaski County’s representative in the upper chamber Ed Charbonneau.

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.

Pulaski County Economic Development Summit April 29

The annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall, Winamac. The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. The program will also feature the annual “State of the County Economy” address by CDC executive director Nathan Origer.

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.

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

Southbound I-65 reopens in Jasper County following hazmat fire

ROSELAWN (April 22) - I-65 southbound reopened near mile marker 230 at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, almost 17 hours following a spectacular semi-truck fire and hazmat cleanup which included an overnight repaving of a section of the interstate. No injuries were reported.

After assessing the damage to the roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation determined that the accident scene needed to be resurfaced. INDOT already has a contract in place for this area for pavement patching with Rieth-Riley Construction, and they were able to mobilize to take over the scene once cleanup was complete. A total of 7,700 square feet of asphalt to a depth of four inches (and six inches on the outside shoulder) had to be replaced overnight.

Braun signs package of executive orders to ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15) – Gov. Mike Braun Tuesday signed a landmark package of executive orders with initiatives to improve Indiana’s health and well-being.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were in attendance to support Indiana’s initiative. Indiana now joins a number of states that have embraced, through legislation or executive orders, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.

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.  

DEA/ISP Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 26

PERU – The Indiana State Police will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Saturday, April 26 for their 27th “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative.

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker

Alliance Junior Board visits BraunAbility

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors had the opportunity to visit BraunAbility in Winamac in April.

During their visit, the student directors were given a presentation about the company and had the chance to ask questions. They also had a tour of the facility, which allowed them to see the manufacturing process of vehicles equipped to assist individuals with disabilities.

Jury finds Monterey man guilty of attempted murder 

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Circuit Court jury has found a Monterey man guilty of attempted murder in connection with a July 3, 2023 shooting in downtown Monterey.

Kenneth D. Ketcahm, 41, was also convicted on additional charges of criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. The verdict was returned Monday (April 14).

Fatal crash on U.S. 421 under Investigation

MEDARYVILLE (April 15) – The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash which claimed the life of a Porter County man Tuesday on U.S 421 near the intersection of CR 800N in Cass Township.

The crash involved a dump truck and minivan. Release of the identity of the deceased minivan driver is pending the notification of family.

Fireman, deputy pull man from burning home

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputy and Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department fireman rescued a man from a burning home Friday evening in rural Winamac, just northwest of Buffalo.

The rescuers suffered some smoke inhalation, and the unidentified victim is believed to be in stable condition, according to a police report.

Iris-Elm’s Wanda Zahrt installed as Garden Club of Indiana president

INDIANAPOLIS – Wanda Zahrt of Winamac was installed earlier this month as the 50th state president of The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. (TGCI).

 She will serve a two-year term, 2025-27. The installation took place at the organization’s 93rd  annual convention April 9, in Indianapolis. 

West Central board hears updates on summer school, transfer students

FRANCESVILLE – West Central Schools Superintendent Dr. CathyRowe shared information with the school board on summer school and transfer students at the board’s April 3 meeting.

She explained summer school details will be sent to school patrons in the school’s next district newsletter. Transfer letters will be sent to families who choose to send their children to West Central. Currently, the school has 77 students (13 percent of its population) who live outside of its attendance boundaries.