The Indiana 4-H Program celebrates the accomplishments of the 4-H youth. It takes time, energy and perseverance to be an active and committed 4-H member. 4-H focuses on a "learning by doing" method which enables the child to not only read and learn about his/her interests but also to complete a project to demonstrate what he/she learned in a particular area.

The program today focuses on positive youth development and human capital. Program directors utilize subject matter that enhances that development. Organizers recognize that the youth of today are future leaders. What they learn and experience in the 4-H program helps them develop into contributing citizens who will "give back" to their communities in the future.

If you would like to volunteer or join 4-H, please contact the Extension Office.  

If you have any questions, please contact the Pulaski County Extension Office located on 125 S. Riverside Dr. in Winamac at 574-946-3412. Visit its web site at www.extension.purdue.edu/pulaski or find it on Facebook by searching for Pulaski County Extension Office.

 

Pulaski County 4-H State Fair Results

Indiana State Fair 4-H results are released by Purdue Extension. The Extension staff partners with the Indiana State Fair to post 4-H exhibit results.

Indiana State Fair ribbons are awarded using the following criteria:

Green – participation

White – poorly constructed or barely meets exhibit requirements

Red – adequately constructed or does not fully meet exhibit requirements

Blue – very complete exhibit, meets exhibit requirements, and is well constructed

Orange – exceptional blue ribbon exhibit (Merit)

Sweepstakes is awarded to the best overall exhibit in that 4-H project subject matter area.

 

Pulaski County 4-H'ers earning 2024 State Fair honors are as follows:

 

Results for 4-H Livestock Projects can be found here.

The results from 4-H livestock competitions are unofficial and are generally not available until show records have been audited after the completion of the show. They remain unofficial results until the Indiana State Fair Drug Testing Program results are available.

 

4-H Projects

  Exhibitor Name   Description Ribbon County
State Garden / Garden Education (GE) / 81041: Level D (GE)
  Smith, Aidan                                                                                                           Red      Pulaski
State Projects / Aerospace (AE) / 11011: Beginner (AE)
  Ledley, Joseph   This year, I built an Estes Alpha model rocket. Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Aerospace (AE) / 11021: Intermediate (AE)
  Mellon, Carson   rocket Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Arts and Crafts, General (CR) / 12011: Beginner (CR)
  Perkins, Olivia   dragon eye clay sculpture Blue Pulaski
  Carter, Breelyn   Stained Glass Flower/Bird Hanging Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Arts and Crafts, General (CR) / 12013: Advanced (CR)
  Burns, Elisha   clay sculpture Blue Pulaski
  Burns, Kaden   Copper tree Blue Pulaski
  Mellon, Sydney   String Art Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Cake Decorating (CK) / 14011: Beginner (CK)
  Robinson, Mara   yellow/pink round cake Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Cake Decorating (CK) / 14031: Advanced (CK)
  Hoover-Enyeart, Hannah   Two-tiered cactus cake Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Cat Poster or Display (CP) / 15021: Intermediate (CP)
  Federer, Tanner   Poster Red Pulaski
State Projects / Cat Poster or Display (CP) / 15031: Advanced (CP)
  Smith, Aidan   Cat poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Child Development (CD) / 16031: Level C (CD)
  Day, Alena   Binder and Activity cart Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Child Development (CD) / 16041: Level D (CD)
  Toosley, Maisie   Poster Red Pulaski
State Projects / Computer (CO) / 17011: Beginner (CO)
  Ledley, Joseph   For computers, I deconstructed a computer to learn more about the parts inside. Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Computer (CO) / 17031: Advanced (CO)
  Istre, Mason   MultiPlayer game made in Unity game engine, coded in C#, and modeled in Blender. Red Pulaski
State Projects / Construction and Architectural Replica (CA) / 17511: Beginner (CA)
  Watwood, Sophia   "UP" House Red Pulaski
State Projects / Consumer Clothing (CC) / 18021: Intermediate (CC)
  Dell, Lillian   A clothing outfit picked out by me. Red Pulaski
State Projects / Consumer Clothing (CC) / 18031: Advanced (CC)
  Browning, Scarlett   Binder Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Creative Writing (CW) / 18511: Beginner (CW)
  Norris, Victoria   Poetry Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Creative Writing (CW) / 18521: Intermediate (CW)
  Kirkland, Shiloh   A fictional story about a girl and her adventures. Red Pulaski
State Projects / Creative Writing (CW) / 18531: Advanced (CW)
  Westerhouse, Madyson     Red Pulaski
State Projects / Demonstration (DE) / 19021: Senior Individual (DE)
  Stimson, Adam   4-H Statehouse visit Red Pulaski
State Projects / Dog Poster or Display (DP) / 20011: Beginner (DP)
  Hileman, Kinzey   POSTER Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Dog Poster or Display (DP) / 20031: Advanced (DP)
  Smith, Aidan   Dog poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Electric (EL) / 21021: Level 2 (EL)
  Chesser, Emmett   Shake Light Project Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Electric (EL) / 21041: Level 4 (EL)
  Chesser, Jack   Wiring a Lamp Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Entomology (EN) / 22051: Beginner Poster or Display (EN)
  Watwood, Sophia   stink bug poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Fine Arts (FA) / 23521: Intermediate (FA)
  Ringen, Colt   Planet Painting Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Fine Arts (FA) / 23531: Advanced (FA)
  Burns, Elisha   Drawing Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Floriculture (FL) / 24011: Level A, Floral Display (FL)
  Hileman, Kinzey   FLORAL DISPLAY Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Floriculture (FL) / 24021: Level B, Floral Display (FL)
  Stamper, Madelyn     Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Floriculture (FL) / 24042: Level D, Poster or Educational Display (FL)
  Westerhouse, Madyson   notebook Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Foods, Baked (FB) / 25011: Level A (FB)
  Robinson, Reese     Blue Pulaski
  Tanner, Emma   muffins Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Foods, Baked (FB) / 25021: Level B (FB)
  Watwood, Sophia   quick bread Red     Pulaski  
  Martin, Reese     Blue     Pulaski  
State Projects / Foods, Baked (FB) / 25031: Level C (FB)
  Westerhouse, Carlee   yeast Blue     Pulaski  
  Burns, Austin   breakfast casserole Blue     Pulaski  
State Projects / Foods, Baked (FB) / 25041: Level D (FB)
  Smith, Aidan   Food product Blue     Pulaski  
  Stimson, Adam   uncertain Blue     Pulaski  
State Projects / Foods, Preserved (FP) / 26011: Level A (FP)
  Blount, Sarah   3 frozen cookies Blue     Pulaski  
State Projects / Foods, Preserved (FP) / 26021: Level B (FP)
  Watwood, Sophia   frozen breakfast sandwich Blue     Pulaski  
  Stamper, Madelyn     Red     Pulaski  
State Projects / Foods, Preserved (FP) / 26041: Level D (FP)
  Smith, Aidan   Preserved product Red     Pulaski  
  Bolen, Austin   One jar of (frozen) cooked strawberry jam Red    

Pulaski

 
  Stimson, Adam   uncertain                                             Blue
State Projects / Forestry (FO) / 27011: Beginner (FO)
  Watwood, Sophia   binder Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Forestry (FO) / 27031: Advanced (FO)
  Westerhouse, Katelyn     Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Genealogy (GN) / 28011: Division 1 (GN)
  Burgess, Eli   3 binders Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Geology (GO) / 29011: Beginner (GO)
  Blount, Sarah   1 poster Red Pulaski
State Projects / Health (HT) / 30011: Beginner (HT)
  Blount, Sarah   1 poster Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Health (HT) / 30021: Intermediate (HT)
  Kreamer, Noah   fanny Pack Red Pulaski
State Projects / Health (HT) / 30031: Advanced (HT)
  Toosley, Maisie   Poster about Vaping Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Home Environment (HE) / 31011: Beginner (HE)
  Watwood, Sophia   wall hanging Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Model Craft (MC) / 36031: Advanced (MC)
  Rausch, Brooke   A military tank model Orange Pulaski
  Bucinski, Maddox   Star Wars Red Pulaski
State Projects / Needle Craft (NC) / 36531: Advanced (NC)
  Toosley, Maisie   Crocheted pig Blue Pulaski
  Jennings, Ashlynn   crocheted beaded lizard Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37014: Beginner, Color Salon Print (PH)
  Bangel, Dana   Summer Sunset Blue Pulaski
  Tanner, Emma   Cow Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37023: Intermediate, Black & White Salon Print (PH)
  Beckner, Jayden   Guitar, Boots, and Hat Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37024: Intermediate, Color Salon Print (PH)
  Beckner, Jayden   truck Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37033: Advanced, Black & White Salon Print (PH)
  Bolen, Austin   One black and white picture Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37034: Advanced, Color Salon Print (PH)
  Brown, Reese   Horse Orange Pulaski

  

Exhibitor Name   Description Ribbon County
State Projects / Photography (PH) / 37034: Advanced, Color Salon Print (PH)
Westerhouse, Madyson   Basketball Hoop Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Poultry Poster or Display (PP) / 39011: Beginner (PP)
Watwood, Sophia   poultry binder Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Poultry Poster or Display (PP) / 39021: Intermediate (PP)
Gunter, Everett   Poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Rabbit Poster or Display (RP) / 44021: Intermediate (RP)
Hileman, Jocelyn   NOTEBOOK Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Sewing Construction, Non-Wearable (SN) / 45011: Grade 3 (SN)
Kramer, Jordyn   A pocket pillow that can hold a book with rabbit design on it. Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Sewing Construction, Non-Wearable (SN) / 45041: Grade 6 (SN)
Kramer, Sophia   Quilt with teal, pink, black, and grey Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Sewing Construction, Wearable (SW) / 45541: Grade 6 (SW)
Martin, Reese   black sweatshirt & black sweatshorts Red Pulaski
State Projects / Sewing Construction, Wearable (SW) / 45561: Informal or Casual Wear (SW)
Browning, Scarlett   Pink Dress Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Shooting Sports Education (SS) / 46011: Beginner (SS)
Watwood, Sophia   poster of seasons Red Pulaski
State Projects / Shooting Sports Education (SS) / 46021: Intermediate (SS)
Burgess, Eli   target Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Shooting Sports Education (SS) / 46031: Advanced (SS)
Ringen, Claytin   forging knife Red Pulaski
State Projects / Small Engines (SE) / 47031: Advanced (SE)
Stimson, Adam   poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Soil and Water Science (SW) / 48011: Beginner (SW)
Watwood, Sophia   binder about aquifers Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Sport Fishing (SF) / 49011: Beginner (SF)
Akridge, Lincoln   Sport Fishing Poster Red Pulaski
State Projects / Sport Fishing (SF) / 49031: Advanced (SF)
Stimson, Adam   poster Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Veterinary Science (VS) / 52011: Beginner (VS)
Watwood, Sophia   poster digestive system of cow Red Pulaski
State Projects / Veterinary Science (VS) / 52031: Advanced (VS)
Fagner, Lucas   Poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Weather and Climate Science (WC) / 53011: Beginner (WC)
Ledley, Joseph   For Weather and Climate Science, I made a notebook titled, "Comparing Four U.S. Climate Zones." I got the idea from the Weather and Climate Science manual. Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Wildlife (WI) / 54011: Beginner (WI)
Watwood, Sophia   binder-sandhill cranes Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Wildlife (WI) / 54021: Intermediate (WI)
Day, Alena   poster Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Wildlife (WI) / 54031: Advanced (WI)
Westerhouse, Madyson   Poster Orange Pulaski
State Projects / Woodworking (WW) / 55021: Level B (WW)
Burgess, Eli   chess board Blue Pulaski
State Projects / Woodworking (WW) / 55031: Level C (WW)
Depoy, Drew   Charging Station Red Pulaski
State Projects / Woodworking (WW) / 55041: Level D (WW)
Keller, Carter   Key rack Red Pulaski

 

 

 

 

 

Local News Briefs

Historical Society to stage ‘Murder at the Big Branch Saloon’ Oct. 5

WINAMAC – A night of highfalutin’ fun is planned by the Pulaski County Historical Society for “Murder at the Big Branch Saloon” Saturday, Oct. 5, at One Eyed Jacks’ Celebration Station in Winamac.

For a second year, the Historical Society has planned a murder mystery dinner event that includes a local cast of characters and some audience participation.

PCPL September activities, programs listed

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for September. They include Grandparents Day story time, Yoga classes, avoiding financial fraud, a banned book discussion and celebrating Bluey’s birthday.

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.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours in September

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County Sept. 5 and 16, in Winamac and Francesville, respectively.

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

56th Francesville Fall Festival Sept. 20-22

'Small Town with Big Heart' plans family fun

FRANCESVILLE - The 56th Francesville Fall Festival will feature a jam-packed weekend of family fun - featuring "Tag Art" dinosaurs, water walking balls and inflatables, a Harvest Dance, athletic contests, games and much more.

The 2024 three-day festival runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22. The event also includes arts, crafts and flea market booths, dancing and musical entertainment, a variety of dinners and food booths, an auto show, games, a parade and fireworks. No admission is charged.

Pulaski County Drug Free Council town hall meeting Sept. 18

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council will hold another of it town hall meetings on the topic of “Substance Use in Our Youth,” Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Celebration Station in Winamac.

A special feature of the event will be the Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer, available for public tours from 3 to 6 p.m. This is an interactive experience to help parents learn about ways their teens may be engaging in high risk behaviors.

Candidate town hall meet-and-greet Sept. 12

A town hall meet-and-greet event has been planned for Thursday evening, Sept. 12, at Celebration Station in Winamac.

The meeting has been organized by Winamac Town Council candidate Aaron Hoover who also welcomes county candidates for all offices on the November ballot to participate to meet with the public. The event will begin at 6 p.m.

I-65 pavement restoration project to begin

NORTHWEST IN - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth Riley Construction will begin a pavement restoration project on I-65 between SR 14 and U.S. 231 (mile marker 223 to 246) on or after Monday, Aug. 12.

Sections of I-65 will be resurfaced, with lane closures from the hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. Lane closures will be in place in one direction at a time and will be only a few miles in length at a time.

 

Indiana News

Holcomb visits in Ukraine with President Zelenskyy

Photos added

KYIV, Ukraine (Sept. 5) – Gov. Eric Holcomb is in Kyiv Thursday to focus on subnational diplomacy that will positively impact future economic, academic and cultural two-way partnerships between Indiana and Ukraine.

This trip marks the first time a U.S. governor has traveled to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Hot weather, insufficient rain raise concerns for crop yields

EAST LANSING, MI – Dry conditions intensified last week in Indiana as the rainfall received was not enough to offset the high temperatures, according to Nathanial Warenski, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 46 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 78.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 6.3 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 0.70 inches, 0.22 inches below normal.

Culp, Jordan: Applications now open for 2025 Statehouse internships

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 29) – Applications to intern with Indiana House Republicans for the 2025 legislative session are now open, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). 

Culp said the Indiana House of Representatives offers a spring semester internship at the Statehouse in Indianapolis during the legislative session, which will start in January and conclude in April. House interns earn $900 biweekly and work full time, Monday through Friday.

State presents Pulaski County farms with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16) – Indiana recently honored local farms owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years with Hoosier Homestead awards. In Pulaski County, the Bergdolt Farm, in operation since 1899, received a centennial award, and the Heater Farm, in operation since 1872, received the sesquicentennial award. (The Heaters also received a second award for their Fulton County Farm.)

Recognized for their families’ longstanding commitment to agriculture, 103 Indiana farm families were presented the Hoosier Homestead Award at the Indiana State Fair from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.

Pulaski County unemployment rate rose to 4.0% in July

Pulaski County's unemployment rate rose to 4.0 percent in July, up from 3.5 percent in June, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Aug. 19). The rate was 3.0 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,970 employed persons in a labor force of 7,260 in July. In June those numbers were 6,909 of 7,160. A year ago the numbers were 6,874 of 7,088. 

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Late summer COVID continues at elevated levels in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 28) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports this week that as of Aug. 23, the amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is low nationally. However, many areas of the country continue to experience increases in COVID-19 activity.

The Indiana Department of Health reported Aug. 28 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 462 from Aug. 15-21, up 74 from its previous weekly report. State COVID-19 hospital admissions (Aug. 19-25) totaled 33, up 1 from the week before. The state reported one death in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDOH).

 

Post News

Mammoth Solar initiates economic development payments to Pulaski County

Mammoth Solar announced Thursday (Sept. 5) the initiation of economic development payments to Pulaski County, totaling $375,200 this year — $60,200 within the coming months and another $315,000 before the end of 2024.

This payment initiative underscores Doral Renewables LLC's commitment to the economic well-being of Pulaski County, a company spokesperson said. These payments will be made in advance of any tax revenue from the project, ensuring that Pulaski County benefits early on. The project is in preliminary stages of construction in the county.

No injuries reported in early Saturday morning fire

WINAMAC – The Winamac Volunteer Fire Department responded to an early morning fire in a two-story vacant farmhouse Saturday, north of Winamac on U.S. 35.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Indiana Fire Marshal's office. No injuries were reported.

14 Indiana communities to receive over $8 million in Community Development Block Grants

Francesville awarded $700,000

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 29) –  The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced Thursday 14 rural Indiana communities will receive more than $8 million in federal grant funding to expand community facilities and improve water infrastructure.

The Town of Francesville is among the communities to be awarded a grant to be used for its water treatment plant.

Fall Festival golf tournament raises funds, fosters fellowship

Winners listed

FRANCESVILLE - The fourth annual Francesville Fall Festival Golf Outing took place Saturday, Aug 10 under beautiful clear skies with 14 teams meeting for a day of golf, fellowship and fun at Moss Creek Golf Course and Banquet Center in rural Winamac. 

First held in 2021, the golf outing helps raise money to defray the cost of staging Francesville’s annual Fall Festival.

Health officials warn of West Nile Virus outbreak in Pulaski County

One confirmed case in Winamac

WINAMAC – The Pulaski County Health Department is alerting the public to an ongoing outbreak of West Nile virus in Winamac. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Health officials are taking immediate action to address the situation and protect public health. 

West Nile virus can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological disease. Most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, but those who do may suffer from fever, headache, body aches and occasionally more severe symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis. 

The Ryans announce new ownership of historic Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre 

MONTICELLO (Aug. 20) – Ryan Harrison and Ryan Crawford have announced their acquisition of the historic Lake Shore Drive-In Theatre.

The theater had been owned by Phyllis and the late Earl McLachlan since 2000. Mrs. McLachlan will continue to operate the theater through the 2024 season, which ends Sept. 14.

Alliance Bank facilitates grant awards totaling $40,000

RENSSELAER – Alliance Bank, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), has helped two area women win Elevate Small Business grants.

All Aligned Chiropractic, owned by Madeline Barber, and the Law Office of Samantha Joslyn each received a $20,000 award. Both recipients are located in the Rensselaer community.