RED is designed to enhance community engagement and assist in the implementation of actionable projects. Each participating local team will undergo a four- to six-month program tailored to their specific needs.

“This exciting partnership between OCRA and Ball State University will provide another opportunity for Hoosier communities to improve their quality of life,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Collaboration is key to any successful community development project, and that is a priority of the RED program. I look forward to seeing how local units of government can connect with one another to benefit their county as a whole.”  

RED begins with an intensive multi-day learning experience and continues over several months with coaching from the Indiana Communities Institute. Throughout the process, the community develops and refines a vision and community engagement plan. The team will work with Indiana Communities Institute to analyze data about its community, review existing plans, and then take steps to identify issues, opportunities and solutions.

“In successful communities, we see they prioritize leadership, readiness for change, vision, partnerships, planning and community engagement,” said OCRA Executive Director Duke Bennett. “This new program aims to help our rural cities and towns grow in these areas by providing hands-on experiences and focusing on local collaboration.”

Each applicant should be made up by a local team of community members and leaders. These local teams should be led by either a county-wide nonprofit or a county government. Additionally, local teams should include two or more incorporated local units of government within the county boundary. Any municipality included must have a population under 50,000 to participate and applicants must not be already involved in Stellar Pathways or PreservINg Main Street.

Three local teams will be selected to participate in RED, with staggering start dates throughout 2025. Applications are now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 30, 2024.

For more information on RED, the program timeline and application process, visit in.gov/ocra/red.


Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, who serves as Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ (OCRA) mission is to work with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to assist communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development. For more information, visit ocra.in.gov.

 

  
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Local News Briefs

Life-saving Narcan now available in Francesville

FRANCESVILLE - In a proactive effort to address the opioid crisis, the Pulaski County Drug-Free Council has partnered with the Town of Francesville and the Pulaski County Health Department to offer free Narcan (naloxone) kits to community members.

The outdoor Narcan box is located on the west side of the Francesville Fire Department, in the alley between the fire department and Rod’s Pizzeria.

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.

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.

  

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.

OCRA announces new training, capacity-building program for rural communities

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 19) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs have announced the opening of the new Rural Empowerment and Development (RED) program.

The program is a capacity-building and planning initiative created in partnership with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute. 

 

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.