Graduates of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education were honored at an 11 a.m. ceremony. Graduating students from the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science; the School of Business, Logistics & Supply Chain; the School of Information Technology; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Public Affairs & Social Services were honored at the 1 p.m. ceremony. Graduates of the School of Nursing were honored at a 3 p.m. ceremony. All ceremonies were in Hingst Hall in the Health Professions Center on the Ivy Tech Kokomo Campus.

The ceremonies were live-streamed and recordings will be available at: https://www.ivytech.edu/locations/kokomo/graduation-information/ or on the Ivy Tech Kokomo YouTube channel.

Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area, extended his congratulations to the graduates for their many achievements and acknowledged those who supported them.

During the ceremonies, Ivy Tech Kokomo presented an honorary degree to Vicki Byrd of Logansport, a leader in healthcare and economic development in Cass, Howard and Miami counties and a two-term member of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area Board of Trustees. Byrd retired last year after 17 years as vice president of planning and development at Logansport Memorial Hospital.

Three members of the Class of 2025 were selected as student speakers, one for each ceremony. These include Karlie Atkinson of Kokomo, who earned an Associate of Science degree in Psychology; Gabriella Furlow of Kokomo, who earned an Associate of Science degree in Visual Communications; and Millikan Setmeyer of Noblesville, who earned an Associate of Science degree in Nursing.

Those being honored during the commencement ceremonies included Mary Applegate of Peru, program chair and associate professor of Human Services, recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction for full-time faculty; Scott Maple of Kokomo, instructor in Agriculture, recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction for adjunct faculty; and Shane LeFaure of Logansport, a French and Spanish teacher at Logansport High School, recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction.

Joshua Willits of Kokomo, who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Technology, was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence. Elisa Banuelos of Logansport, English Language Learner Support Services coordinator for Logansport Schools who earned a Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services from Ivy Tech Kokomo in 2018, is being recognized as Ivy Tech Kokomo’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winner.

Members of Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area’s graduating class of 2025, from Pulaski County are as follows:

Pulaski County

Francesville

  • Ashlin Nicole Collins
  • Katelyn Cori Renee Large
  • Makiah JoAnn Lewark
  • Evan Nagel

Medaryville

  • Samantha N Irwin
  • Hailey June O'Day
  • Maisie Jo Toosley

Monterey

  • Carter Mason Keller
  • Mershai June Loehmer
  • Klayton Lee Stout
  • Eric Lane Weldon
  • Landen Allen Widner

Royal Center

  • Kirsten Kay Calloway

Star City

  • Ryan Dean Bedwell
  • Christy Dawn Bitterling
  • Lilly Button
  • Allyson Campbell
  • Wyatt Alan Fox
  • Samantha E Herald
  • Kadence Adalynne Hoover
  • SaDonna M Mayer
  • Nathan Joseph Miller
  • Gatlen Charles Olson
  • Carmela M Penicaro
  • Raiden Douglas Riddle

Winamac

  • Jada Leigh Abbott
  • Austin Lee Attinger
  • Robert Earl Bettcher
  • Brent Lee Boardman
  • Austin James Bonnell
  • Elijah Joseph Budka
  • Kasella Ann Caparelli
  • Corrin Kaleigh Combs
  • Kriston Eugene Dennis
  • Tyler R Doughty
  • Nicole Fites
  • Maddie Lynn Foster
  • Mylie Ann Foster
  • Talen Shay Garner
  • Claire Maureen Goodman
  • Riley Cj Gould
  • Dylan Jarett Guilford
  • Jayden Nicole Haluck
  • Sierra Brooke Haschel
  • Brendan Michael Hines
  • Rylan Patrick Holly
  • Kamryn Elizabeth Huddleston
  • Alonzo Huizar
  • Tanner Vance Johansen
  • Ethan Andrew Murphy
  • Makayla Fitz Nicolas
  • Kaelyn Drew O’Connor
  • Jenna Marie Shidler
  • Deven Marshal Smith
  • Natalie Smith
  • Kori Elizabeth Stout
  • Jacob Charles VanVoorst
  • Emily Nicole Weaver
  • Natalee Jo Wilson
  • Cyaira Ryleigh Wolford
  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

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.”

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

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. 

  

Indiana News

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles outbreak in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.