The CDC COVID Data Tracker reports that nationally, COVID test positivity was 7.1 percent the week ending Dec. 28, up from 7.0 percent the previous week. Emergency room visits for COVID-diagnosed patients were 1.2 percent, up from 0.9 percent from the week before. The percent of all deaths in the U.S. due to COVID was 1.0 percent, the same as the previous week.

To obtain a COVID vaccination or booster shots, or COVID test kits, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Or visit the Indiana Department of Health website page on Where to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine.

 

CDC report on level of (all) respiratory illness activity

Data last updated on Jan. 1, 2025 and presented through Dec. 28, 2024. 
View this dataset on data.cdc.gov.

What to know (as of Jan. 3)

  • The amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high.
  • Nationally, emergency department visits with diagnosed RSV and influenza are very high. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing from low levels.
  • Nationally, influenza test positivity increased to 18.7%. COVID-19 test positivity has increased to 7.1%. RSV test positivity increased to 12.8%.
  • Nationally, wastewater viral activity levels for COVID-19, influenza A, and RSV are at moderate levels.
  • Nationally, COVID-19 and influenza activity levels are predicted to increase.
  • Current estimates may be impacted by data reporting delays or changes in healthcare seeking behaviors during the holidays.

There is still time to benefit from getting your recommended immunizations to reduce your risk of illness this season, especially severe illness and hospitalization.

CDC expects the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to work well for currently circulating variants. There are many effective tools to prevent spreading COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill.

  • Seasonal influenza activity continues to increase across the country. Additional information about current influenza activity can be found at: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | CDC
  • RSV activity is high and continues to increase in most areas of the country, particularly in young children. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations are increasing in children and hospitalizations are increasing among older adults in some areas.
  • Vaccination coverage with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are low among U.S. adults and children. COVID-19 vaccine coverage in older adults has increased compared with the 2023-2024 season. Vaccination coverage with RSV vaccines remains low among U.S. adults. Many children and adults lack protection from respiratory virus infections provided by vaccines.

What to know: Indiana and Pulaski County area*

  • As reported Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness in Indiana causing people to seek healthcare has risen from moderate to high levels (data collected through Dec. 28).  The trend of new respiratory infections is growing in the Pulaski County area, particularly influenza which has jumped to 6% of emergency department visits.
  • According to the CDC, emergency department visits in the Pulaski County area are also growing for COVID (2.7%) and RSV (1.2%).

*(The counties included in the area reported include Fulton, Marshall, Pulaski and St. Joseph)

 

Protect yourself and your community

Looking for guidance?‎

There are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and those around you.
Updated CDC Guidance

 

Recommended immunizations protect people and save lives

Last year (2023-24), CDC estimates:

Flu vaccination prevented:

  • At least 7 million influenza illnesses
  • 3.7 million influenza-associated medical visits
  • 105,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations
  • 3,500 influenza-associated deaths in the United States

COVID-19 vaccines:

  • Reduced the risk of severe COVID-19 by about half.

RSV immunizations:

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

Local News Briefs

Food Finders Mobile Pantry scheduled Jan. 11 in Winamac

LAFAYETTE - Food Finders Food Bank Mobile Pantry will hold a drive-through food distribution at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at Church of the Heartland, SR 14 E, Winamac.

This program is available to those in need of food assistance and who meet income guidelines. Those participating are asked to not arrive before 10:30 a.m., and remain in their vehicles. Please note the amount of food available does vary and will be distributed first come first served.

Yakym district staff to hold mobile office hours locally Jan. 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County Jan. 14, in Winamac.

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

Holcomb directs flags to be lowered in tribute to President Carter

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff across Indiana in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.

Carter, the 39th president of the U.S. passed away Sunday (Dec. 29), at age 100, in his hometown of Plains, Ga. He served in the White House from 1977 to 1981.

PCPL announces January programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for January. Events include Kids’ Winter Bingo, a Polar Bear story time, a Dragonfly Diamond Art Plant Stick craft, and a Winter Foods from the Wild children’s program.

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.

NIPFP Farm Toy Show Jan. 19

The annual Farm Toy Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19, at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School (Entrance 6), in Winamac.

The event, sponsored by the Northern Indiana Power From the Past, Inc., usually attracts over 2,000 visitors from near and far. Admission is $1; children ages 12 and under will be admitted free. Lunch (including homemade pie for dessert) and concessions will be available.

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

Reps. Culp, Jordan encourage students to page during 2025 legislative session at Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 6) – Applications are live for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2025 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen).

Culp said Hoosier students ages 13 to 18 are invited to spend the day assisting lawmakers and staff, touring the Indiana Statehouse and listening in on the legislative session.

2025 Indiana State Fair Queen from Marion County

Updated

INDIANAPOLIS - Miss Indiana State Fair 2025 is Pilar Bravo of Marion County. She was crowned Sunday (Jan. 5) afternoon at the state pageant at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

First runner-up is Miss Kosciusko County Jordyn Leininger. Second runner-up is Sophia Sullivan of Ripley County. Third runner-up is  Rebecca Brewer of Elkhart County. Fourth runner-up is Kelby Roberts of Rush County. Miss Congeniality is Maggie Taylor of Cass County.

NWS: 2024 warmest year ever, 7th least snow amount on record for northern Indiana

(Jan. 1) - In its annual climate report, the National Weather Service, northern Indiana office, reports that 2024 was the warmest year ever for the South Bend area of the state, with the least amount of snow on record.

Nearly the same was true for the Fort Wayne region of northern Indiana, also the warmest year recorded with the sixth least amount of snow.

Pulaski County unemployment rate up at 3.9% in November

Pulaski County's unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in November, up from 3.5 percent in October, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Dec. 23). The rate was 2.7 percent a year ago.

The state's November unemployment rate was 4.4 percent (seasonally adjusted), the same as October. The November 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in November (seasonally adjusted), the same as September. A year ago, the national rate was 3.7 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Respiratory illness activity levels rise in Indiana, nationwide

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Jan. 2 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 529 statewide from Dec. 20-26, up 46 from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Dec. 24-30) unchanged from the week before. The state reported two COVID deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

CFoPC awards $96,300 to community organizations in 2024

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced just under $96,300 was awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations in 2024.

Community Grants are composed of unrestricted dollars – funds that are awarded at the discretion of the CFoPC Board, via the grants committee, to ensure that Pulaski County continues to be a place to thrive and grow today and tomorrow.

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.

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.

West Central School Board receives updates on swimming pool renovation

FRANCESVILLE – The West Central School Board heard an update on the school’s swimming pool renovation at its Dec. 5 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe outlined the various aspects of the project and reported the total cost when completed will approach nearly $350,000.

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.