Whether it’s confiding in a trusted friend, reaching out to a counselor or connecting with a support group, taking that first step can make a world of difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction during this time, it’s important to remember that help is available. You are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Do not struggle – ask for help.

 

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council wishes to share the following resources with the community. As we move through the holiday season, let’s prioritize compassion—for others and for ourselves. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Together, we can foster a community of understanding and support, creating a safe space for healing and hope.

Mental Health and Substance Misuse Resources

Narcan/Naloxone

Narcan is a lifesaving medicine that can reverse opioid overdoses. Learn more:

https://www.overdoselifeline.org/about-naloxone/ Narcan kits are available at the following locations:

  • Pulaski County Library (121 S Riverside Dr., Winamac): 24/7 Narcan box located by the back entrance to the library.
  • Francesville Fire Department (122 E Montgomery St., Francesville): 24/7 Narcan box located on the west side of the fire department by the bathrooms.
  • Monterey Lions Club (6194 E Main St, Monterey): 24/7 Narcan box located on the outside of the entrance.
  • Star City Community Building (2550E Key St., Star City): 24/7 Narcan box located on the outside of the building.
  • Winamac, Private Residence (602 N Monticello St., Winamac): 24/7 Narcan available on the 12th Street side of the house in a white box next to the sidewalk.
  • West Side Center (510 E. Main St, Medaryville): 24/7 Narcan box located by the front door.
  • Pulaski County Sheriff Department (110 E Meridian St, Winamac). 27/4 Narcan available - free, no questions asked.
  • Pulaski County Health Department (125 S. Riverside Dr. #250, Winamac): Free Narcan dispensed by Public Health Nurse. Hours are: M, Tu, Th 8:30am-4:30pm; Wed 8:30am-7:30pm; closed Sat/Sun.

Sharps Disposal

Whether you are managing a chronic illness or using illicitly, you can dispose of used needles at 24/7 kiosks, as they are placed outdoors at the following locations:

  • Medaryville: National Street entrance at the White Post Volunteer Fire Department (422 E Main Street)
  • Monterey: Front entrance to the Health Clinic (6194 E Main Street)
  • Winamac: Front entrance to Pulaski Memorial Hospital (616 E 13 th Street)

Prescription Drug Disposal

Do you have extra or expired medications to dispose of? Take them to one of the following locations:

  • CVS Pharmacy (850 N. Plymouth Rd, Winamac). Drop box is located at the back of the store in the pharmacy area.
  • Pulaski Memorial Hospital (616 E 13th Street, Winamac) Use the entrance for the Community Pharmacy near the ER. Drop box is straight through the doors toward the pharmacy.
  • Pulaski County Sheriff Department (110 E Meridian St, Winamac). Drop box located next to Sherriff’s office inside the Justice Center. No questions asked.

Pulaski County Navigator

The Navigator is available to “navigate” you to the resources you need. Call, text or email Katie Surma. Phone: 574-205-9522 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

More resources are listed on the Drug-Free Council’s website at: drugfreepulaski.org.

Be well this holiday season. You are loved and you are not alone.

 

About Pulaski County Drug-Free Council (LCC)

The LCC’s mission is to support a county-wide effort to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other substance misuse among our youth and adults in Pulaski County. The LCC’s vision is to keep Pulaski County free of substance misuse and addictions, to enhance the quality of life in Pulaski County. The group invites the community to combat substance misuse and look beyond stigma. The LCC meets the second Wednesday of every month, 12 noon(Eastern) at the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac. All are welcome –including by video call. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.facebook.com/pulaskidrugfree or www.drugfreepulaski.org.

  
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Local News Briefs

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.

HVRM offers 'Santa Trains'

Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and into December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson.

Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.

CFoPC: Triple impact of #GivingTuesday gift in Pulaski County

Save the date! #GivingTuesday is Dec. 3, and The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) will once again spearhead the local observance of the day.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of celebrating generosity, created in 2012 for the purposes of fostering philanthropy, encouraging giving to important causes and celebrating the generosity of the community.

Chamber's Winter Wonderland Dec. 6

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22nd annual Winter Wonderland Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., in downtown Winamac.

The sixth annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” will welcome Santa at 7 p.m., Friday evening. The event will also feature craft and food vendors, horse-and-wagon rides, Christmas stories at the train depot and more.

PCPL announces November programs, activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for November. They include the annual “Our Heroes’ Tree,” a food drive, a recycling of old eyeglasses program, a Golden Experiences Art Exhibit, nature programs, and a Medicare 101 session.

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.

Funding opportunity available for substance misue projects through Pulaski County Drug-Free Council

Do you care about reducing substance misuse in our county? Do you have an idea that could prevent misuse or help people enter recovery? Do you need funding to make your idea a reality?

The Drug-Free Council is pleased to announce that approximately $27,000 is available in grant awards to address problems related to substance misuse in Pulaski County.

  

Indiana News

Thanksgiving dinner cost down slightly in Indiana

But still high relative to recent years

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 20) – Hoosiers gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner will find slight relief when it comes to purchasing ingredients, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. 

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows that Hoosier shoppers can expect to spend approximately 2% less at the grocery store compared to 2023. According to this year’s pricing survey, Hoosiers are paying an average of $53.31 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.33 per person.

State soybean harvest finished; corn 97% complete

EAST LANSING, MI – Harvest wrapped up in many areas last week across Indiana amid warm, rainy weather, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 54 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit, 6.1 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 1.07 inches, 0.32 inches above normal.

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms receives $2.7 million to enhance education

FAIR OAKS (Nov. 12) – Seven Farm Credit System institutions have partnered with Indiana-based Lake States Dairy Center to enhance public knowledge and education of sustainable agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, CoBank, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Mid-America, Farm Credit Services of America and Greenstone Farm Credit Services will contribute a combined $2.7 million over the next five years to help the center showcase food safety, animal care, nutrition, environmental stewardship, employee care and community.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.6% in September

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6 percent in September, down from 3.8 percent in August, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Oct. 28). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's September unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.2 percent in August. The August 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August (seasonally adjusted), down fractionally from 4.2 percent in August. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Nov. 15: Serious respiratory illness low in U.S.; but RSV elevated

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Nov. 12 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 300 from Oct. 20 - Nov. 5, down two from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Nov. 3-9) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

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.

Training, equipment enable county police to safely defuse potentially dangerous Nov. 19 domestic incident

Pulaski County police deputies arrested a Winamac man near midnight Tuesday (Nov. 19) on three felony charges, including domestic battery, following a meticulously planned and executed operation that resulted in a safe conclusion for all involved.

Arrested was Leonard Salyer, 30. The incident began when the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Knox Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute that originated in the Denham area of Pulaski County.

Alliance Junior Board visits Pulaski Memorial Hospital

FRANCESVILLE - The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors recently had an opportunity to meet with staff at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac to learn about its operations.

Students met with various staff members and asked questions to learned about the different roles and positions required to operate the hospital.

EPCS Board approves Secured School Grant

WINAMAC –  The Eastern Pulaski School Board discussed and approved a Secured School Grant the school corporation has received, during its Nov. 11 regular monthly meeting.

The matching grant for almost $39,500 will update the school campus key fob system, intercoms and camera system at doors to integrate with the school’s Verkada system.

West Central closes bond on construction projects

 FRANCESVILLE – The bond for the next round of construction projects at West Central Schools was closed Nov. 6, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe reported to the school board at its November meeting.

She added that bid drawings are due from architect firm Moake Park to construction manager Tecton by Nov. 18, and the bonds sent out to bid around Dec. 23.

INDOT awards $139.7 million through Community Crossings matching grants

Pulaski County, Medaryville, Francesville receive funds

PETERSBURG (Nov. 7) – Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Transportation gathered Thursday at the Pike County Courthouse in Petersburg with cities, towns and counties from across southwest Indiana receiving portions of the nearly $140 million awarded through the Community Crossings matching grant program, a component of Holcomb's Next Level Roads program.

Locally, Pulaski County will receive $1,032,285 through Community Crossings, while Medaryville has been awarded $165,065. (See separate article below on Francesville.)