Judge Crystal Kocher of Pulaski Superior Court noted, “Our team worked diligently for the past two years to educate ourselves on this process as utilized around the United States, make adjustments, and collaborate with community agencies to provide the best treatment options to Veterans Treatment Court participants in order to provide them an opportunity at rehabilitation and restoration to return to productive citizens of our community. In addition, this treatment court has opened the door for collaboration with other agencies in order to provide better services to individuals in the justice system who are not veterans as well.”

This process consisted of planning for months prior to a two-day, on-site, full-audit and review of the Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court Program by the Indiana Office of Court Services Staff. Veteran Court policies, procedures, and documents were reviewed and interviews were conducted in January as the Veterans Court has been operating on a temporary certification until this process was complete. Full certification is valid for three years of operation for the Veterans Court program.

“The Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court has really grown and developed over the past year with a great team of caring and supportive staff who provide support to veterans who are in the justice system,” said Dr. Natalie Daily, program coordinator. “We cannot expect people to “fix themselves” or get better, if others are not willing to help, or even engage with the issue. This court program, and others like it, are proven to reduce recidivism rates and provide for positive outcomes for the veterans, their families and our community.”

Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court has been operating with a small number of participants this past year and continues to grow in participation and development. A tremendous amount of effort has been placed on community engagement and education so that the community understands the value, the importance, and the accountability the program provides to veterans and their families.

Judge Kocher addresses concerns regarding accountability of participants in the program, explaining, “this program is a minimum 12-month program, which allows the court to impose jail time if necessary to the participant. It requires multiple contacts a week with treatment agencies, a minimum of two drug screens a week administered at the county jail, appointments with a probation officer, and two court appearances a month. Participants are sometimes on GPS monitoring to ensure safety of the community in addition to complying with these strict requirements. Further, the participants in these cases enter a plea of guilty to the charges prior to entering Veterans Treatment Court, which means if they are terminated from our program, they immediately proceed to sentencing on their charges. It is important for the public to understand the balance represented by this program. It provides individuals with a level of treatment they will never receive in jail. Without this program, these individuals would return to our community from jail without the rehabilitation this programs offers, frequently to reoffend. This program makes our community a safer place for everyone.”

Problem Solving Courts (which includes Veterans Courts) works effectively to link Veterans with resources to help them confront sobriety; substance abuse; mental health; or other challenges they are facing as it stems for their military service. In rural communities, these programs are vital to community safety and well-being.

Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court was honored to be mentioned in the Annual Indiana State of the Judiciary in January. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Rush thanked Judge Kocher and Pulaski County for their hard work in development of a Veterans Treatment Court.

You may view the 2020 State of the Judiciary at www.in.gov/judiciary/supreme/2338.htm.

For more information about the Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court or if you are a veteran who would like to serve as a mentor for the program, you can learn about these opportunities by viewing the webpage at http://gov.pulaskionline.org/pulaski-county-veterans-treatment-court/.

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

Local News Briefs

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. 

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

  

Indiana News

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 cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

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.