Both of these important court programs provide intensive addiction and therapeutic support to those that enter the court program.

“Since 2014, cases involving substance use in Pulaski County have doubled and continue to rise” said Pulaski County Superior Court Judge Crystal Kocher. “Many of these cases involve the use of methamphetamine or heroin. Deaths from substance overdose in Pulaski County continue to increase, and we are seeing a profound impact on the families of our community who are left to deal with the aftermath of losing a loved one.”

In addition, the judge said, “many of these cases involve veterans in our community who are utilizing substances to reintegrate into our community or deal with the pressures of day-to-day life after honorably serving our country.”

Nearly 30 years ago, the first drug court in the nation was started with a very simple premise: instead of serving as a revolving door for those who have a history of addiction and crime, why not find ways to leverage the court to keep individuals engaged and be accountable for treatment long enough to be successful. Already, over a million participants and their family members have been served by treatment courts (includes Drug Court and Veterans Courts, along with many others).

It is stated by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) that around $13,000 is saved for every treatment court participant and 75 percent of those who complete the program don’t reoffend.

Pulaski County is researching and developing a Family Treatment Court that will operate out of Pulaski County Circuit Court. The court program development process takes 1-2 years and consists of developing policies and procedures, staffing team meetings, orientations, development for court documents/forms, trainings, agency partnership building, shadowing other courts, state certification processes, etc.

“Families are one of the basic building blocks of our Community,” said Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker. “When a family is impacted by criminal behavior, substance abuse and/or child neglect, the entire family suffers. Family Treatment Court will provide assistance to the entire family as well as the parent or child involved in non-desirable behavior. By doing so, we acknowledge the damage such behaviors do to the family as a group.

“Treatment gives all members of the family tools to move forward in a positive way,” Judge Welker  continued. “This then strengths our entire community by giving our basic family building blocks those tools. In addition, by applying this type of Family Treatment Court, I hope to stop the successive generations of families appearing in Court for Criminal, substance abuse and child neglect.”

Drug courts/treatment courts are designed to intensively engage the participant and the justice system together in order to make consistent and continual daily and weekly contact with the participant; monitor treatment and therapies; to provide support and encouragement when merited as well as accountability if participant is not making good choices. Many who have taken part in these types of intensive programs, have stated that this program/treatment court saved their life. This was their last hope of overcoming addiction.

Today, drug courts and other treatment courts (which are also called Problem Solving Courts) have proven that a combination of accountability and compassion can not only save lives, but save valuable resources and reduce criminal justice cost. The Problem Solving Courts will allow the community to focus on intense accountability and rehabilitation required to address the issue of substance use in those individuals who qualify for this program.

The Pulaski County courts are “very excited and proud” to be providing these programs in the community and to veterans and families in need of support/services, said program director Dr. NatalieDaily-Federer. No other neighboring county has a Problem Solving Court. Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court was honored to be the 100th Problem Solving Court in Indiana to be certified this past year.

For more information about the Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court program, please visit http://gov.pulaskionline.org/pulaski-county-veterans-treatment-court/.

 

Submitted by: Natalie Daily-Federer, PhD

  
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Local News Briefs

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. 

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.

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.

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 programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

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

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.

 

Braun signs package of executive orders to ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15) – Gov. Mike Braun Tuesday signed a landmark package of executive orders with initiatives to improve Indiana’s health and well-being.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were in attendance to support Indiana’s initiative. Indiana now joins a number of states that have embraced, through legislation or executive orders, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.

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

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.

Chamber presents Don, Lynn Darda with 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award to Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac at its annual award banquet Thursday evening (April 24), at the Winamac VFW.

The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been enthusiastic volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. 

Pulaski Superior Court appears saved

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24) – Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made to HB1144 approved by both the state house and senate Thursday evening in the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislation is now pending the approval of Gov. Mike Braun.

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.