Three Republicans ran for the open state representative seat for District 16 to succeed retiring State Rep. Doug Gutwein. In the Pulaski County portion of the vote, Kendall Culp of Jasper County received 649 votes, followed by Barbara Neihouser of Francesville with 402 and Bryan Washburn of Jasper County with 344.

Circuit court clerk JoLynn Behny received 895 votes, to her challenger Patty Sullivan's 677 votes, while assessor Holly VanDerAA won 913 votes compared to her challenger Shianne Zellers' 755 votes.

For County Council Dist. 1, Brad Bonnell defeated Stephanie Wheeler 278-179. In the other contested county council race, Mike Tiede defeated Bill Boehning 290-178 in Dist. 4.

In the Winamac Town Council at-large race, Alvin Parish and Danyelle Weaver each collected 151 votes, to Jim Watkins' 149 votes for the two available council seats.

In the contested Monroe Township Trustee race, incumbent Michelle Schmicker won 333 votes to challenger Debra Winter's 213 votes. In the three-way race for Salem Township Trustee, Mike Gayer had 139 votes, Sara Strus had 94, and Jay Johnson had 25.

Republican voters selected Doug Gutwein, Dan Murphy, JoLynn Behny and Holly VanDerAa as delegates to the state convention.

The Pulaski County voting totals, by precinct, will be added to this article later on Wednesday.

 

Voter Turnout

 Pulaski County had a 21.71 percent voter turnout for the 2022 Indiana Primary Election Tuesday, as reported by the county election board (compared to 31.03 percent in the 2020 Primary).

A total of 1,975 voters cast ballots, out of a total 9,098 registered voters. (Those numbers were 2,375 voters out of a total 7,653 registered in 2020.) Of those who voted, 1,431 cast their ballots on election day, while 454 participated in early in-person voting, and 90 took advantage of mail-in voting.

 

The Pulaski County voting totals, by precinct, were as follows: (includes absentee votes)

*Incumbent

 

Republican Ballot

Candidate

B

C

F

H

IC

J

M1

M2

M3

M4

RG

S

T

VB

WP

TOTAL

U.S. SENATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Todd Young*

 54  65  52  66  65  64  103  99  99  94  41  192  67  75  112  1,248
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DIST. 2                                
Jackie Walorski*  60  61  62  74  71  66  119  97  108  106  46  219  72  90  126  1,377
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 16                                
Kendell Culp  30  35  43    37  31  76  74  65  55  21  116      66  649
Barbara Neihouser  23  12  20    29  27  36  33  34  44  6  96      42  402
Bryan Washburn  18  29  16    22  28  29  35  36  27  24  51      30  344
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 17                                
Jack Jordan*        57                  69  72   198 
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY 59TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT                                
Kelly M. Gaumer*  61  60  62  75  67  63  106  112  107  102  40 194  70   80  115 1,322 
PULASKI COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK                                 
JoLynn Behny*  38  32  39  50  44  52  82  91  76  78  27 106  48  60  72  895 
Patricia (Patty) Sullivan  29  36  38  42  41  27  60  49  54  49  20 101  39  35  57  677 
PULASKI COUNTY SHERIFF                                
Chris R. Schramm  68  67  72  82  79  72  128  131  121  114  45 220  80  93  123  1,495
PULASKI COUNTY CORONER                                
Jon Maxwell Frain*  59  68  64  73  69  74  118  121  104  114  45 214  72  83  124  1,402 
PULASKI COUNTY SURVEYOR                                
No candidate filed                                
PULASKI COUNTY ASSESSOR                                 
Lorena H. (Holly) VanDerAa*   40  43  38  40  50  49  65  68  66  74  24  179  43  49  85  913
Shianne M. Zellers  29  24  45  52  37  36  83  81  69  56  23  59  54  57  50  755
PULASKI COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 (Vote for 1)                                
Ronald (Rudy) DeSabatine  21  16  24  23  23  25  49  39  43  33  16  78  33  30  39  492
John Mike McClure*  22  29  34  53  49  27  59  76  70  62  14  107  30  53  56  741
Laura Wheeler  26  24  21  22  17  29  39  30  31  31  20  49  28  23  38  428
PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1                                
Bradley J. Bonnell        56      84  84            54    278
Stephanie M. Wheeler        33      53  47            46    179
PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2                                
Jeffery K. Richwine  64        79        116  107            366
PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3                                
Brian Young*      28      45          44    47      164
PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4                                 
William (Bill) Boehning    29                    97      52  178
Michael Troy (Big Mike) Tiede*    44                    157      89  290
                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Democrat Ballot    

Candidate

B

C

F

H

IC

J

M1

M2

M3

M4

RG

S

T

VB

WP

TOTAL

U.S. SENATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas M. McDermott Jr.

 5  12  11  13  10  3  6  20  20  10  5  16  34  12  11  188

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 2

                               

Paul D. Steury

 3  10  9  12  11  3  6  18  18  9  4  12  30  10  12  167

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 16

                               

No candidate filed

                               

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 17

                               

No candidate filed

                               

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY 59TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY SHERIFF

                               

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY CORONER

                               

Charles E. Heinsen

 8

 10

15 

18 

10 

29 

149 

PULASKI COUNTY SURVEYOR

                               

Jenny Weaver-Keller*

 11

11 

 14

12 

20 

19 

13 

12 

35 

12 

12 

195 

PULASKI COUNTY ASSESSOR

                               

No candidate filed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PULASKI COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 

                               

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

                               

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

                               

No candidate filed

                               

PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

                               

Josh Stacy

     8     3          7    30      48

PULASKI COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

                               

No candidate filed

                               

 

 

Local News Briefs

'Traditions!' Broadway favorite 'Fiddler on the Roof' returns to Winamac stage April 4-6

 WINAMAC - The Tony award-winning, Broadway favorite Fiddler on the Roof will return to the Winamac Community High School stage the weekend of April 4-6

The school’s drama department will present the classic musical which follows the story of Tevye, a Jewish peasant in pre-revolutionary Russia in the early 1900s. The dairyman father struggles to maintain his traditional values while attempting to marry off three of his daughters who have modern romantic ideals - all while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours April 2 in Winamac

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County April 2, in Winamac.

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

‘Grill-n-Gather’ event April 4 to celebrate new Francesville licensed daycare facility

The Pulaski County Early Learning Network, a program of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, has planned a special “Grill-n-Gather” event for the county community to celebrate the progress of Francesville’s first licensed childcare facility.

After months of hard work, the organization is inching closer to transforming the Saint Francis Solano Church building into an affordable, high-quality, childcare center. The facility will address the unmet childcare need in the Francesville community while supplementing - and not replacing - the trusted childcare providers so many know and value.

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.

Chamber names Don, Lynn Darda a as 2025 Halleck Award recipients

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce has announced its selection for the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award are Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson made the announcement Tuesday (March 18). The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been active volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. The annual Halleck Award Banquet will be Thursday, April 24, at the Winamac VFW.

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2025 environmental action grant

Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives may apply

MERRILLVILLE -  Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

Now in its 10th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically provided $577,000 in funding to a total of 143 projects with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana.

 

Indiana News

Culp bill to improve access to agricultural resources signed into law

STATEHOUSE (March 25) – State Rep. Kendell Culp's (R-Rensselaer) legislation to create an online hub to improve Hoosiers' access to agricultural related information, grant opportunities and data on lost farmland has been signed into law.

Currently, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is made up of five divisions and various other programs and initiatives. Culp said House Enrolled Act 1149 will create a one-stop shop to streamline information, helping Hoosier farmers better navigate state and federal agricultural resources, grant applications, regulatory checklists and an updated inventory on lost farmland.

Former Indiana governor joins Doral Renewables board of directors

PHILADELPHIA (March 21) - Doral Renewables LLC, a leading developer, owner and operator of renewable energy projects, has announced the appointment of former Indiana governor Eric J. Holcomb to its board of directors.

Holcomb recently completed his eight-year term as the 51st governor of Indiana, during which the state saw record-breaking investments and job creation, according to a statement from Doral.

INDOT warns public of toll-related text scam

Caution urged before opening suspicious links

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is aware of a tolling-related text message or “smishing” scam targeting Hoosiers statewide.

False messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action; in addition to a link for payment.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session

 

Indiana Health News

Respiratory illness activity in Indiana at low levels

Plus update on measles nationwide

As of March 28, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care remains at a low level across most of the U.S., according to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline. COVID-19 and RSV activity are declining nationally to low levels.

The level of respiratory illness activity in Indiana is low. States reporting moderate levels are Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Maryland and New Hampshire.

 

Post News

Wind storm results in downed trees, power lines

Updated

A strong windstorm swept across Indiana late Sunday afternoon (March 30), leaving behind power outages, uprooted trees, some building damage and two deaths in Porter and Elkhart counties.

The worst damage locally occurred in northwest Pulaski County and the northern tier of townships. The storm materialized as had been predicted in the days leading up to Sunday.

Pulaski County first responders receive thermal drone donation

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reports it has received the donation of a DJI thermal drone for the county’s drone team and first responders from Doral Renewables LLC.

“This advanced technology will enhance our emergency response capabilities, providing critical aerial support for search and rescue operations, fire response, and public safety missions,” said Chief Deputy Fred Rogers.

Pulaski County Tribe launches ‘Creative Hub’ vision

Receives $10,000 Early Action grant

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) is setting the stage for a new chapter in community enhancement, one centered on creativity, culture and collaboration.

Interested residents are welcome to “join the conversation and help piece together the future of creativity in Pulaski County.”

Two arrested in opiate overdose investigation

FRANCESVILLE – Two persons were arrested Monday (March 24) in Francesville during a local police investigation stemming from an opiate overdose call in Winamac.

The initial investigation led Winamac Police Officer Aaron Coppernoll and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputy Cody Foust to seek a search warrant for a property near Francesville.

West Central School Board considers options for school resource officer

FRANCESVILLE – West Central Schools Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe discussed options for the addition of an SRO (school resource officer) with school board members who have expressed an interest in moving in that direction at the board’s March 7 meeting.

The Indiana State Police encourages school corporations to hire SROs to facilitate school safety.

Star City Lions support EPES reading program

The Star City Lions Club recently presented a donation to the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School.

RIF is a leading national children’s literacy nonprofit. The organization works to bring the joy of reading to children to create skilled readers.

Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting, honors county businesses

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its new “Better Together” motto while honoring county businesses for their achievements at the organization’s annual meeting March 13, in Winamac.

Chamber president Leslie Hanson led the meeting, outlining the Chamber’s activities the past year, introducing the board of directors, noting membership milestones and announcing awards. Entertainment for the evening was provided by comedian Jay Harris.