Recipients of grant funding include:

  • F.U.E.L. Program – Weekend Food Security Program for Eastern Pulaski Elementary School
  • First United Methodist Church –Software licensing for collaborative community impact
  • Friends of the Panhandle Pathway – Prairie Restoration and Expansion
  • Intrepid Phoenix – Fitness Programming for Recovery from Substance Abuse
  • Pulaski Animal Center – Facility Improvements
  • Pulaski County Superior Court – Community Navigator for a Safe & Drug-Free Community
  • Servants at Work (SAWS), Inc. – Safety and Accessibility for Pulaski County Residents via Wheelchair Ramps
  • Warrior Up After-School Program – Tutoring, life skills education, and after-school care
  • West Central After-Prom Committee – Support for the Intergalactic After Prom
  • West Central Youth League – Medaryville Field of Dreams

Leeann Wright, CFPC executive director, noted, “The last grant cycle of 2022 was quite a fitting way to celebrate our 25th year. Since our beginning in 1997, over $682,000 has been awarded in Community Grants to Pulaski County nonprofits and charitable organizations that serve our county.”

Community Grants are comprised of discretionary dollars – funds that are awarded at the discretion of the CFPC board, via the grants committee, to ensure that Pulaski County continues to be a place to thrive and grow today and tomorrow.

The grants committee is responsible for thoroughly reviewing each application and making a determination on funding from the foundation’s discretionary funds. In 2022, the following CFPC board members served on the grants committee: Kaye Beall (chair), Shane Pilarski, and John Sass; non-board members included: Abby Dickey, Kim Marlatt, Kyle Sommers, and Don Street. The grant committee’s work was reviewed and supported by CFPC 2022 board members: Pam Burger, Missy Culp, Katie DeGroot, Kurt Dickey, Paul Gilsinger, Karen Jones, Jill Kasten, Ron Kruger, Bob Klitzman, Leslie Link, Rhonda Lower, Gregg Malott, Vicki Overmyer, Barb Schultz.

Funding for discretionary grants is through the Community Grants Fund and several Field of Interest Funds held at the foundation. These funds were made possible by the many individuals and businesses that care deeply about Pulaski County. The foundation staff wish to express deepest thanks and gratitude for these forward-thinking donors and to the grants committee members and board for their time and thoughtful efforts in this important program for the community of Pulaski County.

Grants are reviewed and awarded three times per year. Deadlines for applications are March 1, July 1, and November 1. For more information, visit the Community Foundation website, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 574-946-0906.

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

Local News Briefs

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.

Pulaski County Economic Development Summit April 29

The annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall, Winamac. The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. The program will also feature the annual “State of the County Economy” address by CDC executive director Nathan Origer.

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.

PCT invites photographers to capture spirit of county in photo contest

Participate, share perspective on county

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

  

Indiana News

Indiana State Parks offer free admission May 4 for ‘Welcome Weekend’

INDIANAPOLIS - Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties Sunday, May 4, the second day of “Welcome Weekend” and the opening day of Visit Indiana Week.

Find an Indiana State Parks property and what’s new there at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you’ve never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips. 

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.

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

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

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.

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker

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. 

Alliance Junior Board visits BraunAbility

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors had the opportunity to visit BraunAbility in Winamac in April.

During their visit, the student directors were given a presentation about the company and had the chance to ask questions. They also had a tour of the facility, which allowed them to see the manufacturing process of vehicles equipped to assist individuals with disabilities.

Jury finds Monterey man guilty of attempted murder 

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Circuit Court jury has found a Monterey man guilty of attempted murder in connection with a July 3, 2023 shooting in downtown Monterey.

Kenneth D. Ketcahm, 41, was also convicted on additional charges of criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. The verdict was returned Monday (April 14).

Fatal crash on U.S. 421 under Investigation

MEDARYVILLE (April 15) – The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash which claimed the life of a Porter County man Tuesday on U.S 421 near the intersection of CR 800N in Cass Township.

The crash involved a dump truck and minivan. Release of the identity of the deceased minivan driver is pending the notification of family.