The new interpretive sign featuring the history of the artesian well.

Efforts to date include:

  • Aesthetic improvements to the historic artesian well structure
  • An interpretive sign featuring the history of the well
  • Two bench swings
  • Permanent art exhibits (catfish, heron, sunflowers)
  • Two small canvas murals
  • Plants along the pickleball court fence, around trees, and around one of the bench swings
  • A free public “Art in the Park” event featuring hands-on activities and artwork

“The various plants add to the charm of the space,” noted a PCT spokesperson. “They help set the stage for a tranquil experience, along with the two new bench swings with a beautiful view of the river.” The swings were sponsored by Don and Lynn Darda, and Al Breyfogle.

The new 3-D silhouette artwork depicts just a few of the natural elements that can be enjoyed in Pulaski County.

“The catfish not only represents wildlife found in the Tippecanoe River but also the native people who were here before us,” explained PCT’s Brandi Larkin. “Winamac, loosely translated in the Potawatomi language means catfish.” The artwork was commissioned through local artist Patrick Pitcher and funded by a grant provided by the Indiana Arts Commission. The community was able to provide input and help PCT choose the artwork subject matter.

PCT volunteers have spent many hours picking up debris, removing overgrowth, power washing, staining, painting, planting, and planning.

“We are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm surrounding this project,” Larkin said. “Phase 1 has been well-received and resulted in increased utilization of the west side of the park. Based on the positive impact and feedback received, PCT is pursuing additional placemaking efforts to further enhance this public space. Phase 2 has commenced with plans for the cultivation of a pollinator garden, tree planting, and installation of additional artwork.”

There are a variety of opportunities for community members to contribute:

  • Volunteer to help with plants and maintenance
  • Monetary donations to offset the expense of equipment rental, landscape supplies, plants
  • In-kind donations of non-invasive plants

PCT appreciates all of the past support and looks forward to continued community partnerships to enhance Pulaski County. #ittakesatribe

More information will be forthcoming as Phase 2 progresses.

 

 

 

 

Local News Briefs

Medaryville Potato Fest Aug. 17-18

MEDARYVILLE – The town of Medaryville will revive its former Potato Fest the weekend of Aug. 17-18, featuring a parade, a Car, Truck & Bike Show, food vendors, live music, a corn hole tournament, children’s activities and more.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday along downtown Main Street.

I-65 pavement restoration project to begin

NORTHWEST IN - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth Riley Construction will begin a pavement restoration project on I-65 between SR 14 and U.S. 231 (mile marker 223 to 246) on or after Monday, Aug. 12.

Sections of I-65 will be resurfaced, with lane closures from the hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following morning. Lane closures will be in place in one direction at a time and will be only a few miles in length at a time.

Main Street Winamac to hold inaugural Tri-Tender event Sept. 7

WINAMAC – Main Street Winamac has set an inaugural Tri-Tender event for Saturday, Sept. 7, featuring a bike-kayak-run triathlon, plus “one delicious tenderloin sandwich.”

Events get underway at 2:30 p.m. The afternoon/evening will also include live music, good and games at the railroad depot parking lot for the triathlon participants and the public.

PCPL August programs and activities listed

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for August.  They include a kids program on owls and another on insects/bubbles, adult painting classes, and yoga classes.

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.

KIRPC Head Start offers preschool for Pulaski County children

KIRPC Head Start is a preschool for children ages 3-5 years old and is free for eligible families.

The preschool serves all areas of Newton, Jasper and Pulaski counties, including two classrooms in downtown Winamac serving 34 children. It is open four days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.

2025 Lilly Scholarship application available Aug. 2 - Sept. 4

The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECSP) application will be available Aug. 2 through the Community Foundation of Pulaski County.

The program will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Pulaski County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full undergraduate tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year.

 

Fair News

Pulaski County 4-H'ers earn 2024 state fair honors

INDIANAPOLIS - The first judging results for Pulaski County 4-H members at the 2024 Indiana State Fair have been posted. Results will be updated as received.

The state fair runs Aug. 2-18 (closed Mondays), in Indianapolis. This year's theme is "The Art & Nature of Fun," in partnership with Newfields.

Indiana State Fair unveils 15 new attractions for 2024

Fair runs Aug. 2-18, (Closed Mondays)

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana State Fair returns Aug. 2-18, and this year the fair has added more new experiences and excitement with an array of captivating attractions and events.

From water play to outdoor cinema, animal adventures, and adrenaline-pumping shows, there’s something for everyone.

Indiana State Fair announces 2024 new, delicious foods

2024 ‘Taste of the Fair’

INDIANAPOLIS - Experiencing the sweet and savory treats around the Great Indiana State Fair is a summertime favorite.

The state fair has unveiled 43 new mouth-watering culinary creations fairgoers can enjoy this summer. 

Indiana News

Pulaski County unemployment rate 3.5% in June

Pulaski County's unemployment rate ticked up to 3.5 percent in June, up from 3.3 percent in May, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (July 22). The rate was 3.1 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,902 employed persons in a labor force of 7,150 in June. In May those numbers were 6,643 of 6,870. A year ago the numbers were 6,809 of 7,025.

 

Mammoth North Solar project celebrates upcoming commercial operations

KNOX (July 9) – Doral Renewables celebrated Tuesday, the upcoming launch of commercial operations of its Mammoth North Solar project, a major segment of the Mammoth Solar project.

The 400 MW Mammoth North Solar project will soon be the largest operating solar installation in Indiana and can provide sustainable energy to 75,000 households annually. It is the first phase of Doral Renewables’ 1.3 GW Mammoth Solar complex, which is also one of the largest solar energy projects in the U.S.

Indiana COVID-19 News

Summer 2024

The weekly updates on COVID, as well as influenza and RSV cases in Indiana and Pulaski County will be suspended through August (as long a counts remain low). Interestingly though, readership of these articles has remained strong to date. State stats may be accessed at www.coronavirus.in.gov

 

 

Post News

Construction set to begin on new Pulaski County Historical Society museum     

WINAMAC – The Pulaski County Historical Society broke ground Monday afternoon (Aug. 12) for a new county history museum to be built in downtown Winamac.

Speakers at the event included Historical Society president Ryan Harrison, Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce president Leslie Hanson, Main Street Winamac president Nikki Pugh, Jimmy Terry of FBI Buildings and Tom Miller of TM Construction. 

Site preparation has begun for the facility which will be constructed at 110 N. Monticello St.

West Central School Board updated on start-of-school

FRANCESVILLE – The West Central School Board was updated on final preparations for the start of the 2024-25 school year at its Aug. 1 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe said the first day of school for students is Thursday, Aug. 8. Meet the Teacher night is 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, and new teacher orientation is Monday Aug. 5.

Winamac Community Crossings sidewalk project moves along

WINAMAC – A nearly six-month project to replace sidewalks, repair some old below-street-level utility infrastructure and install new street lights in downtown Winamac is progressing largely on schedule, according to town manager Brad Zellers.

The $2.2 million project is funded by an INDOT Community Crossings grant with a 20 percent town match. Town leaders hope the project will be an important first step to encourage further downtown revitalization.

West Central names new principals

Updated

FRANCESVILLE – Mike Carlson has been named the new principal at West Central Middle/High School. He previously served as elementary principal for the school system.

He will be succeeded at WCES by Toni Blaszcyzyk. The school corporation has also named Amie Clemons as the new K-12 assistant principal.

August is Child Support Awareness Month 

August is Child Support Awareness Month, a national campaign aimed to spread awareness about child support services.

In observance of the month, Pulaski County Prosecutor Kelly Gaumer will take time to celebrate the hundreds of families and children her office serves, and acknowledge parents as they make a positive impact on the well-being of their children.