New Panhandle Pathway Mural

Community members and art enthusiasts gathered on Saturday (Sept. 16) to witness the mural's creation. It was not just an opportunity to admire art but also a chance to embrace the unhurried pace and community camaraderie of Pulaski County.

The mural artist is once again Zach Medler of Lafayette who has completed several murals for PCT in Pulaski County.

PCT recognized the following:

  • Members of Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for their commitment to the wonderful trail that runs through Pulaski County and for their partnership on this project.
  • Members of Pulaski County Tribe for their unwavering commitment to creating a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
  • Artist Zach Medler for providing his talents again to enhance Pulaski County.

Brandi Larkin, founder of PCT, underscored the significance of creating a sense of place within the Pulaski County community. "Projects like these are a testament to the power of collaboration and art in fostering a strong community," she said. "They reflect our pride in our county and serve as a reminder of the potential to create meaningful connections through shared experiences."

However, she added, the mural's creation was not just about art; it was also about community effort. Volunteers from both PCT and Friends of the Panhandle Pathway worked to clear brush and debris, trim trees, and clean the building to prepare the space for this vibrant addition to the county.

The completion of this mural is not just an artistic achievement; it's a celebration of the Pulaski County community's spirit, dedication and collaboration. As the mural adorns the Panhandle Pathway, it invites all to appreciate the county's unique character and the power of art to connect people, evoke pride, and foster a sense of place.

As visitors and residents stroll through Pulaski County, PCT encourages them to explore this mural and other stunning artworks, including the crane mural in Medaryville, eagle mural in Monterey, firefly mural in Star City; and the floral and opera block murals in Francesville (led by the Uptown Project).

 

  
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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.

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.

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.

New grant application process at the Community Foundation

The grant application process became a little bit easier this year.

Organizations that wish to apply for a grant through the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) will be interested to learn the process is now one streamlined application to cover all types of grant opportunities, including field of interest grants. No matter the size of your request, all you need to do is complete one simplified grant application.

  

Indiana News

Pulaski County unemployment rate up slightly at 4.3 percent in February

Pulaski County's unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3 percent in February, up from 4.2 percent in January, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (March 31). The rate was 3.8 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,535 employed persons in a labor force of 6,831 in February. In January those numbers were 6,507 of 6,793. A year ago the numbers were 6,381 of 6.645.

INDOT prepared for severe weather, widespread flooding through weekend

Heavy rain expected in south, central Indiana 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is prepared for severe storms, heavy rain, and widespread flooding expected to move across Indiana starting Wednesday afternoon and evening.  

As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches for all Indiana counties south of a line extending from Terre Haute to Indianapolis, and Muncie. NWS is calling for potential double-digit rainfall totals in parts of the state, primarily in southern Indiana. Significant flash and river flooding is likely in these areas. Severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes are anticipated Wednesday afternoon and evening, followed by widespread heavy rain and additional storms through the weekend.

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

Gov. Braun activates Indiana National Guard to aid in storm recovery 

NWS confirms tornado in Bourbon

INDIANAPOLIS (April 3) – Gov. Mike Braun activated the Indiana National Guard Thursday to aid with storm recovery after severe weather impacted at least 41 counties across Indiana Wednesday evening. Damage assessments and recovery operations are ongoing. 

Thursday afternoon, NWS confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down between Culver and Argos around 7:52 p.m. and traveled northeast through Bourbon where it caused extensive damage. The tornado had a peak wind speed of 105 mph and ended around 8:10 p.m. just north of Etna Green. Rotation seen on radar first detected the forming tornado west of Medaryville a little after 7:30 p.m.

Winamac names 2025 valedictorian, salutatorian

Winamac Community High School has named its top academic seniors in the Class of 2025. They are Valedictorian JeeAnne Peterson and Salutatorian Kamryn Huddleston.

Winamac will hold graduation ceremonies Sunday, June 1.

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 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.”

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.

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.