The “Prevent Pricks: Be Smart with your Sharps” program was designed with community safety in mind. The sharps collection kiosks, often referred to as “sharps kiosks,” are a sustainable means to protect the public health of all residents in the county. With the new kiosks installed, town and county workers run less of a risk of being stuck by syringes – workers can now simply unlock the kiosk, pull out the plastic bin, seal it with a locking top, and take it in for proper disposal.

Debbie Mix, Coordinator for the LCC, noted, “I’m so happy that Pulaski County has the safety of its residents and county employees in mind – very forward-thinking.”

By properly disposing of used syringes, Pulaski County will decrease residential exposure to Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV/AIDS, and MRSA, as well as protect town and county workers from accidental needle pricks. The kiosks also serve diabetics who use syringes and need a place to safely dispose of them. All of which directly impact residents.

“This is so exciting,” remarked Kate DeRolf, a member of the LCC and a CAPRC-I certified addiction recovery coach. “Pulaski County is making strides in the areas of public health and recovery.”

The sharps kiosks will be accessible 24/7, as they are placed outdoors at the following locations:

  • Medaryville: National Street entrance at the White Post Volunteer Fire Department (422 E Main Street)
  • Monterey: Front entrance to the Health Clinic (6194 E Main Street)
  • Winamac: Front entrance to Pulaski Memorial Hospital (616 E 13th Street)

The public is invited to the installation of the Medaryville kiosk, at the White Post Volunteer Fire Department at 12 noon, Saturday, Oct. 14. Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Sept. 26 for the Pulaski Memorial Hospital and Sept. 30 for the Monterey Health Clinic kiosks.

The “Prevent Pricks” program is designed to be inclusive of all syringe-using residents, specifically those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, and others who use sharps to treat various medical conditions, including people who utilize illicit drugs.

The LCC has partnered with the Community Foundation, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the Pulaski County Health Department, White Post Township Trustee, Town of Medaryville, Town of Monterey, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, and numerous town and county officials to develop the program. The program will be funded by the national opioid settlement funds, as approved by the joint council session of the county commissioners and county council earlier this year.

 

About the Community Foundation of Pulaski County

CFPC, a 501(c) nonprofit organization, is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County, Indiana. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.

About Pulaski County Drug-Free Council (LCC)

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council is the local alcohol, tobacco and other drug coalition of the Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana. The mission of the Local Coordinating Council (LCC) is to bring together representatives, organizations, and agencies, both public and private, which seek to provide optimal resources for the combating of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in Pulaski County. The LCC formulates a countywide comprehensive plan and evaluates and restructures this plan annually to ensure PCDFC goals are met. Finally, we fund various projects and programs by awarding grants from the local portion of the Drug Free Community Fund. Learn more at https://www.drugfreepulaski.org/

  
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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 America 250 committee to meet April 28

The Pulaski County America 250 Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Monday (April 28) at the new Pulaski County Historical Society Museum, 110 N. Monticello St., Winamac.

All who are interested in helping to develop county plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary beginning this summer through 2026 is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.

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.

  

Indiana News

Southbound I-65 reopens in Jasper County following hazmat fire

ROSELAWN (April 22) - I-65 southbound reopened near mile marker 230 at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, almost 17 hours following a spectacular semi-truck fire and hazmat cleanup which included an overnight repaving of a section of the interstate. No injuries were reported.

After assessing the damage to the roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation determined that the accident scene needed to be resurfaced. INDOT already has a contract in place for this area for pavement patching with Rieth-Riley Construction, and they were able to mobilize to take over the scene once cleanup was complete. A total of 7,700 square feet of asphalt to a depth of four inches (and six inches on the outside shoulder) had to be replaced overnight.

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.

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. 

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

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.