Scott Nelson  Craig Schrimsher

Kroon, who has led the company for the past seven years, leaves behind a legacy of substantial growth and success. Under her leadership, BraunAbility has doubled in size, achieved record financial performance in 2023,and significantly enhanced its long-term profitable growth potential.

Nelson brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of BraunAbility’s strategy, team and products. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It is an honor to lead BraunAbility into the future. I am excited to work with our global team as we continue our mission to provide exceptional value to our customers while making life a moving experience for all.”

In conjunction with these changes, BraunAbility has announced the promotion of Craig Schrimsher to president of North American manufacturing. Schrimsher previously served a vice president of the GM Consumer business and has played a crucial role in enhancing BraunAbility’s consumer segment since joining the company in 2013.

Nelson expressed confidence in Schrimsher’s abilities, stating, “Craig has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his tenure at BraunAbility. We congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to his continued contributions to our success.”

Keith McLoughlin, chairman of the board of BraunAbility, expressed gratitude for Kroon’s contributions, stating, “Staci has been an exceptional leader, steering BraunAbility through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic while strategically expanding the company’s capabilities. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

BraunAbility's manufacturing headquarters are located in Winamac where the company was founded over 50 years ago by hometown native Ralph Braun. BraunAbility has 250 dealer locations across the United States and Canada.

 

About BraunAbility: BraunAbility is a leading manufacturer of mobility transportation solutions, including wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts and wheelchair securement products. Founded over 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, an entrepreneur who spent most of his life in a wheelchair, the company has grown into a well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing independence to millions of individuals with mobility challenges and their caregivers. BraunAbility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Patricia Industries, a division of Investor AB.

 

Local News Briefs

Winamac Community HS 2025 commencement exercises June 1

Senior photos featured

WINAMAC - Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 at Winamac Community High School will be at 2 p.m., Sunday June 1, at the high school gymnasium.

Diplomas will be presented to 81 seniors.

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

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

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

Circus comes to town June 17

WINAMAC - The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Winamac Tuesday, June 17, at the Winamac Town Park for two shows, the first starting at 5:30 p.m., and the second beginning at 7 p.m. Each show lasts about an hour and a half.

The event is sponsored by the Winamac Kiwanis Club.

4-H Fair Parade June 30

The 2025 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair Parade, with the theme "Grow it, Show it, Play it at 4-H," will step off at 6 p.m., Monday, June 30, in downtown Winamac.

The parade is organized by the Winamac Kiwanis Club in partnership with the Pulaski County Fair Association. The parade grand marshal will be 2025 Halleck Award winners Don and Lynn Darda. 

U.S. 421 to be resurfaced south of Medaryville

PULASKI COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving LLC will begin a resurfacing project for U.S. 421 between the two junctions of SR 14 on or after Tuesday, May 27.

During resurfacing activities, the road will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic in the area where work is occurring. This project will be ongoing through early August.

 

Indiana News

Yakym surprises 'Hoosier Heroes' with Congressional records

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) –Congressman Rudy Yakym honored two local first responders Tuesday recognizing their “exceptional service and commitment to their communities.”

Pulaski County Deputy Christopher Parish and Culver Community Police Chief Ryleigh Carr received entries into the Congressional Record.

Young, colleagues address shortage of mental health providers in schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reintroduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address the shortage of mental health providers in schools by boosting the pipeline of graduate students trained to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Sen. Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 2.4% in April

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent in April, down from 3.1 percent in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday, (May 22). The rate was 3.1 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,777 employed persons in a labor force of 6,943 in April. In March those numbers were 6,753 of 6,967. A year ago the numbers were 6,388 of 6.591.

Mitch Frazier, AgriNovus Indiana president and CEO, to step down

INDIANAPOLIS (May 16) - AgriNovus Indiana announced Friday it is launching a search for a new chief executive officer following the resignation of its current CEO Mitch Frazier who will depart from the organization June 6.

Frazier, who has served as president and CEO of AgriNovus since June 2020, will become president of IBJ Media Corporation June 16.

 

 

Post News

Human Services celebrates 50 years

Pulaski County Human Services (PCHS) continued the celebration of its golden anniversary Wednesday (May 28) at its annual Senior Citizen Health and Resource Fair in Star City.

PCHS is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to low-income, disabled, and elderly households, as well as general public-transportation and referral services in Pulaski County.

Alliance Bank Junior Board welcomes new members

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors welcomed nine new members for the 2025-26 school year during their annual celebration Sunday, May 4.

Students are selected for the board through an application process. Each of the participating schools are typically represented by two students from both their junior and senior classes.

West Central HS awards diplomas to 41 seniors

Senior photos featured

FRANCESVILLE - The 58th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School were held Sunday (May 25), in the school gymnasium. Diplomas were awarded to 41 seniors.

The program opened with a baccalaureate service at 2 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Ministerial Association, followed by the commencement ceremonies. 

West Central names 2025 valedictorian, salutatorian

West Central High School has named its top academic seniors in the Class of 2025. They are Valedictorian Aletheia Peter and Salutatorian Jalie Glasford.

West Central will hold commencement exercises Sunday, May 25, at the school gymnasium.

West Central HS holds 2025 senior awards program

FRANCESVILLE - West Central High School held its annual Senior Awards program Monday evening (May 12). Seniors were recognized for various academic and athletic awards, honor roll, and scholarships.

Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025 will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 25, at the school gymnasium.