Winamac Community High School 2024 senior awards

Graduation ceremonies for the Winamac Community High School Class of 2024 will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 2, in the high school gymnasium. The 2024 valedictorian is Kaden Burns, and the co-salutatorians are Olivia Link and Lily Bennett. 

The award recipients were as follows:

Charles and Lenore Keitzer Memorial Scholarship
Max Keller
Maggie Smith

Everett R. and Frieda G. Houghton Scholarship
Kaden Burns
Maggie Smith

Winamac F.O.E. #2580 Scholarship
Kaden Burns
Destini Gould
Ayden Jimenez
Olivia Link
Piper Link
Kailey Moore
Aidan Smith
Maggie Smith
Malachi Wolfe

Psi Iota Xi Scholarship
Bianca Huizar

The Jerry Jones Memorial Scholarship
Draven Anders
Jeffrey Richwine

EPCSC School Board Scholarship
Gabrielle Joseph

Pulaski Co. Farm Bureau Scholarship
Max Gearhart
Ashlynn Jennings

Coca-Cola Scholarship
Ayden Jimenez

D.A.R. Good Citizen Award
Destini Gould

Distinguished Young Woman of Winamac Award
Destini Gould

WCHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship
Conner Burton
Maggie Smith

Herbert Hoch & Martha Hoch Scholarship
Kaden Burns
Conner Burton
Max Gearhart
Bianca Huizar
Olivia Link
Piper Link
Aidan Simmermaker
Kelsey Wegner    

Winamac Kiwanis Club Scholarship
Jeffrey Richwine

V.F.W. Post #1728 Auxiliary Scholarship
Julianna Eaton
Kelsey Wegner

V.F.W. Post #1728 Scholarship
Piper Link

Winamac Lions Club Scholarship
Bianca Huizar
Aidan Smith

Eastern Pulaski Teachers Assoc. Scholarship
Malachi Wolfe

Judge Jack Richert Memorial Scholarship
Conner Burton

Bob Goble Memorial Scholarship
Piper Link

Ernest D. Armstrong III Memorial Scholarship
Destini Gould

Earl D. Roudebush Memorial Scholarship
Bianca Huizar

Alberta J. Barnhouse Memorial Teacher Scholarship
Dennis Bellaire

Linda L. Keys Braun Memorial Scholarship
Kelsey Wegner

Don Chapman Creative Writing Memorial Scholarship
Olivia Link

William O. (Billy) Goble Memorial Scholarship
Conner Burton

Ralph E. and Sarah M. Horner Scholarship Award
Max Gearhart
Bianca Huizar

Senn Family Scholarship
John Malchow

Winamac Conservation Club Scholarship
Olivia Link

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Scholarship
Piper Link

Frances and Gertrude Rausch Ag Scholarship
John Malchow

Military Enlistment Recognition
Willis Dennis
Joshua Hagen
Talen Hurlburt
Piper Link
Domannik Pace
Brennen Runk

Indiana College Core
Dennis Bellaire
Lily Bennett
Kaden Burns
Bianca Huizar
Alonzo Huizar
Ashlynn Jennings
Olivia Link
Piper Link
Bethany Poor
Mackenze Ruff
Aidan Simmermaker
Maggie Smith
Aiden Villanueva
Kelsey Wegner    

Bowden Family Scholarship
Maggie Smith

The Doug Capper Music Scholarship
Kaden Burns

American Legion Post #71 Scholarship
Max Gearhart

The Haley Fox Memorial Scholarship
Kailey Moore

Pulaski Co. Soil & Water Conservation Award
Olivia Link

Fulton County REMC Scholarship
Ashlynn Jennings

LightStream Scholarship
Max Gearhart
Piper Link
John Malchow

Murray Law Scholarship
Piper Link

Brad Breyfogle Spirit of Sport Scholarship
Max Gearhart
Kelsey Wegner

Conn Family Scholarship
Kaden Burns
Kelsey Wegner

Franklin and Evelyn Fechner Scholarship
Aidan Smith

Future Builders Scholarship
Max Keller
Jeffrey Richwine

Alexandra “Ali” Gibson Memorial Scholarship
Bianca Huizar

Agnes Hartman Scholarship
Maggie Smith

Everett and Ethel Knebel Scholarship
Talan Braun

Paul Baker Memorial Scholarship
Kaden Burns

Lilly Endowment Community Scholar
Lily Bennett

Roland and Nancy Lowry Memorial Scholarship
Raegan Kasten

Winamac Rotary Club Scholarship
Aidan Smith

Albert Lee Weaver Memorial Scholarship
John Malchow

Connie Weaver Denham Memorial Scholarship
Malachi Wolfe

Katherine L. Brown Scholarship and Achievement Award
Kaden Burns
Olivia Link

Marshall and Lola Carper Scholarship
Max Gearhart
Piper Link

  
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Ace Hardware
Pulaski Health Care Center
Pulaski Health Care Center - Parkview
FNB Monterery
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Local News Briefs

PCPL lists March activities, programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for March. The include free trees for Earth Week, an adult refrigerator magnet craft, and kids’ “spring break bingo.”

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.

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2025 environmental action grant

Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives may apply

MERRILLVILLE -  Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

Now in its 10th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically provided $577,000 in funding to a total of 143 projects with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana.

PACE grants application deadline March 3

Pulaski Alliance for Community Education (PACE) is offering $60,000 in educational grants to eligible organizations this spring.

Organizations whose primary mission is public education may apply for grant funds. Participants in CAPE II/III are also encouraged to apply for a portion of funds available to sustain or continue original CAPE program activities.

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.

Firewood cutting for home use available at TR State Park

WINAMAC - The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Tippecanoe River State Park for firewood.

Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as campsites and picnic areas.

  

Indiana News

Yakym concludes Indiana Innovation Tour

WARSAW (Feb. 21) - Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) concluded his Indiana Innovation Tour Friday, which included stops across the second district.

At each stop, Yakym talked with Hoosiers about a wide range of issues important to them, including regulations, taxes, jobs, the economy, a secure southern border, government efficiency and more.

Rep. Culp to serve on U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently appointed State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) as a member of its Local Government Advisory Committee.

Culp said there are numerous advisory committees with the purpose to help the president and executive branch better understand key topics. The main job of the committee is to tackle critical problems by working with the different governing bodies to develop common sense, long-lasting solutions.

Gov. Braun collaborates on Avian Flu effort in Indiana

Also: key facts on bird flu

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 13) – Gov. Mike Braun issued a statement Thursday regarding Avian Flu monitoring in Indiana.

The first Indiana case of 2025 occurred at a turkey farm in Jay County along the Ohio border, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health is monitoring which counties are affected.

Reps. Culp, Jordan encourage students to page during 2025 legislative session at Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 6) – Applications are live for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2025 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen).

Culp said Hoosier students ages 13 to 18 are invited to spend the day assisting lawmakers and staff, touring the Indiana Statehouse and listening in on the legislative session.

Indiana COVID-19 News

Feb. 17: IDH reports state flu level 'very high'

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Feb. 11 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 462 statewide from Jan. 29-Feb. 4, up 70 from its previous weekly report. There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, and one (reported) COVID death.

In addition, the IDH reported Feb. 17, that the state's influenza-like illness level is " very high" for the week ending Feb. 8, with 17 flu-associated deaths during the reporting period (97 total for the current season).

  

Post News

Jasper County deputy cleared in Jan. 26 officer-involved shooting of Hobart man

FRANKFORT (Feb. 27) – A state police investigation, reviewed by the Clinton County prosecutor’s office, has concluded that the Jan. 26 officer-involved fatal shooting of a Hobart man was “legally justified.”

The incident led to the death of Matthew Huttle, 42, following a traffic stop and attempted arrest of Huttle by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy along SR 14 near the Jasper/Pulaski county line.

‘Spirit of Alliance’ award presented to Kim Steele

FRANCESVILLE – Each year on Presidents’ Day, Alliance Bank employees convene to learn, celebrate and grow together. The highlight of the day is always the announcement of the Terry Stevens Spirit of Alliance Award.

Nominated by recipient’s peers, the winner demonstrates the core values of Alliance Bank by his/her daily actions.

New staff members join CFoPC

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc. (CFoPC) announces the hiring of two new staff members.

Stacia Conrad will serve as coalition coordinator for the Pulaski County Early Learning Network, a CFoPC program, and Heidi Wright joins the foundation as its director of programs.

PC Health Department opens office on county’s West Side

FRANCESVILLE – A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the Pulaski County Health Department’s new West Side office was held Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Parkview Haven, Francesville.

The health department’s satellite office will provide essential health services such as immunizations, health screenings, environmental services, and wellness programs directly to residents who previously faced barriers in accessing care.

Winamac attorney disbarred in disciplinary action

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Supreme Court, in an attorney disciplinary action Feb. 14, disbarred Winamac attorney Nathan Pearson for committing “attorney misconduct arising from his sexual relations with three clients,” according to court documentation.

An investigation by the high court’s disciplinary commission found that Pearson engaged in inappropriate conduct with at least three clients between 2016 and 2018. An investigation into Pearson’s misconduct began in July 2023.