Pulaski County's unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent in April, down from 6.9 percent (revised figures) in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Friday (May 18). The rate was 7.1 percent a year ago.

The state's April rate dropped to 7.9 percent (seasonally adjusted), down from March's 8.2 (revised) rate. The April 2011 rate was 8.8. The U.S. rate dipped to 8.1 percent (seasonally adjusted) in April, down from 8.2 percent (revised) in March. A year ago, the national rate was 9.0 percent.

The annual county Memorial Day Service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday (May 28), on the courthouse lawn, Winamac.

Greg Henry of the Winamac V.F. W. will be master of ceremonies. Speaker will be Winamac Community High School student Paul Hettinger Jr. Rev. Tony Wagner will give the opening and closing prayers. The American Legion and VFW  Auxiliaries will place wreaths at the war memorials.

Pulaski County Economic Development will offer a series of free events to assist local entrepreneurs start new businesses or take their current companies to the next level.

The purpose of the series is to put business owners or start-ups in touch with the people and resources available to help the business thrive, such as start-up financing. The upcoming events are as follows:

WINAMAC - A community piano recital, featuring several students and community members, will begin at 7 p.m., Monday (May 21), at the Winamac Community High School socialtorium. There will be no admission charge.

The event is sponsored by the Winamac Music Boosters, and will be an opportunity to see and hear the new grand piano that was recently purchased with funds donated by community members and businesses.

Pulaski Memorial Hospital will offer a two-day Safe Sitter Class May 30-31 at the Pulaski County Highway Garage, north of Winamac.

The classes are designed to prepare young adolescents, ages 11 to 13, to care for younger children. Class size is limited, please register early.

Friends of Pleasant View will meet at 7 p.m., Monday (May21) at the Pleasant View Rest Home.

(Note change of time.) Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Pulaski Memorial Auxiliary will organize a bus trip to Branson, MO, Nov 12-15. Total cost is $600 per person for 5 shows, 3 dinners, free breakfasts and tour of Branson.

A $125 deposit is due at the time reservations are made. Remaining balance is due Sept 5.

WINAMAC - An open house for three retiring Eastern Pulaski Elementary School teachers will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday (May 24), in the school cafeteria.

The honored teachers are Jenise Barnhouse, Gary Nellans and Brenda Roberts. The event is planned by the EPES friendship committee.

The Pulaski County Public Library has announced its special programs and events for May.

All will be held at the Winamac library, unless otherwise noted. For more information on any program, call the library at 946-3432. The schedule of events is as follows:

NORTH MANCHESTER - Indiana Conservation Officers will offer a boater education course at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in North Manchester from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19.

Lunch will be provided and all materials are free of charge. The clubhouse is located on CR1425N, approximately ½-mile east of SR13.

By Brad Neihouser

On Monday night (May 14), I was sitting in the West Central High School cafeteria, anticipating a long and boring senior awards night.

I watched as the best, brightest and the best-looking high school seniors were awarded scholarships and awards of all shapes and sizes. I am sure I went to this event with a poor attitude, hoping it would be over soon, so I could get about my business.

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Board approved a reduction-in-forcerecommendation, as presented, at its meeting Thursday evening (May 17).

Because of retirements, resignations and transfers, the staff is being reduced by only one position. Earlier in the year, Superintendent Charles Mellon told the board the corporation may have to cut five teaching positions.

FRANCESVILLE - West Central High School held its annual Senior Awards Night Monday evening (May 14) at the high school cafetorium. Seniors were recognized for various academic and athletic awards, honor roll, and scholarships.

The following is a list of the award winners:

WINAMAC - Fifty-one seniors were recognized Monday evening (May 14) at the Winamac Community High School Senior Awards Program for various academic and athletic awards, honor roll, and scholarships.

The following is a list of the award winners:

WINAMAC - Top awards at the annual Winamac Community High School Fine Arts Banquet went to Ridge Parks (National School Choral Award) and Tyler Abbott (John Philip Sousa Band Award); while the drama "Oscars" went to Tyler Abbott (best actor), Nicole Johnston (best actress), Ridge Parks (outstanding musical performance) and J.T. Garnett (best actor in supporting role).

The banquet was held last week at the Eastern Pulaski Elementary School, organized by the school’s fine arts departments and the Winamac Music Boosters.

Winamac Community and West Central high school have announced their valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2012.

Winamac valedictorian is Jordan Troy Morning, son of Donald and Teresa Morning. He will attend Indiana University to major in telecommunications. West Central Valedictorian is Marissa Bailey, daughter of Shaun and Corrie Hauptli, and Rick and Stephanie Bailey. She will attend Purdue University to major in nursing. 

FRANCESVILLE - Seifried & Brew LLC, a community bank risk management firm, has named Alliance Bank in its 2011Top 15th Percentile of Community Banks, according to an announcement released last month.

To gain entry into this distinguished ranking, the Bank demonstrated exemplary performance of balancing risk and reward based on the Bank’s S&B Total Risk/Return Composite Ranking.

By Megan Wegner 

WINAMAC - Ralph Braun, founder of the Braun Corporation, has been selected as a "Champion of Change" as part of the White House administration’s “Winning the Future” initiative.

Each week, the White House honors Americans who embody the goal of building an America that will win the future. The honorees are nominated by the public, and they represent multiple categories ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community activists.

Pulaski County Commissioners Ken Boswell and Mike Tiede lost their bids for re-election in the Indiana Primary Election, Tuesday, May 8. However, incumbent county councilmen Roger Querry and Jerry Sullivan Jr., along with Doug Roth won the voters' nod to appear on the Republican ticket in the November election.

Boswell was defeated by former commissioner Terry Young, 981 to 799, while Tiede lost to Larry Brady, 1,119 to 842 on the Republican ballot. The county's election totals for both the Republican and Democrat ballots follow:

INDIANAPOLIS - Over 40 Pulaski County residents crossed the finish line in the running of the 36th annual One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Saturday (May 5), in downtown Indianapolis. A total of 35,000 runners from around the world participated.

Junior Achievement serving Pulaski County hosted its annual Bowl-A-Thon at Bowl Away Lanes in Knox April 18, and raised over $2,500 toward JA programs for local youth.

The JA board of directors recruited eight teams of five bowlers per team to participate in the event. Several business men and women along with members of the community put on their bowling shoes to have a great time while raising funds to support JA programs on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship for local school students.