Citizen input is critical to understanding where internet service exists and learning how residents are using the internet. To that end, a two-session “Community Conversation” has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8. At this meeting organizers will be looking to hear from internet users to help develop and guide the plan.
Those interested should plan to attend one of two sessions on July 8:
- Session 1: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Session 2: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Broadband Community Conversation will take place at Bethel Bible Church, 6968 SR 14, Winamac.
This event and the development of a comprehensive broadband plan are made possible by a block grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), administered by the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission (K-IRPC). This grant was secured through the collaborative partnership between the Community Development Commission, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, and the Pulaski County Broadband Taskforce (chaired by Kurt Dickey).
In December 2024, the county was awarded the block grant from OCRA, and K-IRPC worked with the Broadband Taskforce to select Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier engineering, planning and design consultants, to assist Pulaski County in developing a comprehensive broadband plan.
In April 2025, Kimley Horn conducted a survey to gather input from residents, particularly in underserved areas, about their internet access and related concerns. The next step in developing a comprehensive broadband plan is a community conversation regarding the results of the survey, and to provide additional feedback on the comprehensive broadband plan.
Organizers emphasize that the voices of Pulaski County residents are needed in development of broadband services, and they hope to see community participation.
Kimley Horn is one of the nation’s premier planning, engineering, and design consulting firms with more than 7,500 staff members in more than 100 offices across the U.S., Kimley-Horn offers full services in a wide range of disciplines. Kimley-Horn focuses on community engagement to ensure the community makes informed decisions. To learn more, visit: www.kimley-horn.com
The Pulaski County Community Development Commission (CDC) was established in December 1995 by a resolution of the county commissioners. The mission of the CDC is to promote, to facilitate, and to support community-development and business-growth efforts throughout Pulaski County in the pursuit of improved quality of opportunity, life, and place and community wealth. To learn more, visit: https://development.pulaskionline.org/about/
The Pulaski County Broadband Task Force was created under the Community Foundation of Pulaski County’s Lilly Endowment GIFT VII initiative and features representatives from many local organizations. Its mission is to bring broadband service to every acre of Pulaski County.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFoPC builds resources, engages people, and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. CFoPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants, and provides leadership for community engagement. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.