“The projects and organizations that are receiving funding have major positive impacts on the cultural, economic, and educational climate of Indiana, “ said Alberta Barker, chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. "The Commission is impressed at the work being done around the state and is excited to support investment in Hoosier communities."

The Commission also designated Pulaski County Tribe’s  Art in the Park as an Arts Trust License Plate Project. Interest accrued from the Arts Trust, supported by donations through the sale of Celebrate the Arts license plates, is distributed to one Arts Project Support grant recipient from every county in which there is a funded application. Beneficiaries were selected based on exemplary commitment to community, education, economy, and health.

“PCT is excited to continue efforts to enhance the communities throughout Pulaski County. As we pursue opportunities to improve the quality of life in our rural communities, we often look to art to create connections and embrace the pace of the place we call home,” said Brandi Larkin, founder, and president of Pulaski County Tribe.

The Art in the Park project focuses on improvements to the west side of the Memorial Swinging Bridge in the Town Park in Winamac. The funds from the IAC grant will support artwork displays along the Tippecanoe River adjacent to the bridge, an interpretive sign highlighting key facts about the historic artesian well, and art supplies for a public event planned for the spring of 2022.

Larkin noted PCT is grateful for the financial support of the Indiana Arts Commission. Appreciation is extended to Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, State Rep. Doug Gutwein, and Congressional legislators Jackie Walorski, Todd Young, and Mike Braun for the appropriation of these funds through the Indiana General Assembly. “These connections and collaborations will allow us to create another positive project for Pulaski County,” Larkin added.

“From the smallest rural communities to the largest cities, we see arts and creativity improving quality of life and driving economic development, and this funding will support the projects and organizations around the state at the heart of this progress," said Lewis Ricci, IAC executive director. "It is an honor to support work that is strengthening the fabric of Indiana communities."

Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Click here to view the full list of grants awarded.

 

About Pulaski County Tribe

Pulaski County Tribe is a non-profit organization in Pulaski County. The mission of the organization is to communicate, collaborate, and celebrate among all communities in Pulaski County for the greater good of residents and guests. The organization serves as a channel that brings together organizations, businesses, and residents to positively impact communities in Pulaski County. For more information about the Pulaski County Tribe, visit www.pulaskicountytribe.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  
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Local News Briefs

‘Story Trail’ to open May 17 on Winamac park walking path

The Pulaski County Public Library Foundation will hold a grand opening Saturday of its new Story Trail along the walking trail in the Winamac Town Park.

The public is invited to attend a special opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., May 17 marking the official launch of the Story Trail. The celebration will feature games, music, ice cream, and fun for all ages.

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

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 activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

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

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles outbreak in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.