Local News Briefs
Students at Eastern Pulaski and West Central schools will return to classes Aug. 5 and 12, respectively for the 2026-27 school year.
Information for new and returning students on registration, book rental fees, breakfast and lunch fees, supply lists, school-year calendars, athletic forms and much more may be found on both schools’ websites: Eastern Pulaski Community Schools and West Central Schools.
The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for August. They include a children’s program on eagles, an “American Conversation Project” event, and a preview program on August’s lunar eclipse.
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.
The Star City Lions Club recently received the 2026 Donor Award from Pulaski County Human Services.
The Star City club is a dedicated local service organization. Operating under Lions Clubs International, the chapter actively fundraises for various community needs and spearheads local improvement efforts.
Pulaski County Farmers Market is open for the summer season with a weekly location in Winamac.
The Market features fresh produce, plus local meats, maple syrup, honey, eggs, baked goods, sweet treats, cut flowers and coffee. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturdays June through September, on Main Street in front of the courthouse in Winamac.
An article in Friday’s (July 24) Washington Post asks the question: “As U.S. measles cases reach a 35-year record, do you know what your local school’s vaccination rates are?”
The newspaper reports the share of U.S. counties where 95 percent or more (which constitutes herd immunity) of kindergartners were vaccinated against the disease has dropped to 28 percent, public records show. In Pulaski County, the most recent (2024-25) numbers show the vaccination rate for kindergarteners is below desired levels.
The Metamonong DAR Chapter has been active this spring/summer with several projects and activities.
The DAR presented scholarships to Winamac and West Central graduates, held a Girls of America 250 Tea Party, and inducted five new members, among other events.
|
|
Fair News
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 10) - The brightest stars of Indiana agriculture took center stage Sunday evening as the Indiana State Fair hosted the 2026 4-H Grand Drive, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America inside the historic Corteva Coliseum.
Often considered the championship event of the Indiana State Fair livestock competitions, the Grand Drive brings together the state's top 4-H exhibitors to compete for the coveted title of grand champion. Months of hard work, dedication, and countless hours caring for their animals culminate under the lights as judges select Indiana's very best.
Theme: 'Always a Hit!'
INDIANAPOLIS – The 169th Indiana State Fair returns Friday, Aug. 7 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 23 (closed Mondays). With the theme "Always a Hit!" the State Fair and Indianapolis Indians have announced a partnership for the 2026 fair, bringing together iconic organizations that have long been part of the Hoosier summer experience.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.indianastatefair.com
Indiana News
INDIANAPOLIS - The Enforcement Bureau of the Indiana State Police oversees the traffic enforcement efforts of the troopers assigned to the 14 State Police Districts throughout Indiana.
Among their primary missions is helping to provide safe environments on the state’s roadways for everyone.
LAFAYETTE (July 28) – New data from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” study reveals the challenges families faced in 2024 as more than 8 out of 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of food insecurity nationally are rural, and in Indiana, seven of the 10 highest counties for rates of food insecurity are rural.
Over 1.097 million Hoosiers, including 327,150 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024 the study reported.
STATEHOUSE (July 22) – State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) recently hosted an Indiana Rural Communities Roundtable encouraging residents and leaders of House District 16 to participate in interactive discussions regarding rural issues including access to healthcare, highspeed broadband and childcare as well as topics impacting local schools and the economy.
Culp said that the input gathered during the roundtable will be used to inform policy topics on legislation for the 2027 session.
|
|
Post News
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard Larry Muennich, Superintendent of State Police Anthony Scott, and Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham will join first responders and local officials to assess severe storm damage and coordinate necessary resources.
The conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT), Wednesday (Aug. 12), at the Hammond Central Fire Station, Hammond.
PERU (Aug. 4)– 4C Health has announced that Indiana State Sen. Stacey Donato has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Behavioral Health Champion Award, receiving recognition as the organization's Legislative Champion of the Year.
This distinguished honor recognizes Sen. Donato's unwavering commitment to strengthening behavioral healthcare services, advocating for children and families, and championing policies that improve access to care throughout Indiana.
WINAMAC - Eastern Pulaski Community Schools has chosen Chad Smekens as the school corporation’s new superintendent.
He succeeds outgoing superintendent Dara Chezem who had served in the post since 2019.
Community Engagement Summits offer opportunities for collaboration by sharing community development strategies
INDIANAPOLIS (July 29) – The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced Wednesday it will host five conferences across the state in August and September.
The OCRA Community Engagement Summits are open to community members and leaders, and will share community development strategies, local success stories and create opportunities for collaboration between communities.
Pulaski County's unemployment rate increased slightly to 2.6 percent in June, compared to 2.3 percent in May , the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Wednesday, (July 22). The rate was 2.9 percent a year earlier.
Pulaski County had 8,876 employed persons in a labor force of 9,110 in June. In May those numbers were 8,821 of 9,031. A year earlier the numbers were 7,421 of 7,646.
|
