Pulaski County under flood watch through Friday morning

Updated; Plus river watch info

A flood watch has been issued for many northern Indiana counties, including Pulaski, by the National Weather Service, Northern Indiana office through Friday morning (Aug. 14).

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. The Tippecanoe River in Winamac was nearing the minor flooding stage Wednesday evening.

Back-to-School Aug. 5 at Eastern Pulaski; Aug. 12 at West Central

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.

PCPL announces August programs, events

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.

Star City Lions receive donor award from Human Services

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.

2026 PC Farmers Market open for summer Saturdays

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.

Measles vaccination rates below ‘herd immunity’ in Pulaski, most surrounding counties

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.

State Fair 2026 4-H Grand Drive champions crowned

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.

Indiana State fair runs Aug. 7-23

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 State Police share Enforcement Bureau Statistics for July 2026

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.

Food insecurity reaches every community in Indiana

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.

Culp gathers ideas for the 2027 legislative session

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.

Gov. Braun assesses storm damage, directs state resources to support impacted communities across Indiana

Updated

HAMMOND (Aug. 12) – Gov. Mike Braun directed state response efforts from Northwest Indiana Wednesday, assessing damage from Tuesday’s severe storms and coordinating resources, as widespread power outages, flooding and storms continue across the state.

“Between storm damage, widespread power outages and flooding, hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers have been impacted across the state,” said  Braun. “I’ve directed our agencies to work around the clock alongside local officials, first responders and utility crews to get resources where they’re needed. As storms continue today, our teams are ready, resources are in place and we will continue responding to needs as they arise.”

OCRA announces 19 communities to receive over $14.2 million in Community Development Block Grants

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 12) – Nineteen rural communities will receive more than $14.2 million in federal grant funding to expand community facilities and improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, according to an announcement made today by OCRA and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

The Town of Winamac is among the grant recipients.

4C Health names Sen. Donato as 2026 Behavioral Health Champion Award recipient

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.

EPCS Board announces Chad Smekens as new superintendent

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.

OCRA announces regional conferences across state

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.