Back-to-School Aug. 5 at EPCS; Aug. 12 at WC

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.

SR 8, SR 39 to close for seal coating

PORTER, PULASKI COUNTIES - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct seal coat operations on SR 8 and SR 39 beginning on, or after Monday, July 27.

These maintenance operations will be conducted on SR 8 between U.S. 231 and SR 49 in Porter County for approximately two days and on SR 39 between SR 14 and SR 16 in Pulaski County for approximately four days.

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.

Metamonong DAR presents scholarships, inducts new members

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.

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.

PCPL programs, activities for July listed

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for July. They include America 250 activities (a Hamilton sing-along!), the end of summer reading activites (and the annual party), and a Christmas in July Silly Safari event.

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 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

2026 4-H Livestock judging results

Updated

Here are results from 4-H livestock judging at the 2026 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair. 

2026 Pulaski County 4-H project judging results listed

Dog Show results added

Here are the judging results released from 4-H project exhibits at the 2026 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair.

The Pulaski County 4-H program, operated by Purdue Extension, has over 200 youth enrolled.

 

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.

Indiana's impact on alternative fuel options

 Guest column by State Rep. Kendell Culp

While Indiana gas prices remain under the national average, Hoosiers are still struggling to fill their tanks.

Fluctuating costs have led some to use gasoline with a higher percentage of ethanol, which generally costs less per gallon than traditional gas or diesel.  Nearly 98 percent of all gas options at the pump contain a percentage of ethanol including the standard 87 unleaded that most U.S. cars operate on.

Governor announces matching infrastructure funds to Hoosier communities

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s office has announced more than $84 million in Community Crossings matching infrastructure grants to 147 cities, towns and counties across Indiana, bringing the total from the fiscal year 2026 call for projects to just over $165 million for local road and bridge projects.

Pulaski County and Francessville were among the grant recipients.

Pulaski Co. again has state's lowest unemployment rate

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.

Commissioners seek input on ‘best-use’ of county-owned facilities

The Pulaski County Commissioners are soliciting public input regarding county-owned facilities that have not yet undergone significant recent upgrades (as have the courthouse and justice center).

The recommendations sought regard the best use of county-owned facilities and locations for county departments.

Local leaders meet with Gov. Braun

Updated

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun met with eight Pulaski County officials and community leaders Wednesday (July 8), to discuss issues affecting the county and its future.

Braun visited communities in four counties across Indiana last week to meet with local leaders, tour one of Indiana’s historic landmarks (Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial Park), highlight regional economic development opportunities and hear directly from county and city officials about the issues facing their communities.

‘Level Up Your Leadership:’ New training initiative responds to community needs

New partnership delivers free and low-cost leadership training across Pulaski County

In  direct response to needs identified through recent community listening sessions  and the Chautauqua series, the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC)  has partnered with Shafer Leadership Academy to bring expanded leadership and  nonprofit training opportunities to Pulaski County.

The Pulaski County Leadership Academy is an initiative designed to strengthen leadership capacity across the community by offering both virtual and in-person training opportunities for nonprofit staff, board members, and emerging community leaders.

Two additional candidates file for county offices for general election

Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny has reported that two additional candidates have filed to run for county offices in the Nov. 3 General Election. They fill vacancies on the ballot following the spring primary election.

Kathleen (Kathi) Thompson filed as an Independent to run for Dist. 3 county commissioner against Ed Shank who won the Republican nomination in the May Primary Election. (The incumbent is Mike McClure who did not seek re-election.)