On Tuesday (May 23), Pulaski County Dispatch received an emergency call for a two-vehicle automobile accident north of Winamac on U.S. 35 and CR 700 N. At the scene, it was determined that Allen Ludington, 78, North Judson, was traveling eastbound on CR 700 N approaching U.S. 35. For an unknown reason, Allen did not stop at the posted stop sign and entered the highway, striking another vehicle traveling northbound. 

Allen was flown from the scene of the crash by helicopter to be treated for his injuries. The driver of the second vehicle (not identified in the police report) was transported to Pulaski Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injuries, and was later released from the hospital. 

On the next day (Wednesday) the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office received information that Ludington had succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the crash. 

Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services, Monterey Volunteer Fire Department, and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene of the crash.

 

On Friday (May 19), Pulaski County Dispatch received an emergency call about a vehicle that was wrecked in a ditch on CR 700 S, west of CR 1100 W, Francesville.

Upon emergency services arriving to the area, the vehicle was located overturned in the ditch. Charles Peters, 60, Monticello was located inside of the vehicle. Responders determined the driver had died from injuries sustained in the wreck, according to the police report.

The accident was further investigated by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and the Pulaski County Coroner's Office. This was determined to be a single vehicle accident in which the vehicle ran through a dead end road, overturning in the ditch. It was determined Peters was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Francesville Volunteer Fire Department, Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the scene. 

  
Habitat
FNB Monterery
Budd Insurance
Pulaski Health Care Center - Parkview
Pulaski Health Care Center
Ace Hardware
WKVI Side

Local News Briefs

4-H Fair Parade July 2

Note: parade route changed 

The annual Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair Parade, with the theme "Creativity Blooms in 4-H," will step off at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, in downtown Winamac.

The parade is organized by the Winamac Kiwanis Club in partnership with the Pulaski County Fair Association. The parade grand marshal will be 2023 Halleck Award winner Mike O'Connor. 

Summer programs underway among PCPL June activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for June. They include summer reading programs for all ages, a “stuffed animal sleepover,” an 80th birthday party for Smokey Bear, another adult canvas painting workshop and a visit by Silly Safaris.

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.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours June 10, 17.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County June 10 and 17, in Winamac and Francesville, respectively.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in June to assist constituents with casework questions.

HVRM sets Mint Festival diesel, steam, twilight train excursions June 15

NORTH JUDSON - A special Twilight Train has been added for the North Judson Mint Festival diesel excursion trains departing from the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum (HVRM) depot in North Judson Saturday, June 15.

All train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. Trains depart from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. (central time).

Pulaski County Farmers Market open for 2024 season

Also offers POP Club

Pulaski County Farmers Market is open for the summer season with a weekly locations 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.

Parkview plans public Summer Festival series, including a farmers market

FRANCESVILLE – A monthly Summer Festival series has been planned by Parkview Haven in Francesville to run June through September at its facility on the north edge of town.

The event will feature a farmers market, plus local vendors, food trucks, arts and crafts and more. The public is welcome to participate.

Pulaski County Historical Society Museum open Saturdays

The Pulaski County Historical Society is open Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  (unless posted otherwise on Facebook). The museum is located in the “Carriage House” at 500 S. Monticello St. (U.S. 35), Winamac.

New to the museum are the interactive features which allow visitors to explore the extensive history of the county’s Native American peoples – from the Ice Age to the Indian removals in the 1840s. Other interactive displays feature stories of Casimir Pulaski, local historical sites, and Winamac “Bits and Pieces.”

  

Fair News

2024 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair runs June 28-July 3

The annual Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair will run Friday, June 28 through Wednesday, July 3 at the county fairgrounds in the Winamac town park.  

The motto for the 2024 fair is Creativity Blooms in 4-H. Highlights of this year's fair, in addition to the 4-H exhibits and judging, will be an inflatable play center (Saturday and Sunday), musical entertainment, open class exhibits, queen pageants, youth talent show, hot air balloon-tethered rides, sports tournaments, the fair parade and 4-H Auction.

 

Indiana News

Holcomb returns from economic development trip to Belgium, France, Netherlands

Strengthens relationships with key industry partners

INDIANAPOLIS (June 11) – Gov. Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb returned late last week from an economic development trip to Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

The Governor and First Lady were joined by Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and a delegation from the Applied Research Institute (ARI) in Belgium. While abroad, Holcomb and the delegation met with government officials, representatives from the semiconductor industry and leaders in energy. Holcomb paid respects to members of the armed forces during a visit to Normandy and traveled to Utah Beach with a Hoosier D-Day veteran.

Indiana corn, soybean planting nearly complete

EAST LANSING, MI - Farmers took advantage of the drier weather across Indiana last week to plant and side-dress corn, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS (National Agriculture Statistics Service), Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 91 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 2.1 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 0.42 inches, 0.55 inches below normal.

2024 Indiana Agriculture photo contest: submissions welcome

INDIANAPOLIS (May 29) — During the month of June, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture will accept submissions for the 17th annual Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest. 

The contest is open to all Indiana residents and was created to recognize the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers, as well as the beauty of the state’s agricultural landscape.

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 2.9% in April

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.9 percent in April, down from 3.5 percent in March the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (May 20). The rate was 2.4 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,528 employed persons in a labor force of 6,724 in April. In March those numbers were 6,369 of 6,597. A year ago the numbers were 6,498 of 6,656.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

June 5: IDH reports COVID cases down in 7-day average, at 47

INDIANAPOLIS (June 5) – The Indiana Department of Health reported Wednesday that the state’s 7-day average COVID-19 count stood at 45 cases for the period of May 26-June 1. That number is down one case from the previous revised count. The total state COVID deaths for the week was zero. Indiana's all-time COVID deaths total 26,535.

Pulaski County reported no new cases and no deaths to IDH in the latest seven-day report. The county's all-time pandemic numbers are 3,725 (reported) COVID cases and 95 deaths.

  

Post News

Food Finders Food Bank celebrates, purchases Market Square property

LAFAYETTE (June 10) - Food Finders Food Bank has announced the purchase of its Market Square property – the location of the Fresh Market pantry.

The food bank services 16 area counties, including Pulaski County, with its supplemental food programs and services – including the well-known mobile food pantries.

County police log 117 calls for service May 31-June 7

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s office has released its May 31-June 7 police blotter report. During the seven-day period, deputies logged 117 calls for service.

Of those calls, 34 were traffic stops. Deputies also handled VIN checks, suspicious vehicle calls, property damage crashes, a few personal injury crashes, threats, and an intimidation call.

Winamac Community HS presents diplomas to 91 seniors

Senior photos featured

WINAMAC - Commencement exercises for the Class of 2024 at Winamac Community High School was Sunday afternoon, June 2, at the high school gymnasium.

Diplomas were awarded to 91 seniors.

Winamac Community HS presents 2024 senior awards

WINAMAC - Winamac Community High School has announced its 2024 Senior Awards winners, honoring graduates for various academic and athletic awards, and scholarships.

The awards were presented at the annual Senior Awards program Friday evening (May 31).

New accessible walkway available at Tippecanoe River State Park 

WINAMAC - Tippecanoe River State Park guests with mobility challenges who want to enjoy the overlook to the park’s waterfowl area now have the option of using its new accessible sidewalk.

“This is a great area to sit on a bench and enjoy the wildlife and natural surroundings,” said property manager Vernon Gillum. “Turtles, frogs, snakes and songbirds are frequent visitors to this area, and other wildlife as well, such as hawks, raccoons and waterfowl can also be seen.”

West Central HS awards diplomas to 46 graduates

Senior photos featured

FRANCESVILLE - The 57th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School were Sunday (May 26), in the school gymnasium. Diplomas were awarded to 46 seniors.

The program opened with a baccalaureate service at 2 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Ministerial Association, followed by the commencement ceremonies at 2:30 p.m. The baccalaureate speaker was Jeremy Glasford, student pastor at First Christian Church, Francesville.

Bonds sold for courthouse renovation project

Meridian Street to partially close for construction

The bond sale for the financing of the Pulaski County Courthouse renovation project was conducted Thursday (May 16) by Baker Tilly, the county’s accounting and financial advising firm.

Details remain to be completed, and closing is expected in early June. The successful buyer was R.W. Baird & Co., an investment firm headquartered in Milwaukee.