Thanks were extended to Mike Stimson for his assistance in getting the wireless internet project installed and operational. Stimson donated equipment and labor to make this project a reality. Evans also went over technology items that are being looked into for the future. 

Middle/high school principal Don Street also updated the board on the technology plan goals and strategies for the next few years. The school board approved  the technology plan as presented.

In other business, the board approved the 2012-2013 school calendar as presented. This school calendar provides for Thursday morning classes to begin one-half hour later than the normal start time to allow staff to have staff development time from 7:25 until 8:20 a.m., on that day every week.

Under discussion items, Superintendent Charles Mellon shared with the board the agenda for the Professional Relations meeting that was held on Feb. 22. Main items on the agenda were the 2012-13 school calendar, the RISE teacher evaluation model, the 2012 budget and the 2012-13 teacher contract.

The new textbook adoption procedures from the state were presented. The state will no longer provide an approved list of books for adoption; this will be a local decision.

The board was reminded of the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) waiver that the State of Indiana received from the federal government. Indiana schools are now evaluated according to Indiana standards.

A study of printing cost throughout the corporation has been completed and the results were shared with the board.

Street informed the board that the band parents are moving forward with the plans for a trip to Disney World in Florida at the end of the school year. The trip will run from 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 29 to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 1. Each student will pay $500 and the adult price is $490.

The middle school ISTEP will be next week. The high school college fair will be held on Wednesday, March 7 from 9-11 a.m. The middle school play, America’s Funniest Dancing Idol, will be held next Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. The high school band/choral and middle school choir concert will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 19.

Elementary principal Tony Brose highlighted some important events that will soon take place at the West Central Elementary. The 4th and 5th grade music program will be held on Tuesday, March 6. Kindergarten roundup will take place on March 15-16. Family Literacy Night is March 22.. ISTEP and IREAD assessments will be held in March.

The school board approved a motion to accept the following early retirements as presented effective at the end of the current school year: teachers Jeff Hart and Duane Dickensheets. Many thanks were extended to these teachers for their years of service to the school
corporation.

The board approved a motion to employ the following individuals for extra curricular positions as presented:

1. Marc Hall as middle school track coach
2. Jennifer Owens as Varsity Asst/JV Softball Coach

The board approved the medical leave request from Toni Weltmeyer from the Cooperative School Services as presented.

The board approved the field trip request from Marsha Minkert and members of the art club to go to the Museum of Art in
Chicago, as presented.

  
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Local News Briefs

Pulaski County GOP caucus June 21 to fill county council vacancy

The Pulaski County Republican Party has issued a notice that it will hold a caucus at 9:15 a.m., Saturday, June 21, to fill a vacancy on the county council. The caucus will be held at the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac.

Party chairman Kenneth Boswell reports Dist. 3 councilman Jerry Locke has resigned effective June 30. A former county commissioner, Locke joined the council in July 2022 to fill a vacancy. He was then elected to a four-year term in November that year. His successor will fill the remainder of that term through 2026.

Circus comes to town June 17

Save on pre-sale tickets

WINAMAC - The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Winamac Tuesday, June 17, at the Winamac Town Park for two shows, the first starting at 5:30 p.m., and the second beginning at 7 p.m. Each show lasts about an hour and a half.

The event is sponsored by the Winamac Kiwanis Club.

Pulaski County Farmers Market open for 2025 season

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.

Francesville ‘Family Fun in Park’ June 28

FRANCESVILLE – The Uptown Project, in partnership with West Central Youth League, will sponsor its “Family Fun in the Park,” from 6 p.m. to sunset, Saturday, June 28.

The public is welcome to join in for a fun evening of fellowship at the Francesville Town Park.

PCPL activities, programs listed for June

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for June. They include the Summer Reading Program, a youth improve camp, a children’s program on bubbles, and a stuffed animal sleepover.

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

4C Health purchases Curtis Building from PMH

PERU - 4C Health is marking its 50th year in business with an exciting development for Pulaski County operations with the purchase of the Curtis Building from Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

The building is located north of Winamac, just off U.S. 35, at 2418 Curtis Drive.

Yakym surprises 'Hoosier Heroes' with Congressional records

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) –Congressman Rudy Yakym honored two local first responders Tuesday recognizing their “exceptional service and commitment to their communities.”

Pulaski County Deputy Christopher Parish and Culver Community Police Chief Ryleigh Carr received entries into the Congressional Record.

Young, colleagues address shortage of mental health providers in schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reintroduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address the shortage of mental health providers in schools by boosting the pipeline of graduate students trained to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Sen. Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 2.4% in April

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent in April, down from 3.1 percent in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday, (May 22). The rate was 3.1 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,777 employed persons in a labor force of 6,943 in April. In March those numbers were 6,753 of 6,967. A year ago the numbers were 6,388 of 6.591.

  

Post News

County residents invited to Broadband Community Conversation July 8

 Pulaski County stakeholders are leading an effort to develop a comprehensive Broadband plan for the county.

This plan will identify existing conditions, needs and gaps in high-speed internet (broadband) service within the county; set a long-term vision for broadband service; and provide actionable steps and implementation guidelines for broadband service.

Local nurses form Honor Guard to pay tribute to fallen colleagues

WINAMAC - In 2023, a group of retired and active nurses, with the help of Pulaski Memorial Hospital, created a Nursing Honor Guard to assist families in honoring the compassion and dedication of nurses who have passed away - and celebrating their lives and service.

The Nursing Honor Guard is modeled after traditional military honor guards and pays tribute to the deeply personal and meaningful calling of the nursing profession.

CFoPC awards$17,000 to community organizations

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC)  announced Thursday (June 5) $17,000 has been awarded in grants to four local nonprofits and community organizations.

The Foundation works to strengthen the community through funding, convening and fostering collaboration among nonprofits to amplify their impact.

Winamac Community HS presents 2025 senior awards

WINAMAC - Winamac Community High School has announced its 2025 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 30).

Winamac Community HS 2025 commencement exercises held June 1

Senior photos featured

WINAMAC - Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 at Winamac Community High School were held Sunday June 1, at the high school gymnasium.

Diplomas were presented to 81 seniors.