Superintendent Don Street told the board this projection is all based upon trend data and enrollment. 

Street shared the projected elementary enrollment numbers along with the need to have a kindergarten readiness room for next school year. He added enrollment in the Health Careers I course will increase for next school year. There is a need to provide a full day program. 

In other business, the board voted to accept the following resignations of high school language arts teacher Jackie and high school custodian Michelle Clapp.

A personal leave request for Cathy Risner, as presented.

The board voted to approve employing the following people, as presented:

  • Lindley Laposi – high school language arts teacher
  • Jennifer Istre – middle school social studies/science teacher
  • Emma Kiser – middle school language arts teacher
  • Amy Valade – administrative assistant – Cooperative School Services
  • Shannon Fritz – central office secretary
  • Kelly Dickensheets – varsity volleyball coach
  • Tonya Wall – JV volleyball coach
  • Drew McKay and Austin Parish – Babe Ruth co-coaches

Approval was given to the school board meeting dates for 2015-16, as presented; and also to the budget calendar for 2015-16, as presented. In addition, the board voted to approve the pay dates for the 2015-16 school year, as presented. 

The board voted to increase the school breakfast by 5 cents at the middle school/high school with no increase in the elementary breakfast; and for a 30 cent increase in the lunch prices for the middle school/high school and 20 cents for the elementary school for the 2015-16 school year.

The board approved the renewal of the student accident insurance plan with Student Assurance Services as presented for the 2015-16 school year. 

Principals Pat Culp and Dan Zylstra went over the changes in the student handbooks for the 2015-16 school year. The board then voted to approve the handbooks as presented. 

The board voted to approve the increases in the classified staff contracts as presented. 

Approval was given to the Data Coach Agreement with Lavonne Pelsy, as presented.  This position is paid via grant funds. 

The school board voted to adopt the social studies books as presented.  The elementary and middle schools are adopting books from Pearson Education, while the high school will be adopting books from McGraw-Hill.

The board approved the book rental fees for 2015-16 as follows:

  • Kindergarten $66
  • First Grade $95
  • Second Grade $99.50
  • Third Grade $87.50
  • Fourth Grade $73.50
  • Fifth Grade $77.50
  • Grades 6-12 will be determined by course selection

All grades will have a $15 technology fee added for students receiving a digital device.  This will create a fund for repair and replacement of one-to-one devices.

Street reviewed the revised technology plan with the board. The board then voted to approve the plan.

Street reported the wind turbine production has been very good.

A "Student of the Month" certificate was presented to Sydney Mellon honoring her at the elementary school level.

Under principal reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that as the end of the school year approaches, the school is wrapping up many loose ends. Students finished online ISTEP+ testing on May 6. On May 7, students who met their April Accelerated Reader goal received their ice cream reward. Students who made their grade level goal for the entire Accelerated Reader contest from January through April will be treated to a movie in Winamac on May 21 at the ISIS Theatre.

The Pulaski County-wide Elementary Spelling Bee also was held May 7 at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School. Notable West Central students were Jaden Erb, first place in the third grade division, Hayden Fritz, third place in the third grade division, and Julian Luzadder, first place in the fifth grade division.

On May 15 Alliance Bank will bring popcorn for the students in the afternoon as a special treat.

The last week of school is bustling with activities, including field days for all students and the awards assembly on May 22, the last day of school.

West Central Elementary extends a special thanks to the county’s PACE Board, which recently awarded the school a grant of $15,000 to continue the literacy initiatives which include giving books to students for special occasions, including the summer book mobile, and assisting in the purchase and management of reading diagnostic software.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that the West Central Midwest Writing and Math teams competed well, finishing second and third, respectively. He congratulated all the participants and teachers for their hard work, time, and effort.

The ISTEP results will be returned to school by the Department of Education, anytime between June and November.

On April 14 and 15, Culp attended the Indiana Dept. of Education School Safety Conference at IPFW.  

The Indianapolis Fever sent representatives April 16 to speak with elementary and middle school students about the importance of staying active and eating healthy. He thanked Mrs. Murray for working on the grant and making the appropriate arrangements to have The Fever visit WCSC.

Mrs. Jennifer Johns and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Saltsman were honored at the Indian Trail banquet.  Mrs. Johns was honored for her hard work and dedication to the Health Occupations class.  Mr. and Mrs. Saltsman were honored as a local business partner contributing to West Central.

The Jasper County Drug Free Council will present to all juniors and seniors on Monday, May 11.  Students will be challenged to make good choices during the prom and graduation season.  The Jasper County Drug Free Council was thanked for supporting the local schools and students.

Friday, May 15, Planned Potential will meet with middle school students as a culmination of presentations they have been conducting throughout the course of the school year.  

Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.  Prom festivities will occur at Monticello at Pine View Golf Course. After prom will be held in Valparaiso at Inman's. Transportation to Valparaiso will be provided by W.C. school buses.  

Seniors Awards night will be Monday, May 18.

West Central High School students will perform in a talent show on May 19.  Ten acts are scheduled.

Wednesday, May 20, the Freedom Riders, a group of military veterans riding from California to Washington D.C., will visit West Central. Riders are expected to be at the high school at approximately 10:15 a.m.  

Senior Breakfast, prepared by the Medaryville/Francesville Lions Club, and graduation practice will take place on Friday, May 22. That day is also the last student day. Baccalaureate will be at 2 p.m., followed by commencement at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 24. 

  
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Local News Briefs

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

Pulaski County Economic Development Summit April 29

The annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit is set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall, Winamac. The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. The program will also feature the annual “State of the County Economy” address by CDC executive director Nathan Origer.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

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.

PCT invites photographers to capture spirit of county in photo contest

Participate, share perspective on county

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

  

Indiana News

Southbound I-65 reopens in Jasper County following hazmat fire

ROSELAWN (April 22) - I-65 southbound reopened near mile marker 230 at approximately 6:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, almost 17 hours following a spectacular semi-truck fire and hazmat cleanup which included an overnight repaving of a section of the interstate. No injuries were reported.

After assessing the damage to the roadway, the Indiana Department of Transportation determined that the accident scene needed to be resurfaced. INDOT already has a contract in place for this area for pavement patching with Rieth-Riley Construction, and they were able to mobilize to take over the scene once cleanup was complete. A total of 7,700 square feet of asphalt to a depth of four inches (and six inches on the outside shoulder) had to be replaced overnight.

Braun signs package of executive orders to ‘Make Indiana Healthy Again’

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15) – Gov. Mike Braun Tuesday signed a landmark package of executive orders with initiatives to improve Indiana’s health and well-being.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz were in attendance to support Indiana’s initiative. Indiana now joins a number of states that have embraced, through legislation or executive orders, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session.  

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

Pulaski Superior Court appears saved

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24) – Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made to HB1144 approved by both the state house and senate Thursday evening in the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislation is now pending the approval of Gov. Mike Braun.

Chamber presents Don, Lynn Darda with 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award to Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac at its annual award banquet Thursday evening (April 24), at the Winamac VFW.

The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been enthusiastic volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. 

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker

Alliance Junior Board visits BraunAbility

The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors had the opportunity to visit BraunAbility in Winamac in April.

During their visit, the student directors were given a presentation about the company and had the chance to ask questions. They also had a tour of the facility, which allowed them to see the manufacturing process of vehicles equipped to assist individuals with disabilities.

Jury finds Monterey man guilty of attempted murder 

WINAMAC – A Pulaski County Circuit Court jury has found a Monterey man guilty of attempted murder in connection with a July 3, 2023 shooting in downtown Monterey.

Kenneth D. Ketcahm, 41, was also convicted on additional charges of criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm. The verdict was returned Monday (April 14).

Fatal crash on U.S. 421 under Investigation

MEDARYVILLE (April 15) – The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash which claimed the life of a Porter County man Tuesday on U.S 421 near the intersection of CR 800N in Cass Township.

The crash involved a dump truck and minivan. Release of the identity of the deceased minivan driver is pending the notification of family.