Street said the traditional make-up days will be used first before turning to E-Learning days.

In other business, the spring 2015 ISTEP scores were presented to the board. Street noted that, as expected, scores declined across the state. 

Information on the PSAT was also provided to the school board.

Street provided wind performance information for November and December. The turbine production has been very good, he said.

Street congratulated both of the school system’s cafeterias for perfect inspections with no violations during the Pulaski County Health Department’s inspection. He also reported that Jessica Murray has completed the School Nutrition Association Credentialing exam and is a School Nutrition Specialist.

The board held its annual reorganizational procedures. David Allen was elected school board president. Jeff Lowry was elected vice president and Todd Miller was elected secretary.

The board voted to approve the reappointment of the following individuals for the 2016 school year:

  • Pamela Ledford – Corporation Treasurer
  • Bonnie Koebcke – Corporation Assistant Treasurer
  • Monica Franscoviak – Extra-Curricular Treasurer

The board members filled out annual conflict of interest forms as required by law.

Under personnel matters, the board voted to employ the following, as presented:

  • Tina Hoeferlin – High School Cafeteria
  • Tonya Wall – 7 Grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Becca Erb – MS Track Coach

A maternity leave request was approved for high school custodian Nicole Kopka for Feb. 15 through May 16.

Approval was given to the resignation of high school custodian Kristin Cullen.

Approval was given to the following conference requests

  • Focus on Inclusion Conference – Feb. 23-24 - Amber Leman and Chelsea Reed
  • Glazier Clinic – Jan. 22-24 - Marc Hall

The following field trip requests were approved, as presented:

  • Business Professionals of America - March 6-8 - Joanne Stevens and 10 students
  • Camp Tecumseh, Brookston - May8-9, 2017 - Sixth Grade Class       

The board approved the Cooperative School Service Administrative Contract Adjustments.

The board voted to approve the fees for driver’s education for the 2016 summer session, as presented. In-corporation students will be charged $200, while out-of-corporation students will be charged $300. In addition a $25 fee will be paid to Driving Brilliance for the online course.

Street presented the reduction of 2015 appropriations in the transportation fund that more accurately reflect expenditures from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2015. The board voted to reduce the 2015 Transportation Fund appropriations by $76,564.

Street also presented the reduction of 2015 appropriations in the general fund that more accurately reflect expenditures from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2015.  The board voted to reduce the 2015 General Fund appropriations by $612,500.  

In addition, the board voted to transfer $100,000 to the Rainy Day Fund from the Capital Projects Fund and $25,000 from the Bus Replacement Fund.

Street reviewed the 2016 approved budget with the board.

The board voted to accept the quote from Town & Country Paving to do the sealcoating and repairs to the parking lot at West Central.  

The first reading of Threshold for Material Loss, Shortage, or Theft of School Funds or Property and Review and Second Audit of Free and Reduced Lunch Application was held. The board approved the first reading. There will be a second reading at the next school board meeting in February.

Francesville police officer Doug Lee was introduced to the school board.  

Congratulations were extended to the school board on being recognized for continuous improvement by the Indiana School Boards Association.

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that report cards went home with students on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

On Friday, Jan. 8 the elementary school will hold its Accelerated Reader Kickoff in the elementary gym. Students will earn Accelerated Reader points toward monthly and a year-end goal.

On Jan. 11 and 12, the school will serve its second-quarter perfect attendance lunches for students who were present every day of school without being tardy.  

The staff spent time reviewing special education protocol and procedures during the professional development day. They also took time to review some accreditation/school improvement plan documentation and grade levels spent time looking at student data in preparation for this spring’s ISTEP+ test.  

Middle/high school principal Pat Culpcongratulated the middle school and high school students for the successful Winter Music Program. He said students performed a beautiful program filled with seasonal music from the bands, choir, and various solo performances to the delight of the packed house of supporters. Thanks were extended to the music boosters and Mrs. Valerie Leman for their support and assistance to ensure the success of the program. Thanks were also extended to the music director, Jenna Wojdula, for her dedication to the program.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, West Central is hosting a Financial Aid night at 6 p.m. for all seniors. RSVPs will be sent in the mail soon, so please reply so the necessary arrangements can be made for the evening. 

On Jan. 29, the local Special Olympics athletes will be playing basketball at halftime.  

Baseball field renovations continue throughout the fall and winter. Thanks are extended to Mark Salinas, owner and operator of the Yard Farmer, for donating his time and equipment; and also to Mr. Allen and Coach McKay for the support, time, and effort on the field in preparation for the upcoming season. 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

The West Central School Board also held its annual Board of Finance Committee meeting after the regular school board meeting.

During officer elections, Gary Gudeman was elected president of the Board of Finance. Jeff Tanner was elected secretary of the board.

The board voted to designate Pamela Ledford, treasurer, as the investing officer. It also designated Lake City Bank, Medaryville Branch, and Alliance Bank, Francesville Branch as depositories for the year.

Also, the board approved a motion to declare the listing of outstanding and unpaid checks from West Central School Corporation and Cooperative School Services, as presented, be cancelled. 

 

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

Indiana State Parks offer free admission May 4 for ‘Welcome Weekend’

INDIANAPOLIS - Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties Sunday, May 4, the second day of “Welcome Weekend” and the opening day of Visit Indiana Week.

Find an Indiana State Parks property and what’s new there at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you’ve never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips. 

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.

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

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. 

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.