Kindergarten round-up is scheduled for Thursday, April 6. Based upon the student enrollment projections following kindergarten round-up, a possible reduction-of-force might be necessary, Street said. All open positions will be evaluated on the need to replace.

In other business, Street reported that wind production during January and February has been outstanding. There were some coolant fans that were replaced last week.

The superintendent also reported that West Central is scheduled for the AdvancED District Visit in April.

The board was informed that in the event of making up any school closure dates, the school will use the dates of March 24, April 17, May 24, 25, and 26.

Street reported to the board that substitute teachers are paid $65 a day without benefits. Substitute pay will be reviewed at a later date.

Cafeteria manager Jessica Murray shared with the board about a guest speaker, Matt Upton, who recently spoke with the cafeteria staff. Upton provided some tremendous motivation to the cafeteria staff and reminded the staff to “always focus on the positive and ignore the negative!” Upton was a positive influence on the entire cafeteria staff. Mrs. Murray informed the board that she is a representative for the Indiana School Nutrition Association representing nine counties in Region II. The board extended their appreciation to the cafeteria staff and Mrs. Murray for their service and dedication to the students.

Under action items, the board approved the second reading of the "Procedure for Student Lunch/Meal Accounts" and "Collection and Forgiveness of Debt" policies.

The board voted to approve the resolution for Local Income Tax School Distribution, as presented.

The board voted to appoint Roberta Geyer to the board of the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library Board.

Street reviewed the vision, mission and belief statements, and the strategic plan as were discussed during a recent board work session. The plan covers educational goals, financial goals and policy goals for the coming years. The board voted to approve the vision, mission and belief statements, and strategic plan.

The board voted to give permission to seek quotes for updating a more secure middle school entrance.

"Student of the Month" certificates were presented to Isabel Gonzales at the elementary school level and Jaden Cords at the middle school level.

 

Personnel:

The board approved:

  • the resignation of eighth-grade basketball coach Melvin Wireman.
  • the retirement of middle school language arts teacher Karen Srull.
  • the conference requests for:
  1. Glacier Football Clinic – Marc Hall and Melvin Wireman
  2. IIAAA State Conference – Wes Allen
  3. Legislative Action Conference – Jessica Murray
  4. National Leadership Conference – Jessica Murray
  5. Annual National Conference for School Nutrition – Jessica Murray, Cathy Risner and Brittany Mendiola
  • the field trip requests for:
  1. Sunshine Society to Chicago - Stephanie Thilges
  2. West Central Student Council Lock In – Laura Stout and Lisa Baker

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that much is happening this March in the elementary school.

  • Mrs. Gutwein’s class will be heading to Parkview Haven for their monthly reading time.
  • Currently students in grades 3-5 are in the process of taking their Applied Skills ISTEP+ tests. March 13 and 14, all third grade students will take the state-mandated IREAD3 assessment.
  • On March 10, students who met their February Accelerated Reader Goal will get ice cream with their lunches.
  • Third-quarter report cards will go out on March 14, and the school will have perfect attendance lunches on March 15 and 16 to honor those students who were present for every minute of instruction during the third-quarter.
  • The school-wide Star Lab, a large, movable display, will be set up in the gym to teach students about the stars. Family Literacy Night, on March 16, will follow this theme with its title “Reading Under the Stars.”
  • On March 17, the school will take spring student pictures.
  • In April, the library will have its Buy-One, Get-One-Free book fair from April 3-7.
  • Kindergarten Roundup will be Thursday, April 6.
  • Staff development time continues to be spent on improving the implementation of our new math series.

 

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp informed the board that as a part of the middle school incentive program, students will be eligible for a bowling trip on Friday, March 17.

  • Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the middle school staff, led by sixth grade teacher Kathy Minnick, the middle school incentive program has successfully recognized those students displaying positive characteristics, getting good grades, and having great attendance. For all the great students of West Central Middle School, the incentive program is an opportunity for positive recognition.
  • The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is sponsoring Pennies for Patients during the week of March 13 including 3 vs. 3 students and staff basketball tournament on Friday, March 17. All proceeds for the event will be donated to Riley Hospital. A financial goal of $2,500 has been established by the FCA.
  • The annual Sports Spectacular for students in grades 7-12 will be on March 17. Students and parents are invited to attend.
 

Local News Briefs

One-mile stretch of SR 39 closed for structure replacement

PULASKI COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction has closed SR 39 between CR 300 N and CR 200 N as of Monday, June 16.

SR 39 will be closed for approximately five weeks for a small structure replacement. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow SR 14, U.S. 421 and SR 10.

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.

 

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.