The board voted to approve the second reading the following policies:

  • 200.01/300.01/400.01 – Criminal History Checks (with a change made that the cost will be the responsibility of the school corporation)
  • 303.1 – Teacher Appreciation Grants
  • 208/313/408 – Reporting Child Abuse
  • 501.11 – Transfer Students
  • 603.1 – Lunch Charging Policy

In other business, Superintendent Dan Foster reported that 90 percent of school building/renovation projects are completed. There was board discussion on the elementary school gym floor, the elementary school gym roof, and flooring. 

Foster also reported it has been "a great start" to the school year – a smooth start considering changes with bus routes.  

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending July 31.  The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all school corporation funds had positive balances.  June and July extra-curriculars were also included.  After discussion the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

 

Personnel:  

A. Retirements/Resignations: 

  • After eight years, middle school administrativve assistant Mrs. Foerg, submitted her resignation as the middle school yearbook advisor. 
  • Bus driver Vicki Pugh submitted her resignation for retirement.  Mrs. Pugh has driven for 42 years. 
  • Bus driver Cheryl Rausch submitted her resignation for retirement.  Mrs. Rausch has driven for 33 years. 
  • Meredith Allen submitted her resignation as assistant soccer coach after one year. 
  • Ashley Carlson, elementary school special education teacher, submitted her resignation to take employment elsewhere. 
  • Paula Skalon, cook, submitted her resignation to be a substitute only.

B. Employment:

  • Kari Combs was recommended for the open elementary school special education position.  Mrs. Combs has a degree in psychology and is working on her teaching license. With the lack of applicants, Mrs. Combs was recommended and will be on a temporary contract and emergency license. 
  • Mrs. Sarah Mitchell was recommended for the open special education paraprofessional position. 
  • Middle school teacher Emma Kiser was recommended for the middle school yearbook advisor position. 

Foster recommended adding two days to the contract of middle school counselor John, King. 

The following were recommended for extra curricular positions: Alan Huggler, JV boys basketball; Craig Barr, freshman boys basketball; Justin Ruff, 8th Grade boys basketball; Quentin Blount, 7th Grade boys basketball; Mike Luckey, 6th grade boys basketball; Bryce Kappes, varsity boys track; and Brian Kocher, assistant soccer.

C. Leave Requests: Elementary school teachers Brandi Kappes and Emily Woodward submitted maternity leave requests.

After discussion, the board approved all personnel items as presented.

 

Other Business:

The school board accepted three donations:

  • Galfab donated $1,200 for football helmet technology. This will purchase the laptop for helmet concussion diagnostics.
  • An anonymous local business person donated $10,000 for new football helmets.
  • Adaptasoft donated $500 to the soccer program.  

During board comment the following were commended: Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Rausch, Mrs. Foerg, and Mrs. Carlson for their service.  All the donors were thanked for their generosity. The athletic department was thanked for providing passes for board members. Don Good and Mrs. and Mrs. DeFries were thanked for providing lunch for the staff at school opening functions.

Public comment: David Benninghoff voiced concern over 2107-18 schedule and calendar.

  
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Local News Briefs

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

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. 

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours May 7 in Medaryville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County May 7, in Medaryville.

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

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.

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.”

  

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. 

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

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

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

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. 

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.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.

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