The board also voted to approve the principal contracts, as presented, for the 2017-18 school year.

In addition, the board approved the salary increases for eligible classified staff, as presented.

Approval was given to the school calendars for 2018-19 and 2019-20. The calendars are very similar to the last several years.

 

In other business:

Harold Welter appeared before the board to make a presentation about the Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation. Cheryl’s family has established a tax-exempt 501(c) 3 Charitable Foundation in her name for the purpose of providing grants to help teachers and others involved with local school children to provide small things that underprivileged students may not be able to afford.

The recommended changes to the high school course description books were reviewed. The board then voted to approve the changes for the 2018-19 school year, as presented.

The school board approved Gary Gudeman as the West Central Building Corporation board member appointment.

The board voted to approve the High Ability Grant, as presented.

Superintendent Don Street and the board discussed the possibility of utilizing the former drug store building in downtown Francesville.

Street also:

  • Discussed with the school board the importance of pre-school programs for children.
  • Shared that West Central received a 100 percent compliance on an Indiana Department of Education audit on special education IEP’s.
  • Reviewed the security and utilization of space project.
  • Reported the Capital Projects Fund will be used for the replacement of the middle school/auxiliary gym roof this summer as well as other projects.

 A "Student of the Month" certificate was presented to Kayli Wireman at the middle school level. Liam Sanchez (elementary school) and Zach Sparks (high school) were not able to attend the board meeting.

 

Personnel items:

The board approved the resignations cafeteria workers Jerilean Hendrickson and Della Myers; and instructional assistant Lea Overman.

The board approved personal leave requests for Rebecca Reed and Jennifer Istre.

A field trip request was approved for the sixth-grade camping trip to Camp Tecumseh on May 7-8, 2018.

Conference requests were approved for:

IFLTC Conference – Nov. 2-4 - Rebecca Reed

School Nutrition Industry Conference – Jan. 21-23 - Jessica Murray

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that the elementary celebrated Family Literacy Night Nov. 2, along with the Book Fair the entire week.

On Nov. 14, Student Council will host its Turkey Twist Dance. That same night, while the students dance, parents are invited to a presentation from Sgt. Terry Hall on “Body Safety.” He will be presenting to all students K-12 on Nov. 15.

The elementary school’s professional development time has been spent examining math content and instruction. On Dec. 1, the elementary school will hold its second “Math Fact Master” prize room, offering prizes to students based on the number of points they earned during the months of October and November.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that all middle/high school students and staff are invited to attend the annual Veteran's Day program at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 10. West Central graduate Eric Rodriquez will be the speaker. Following the program, lunch will be served to the veterans in the media center.

The Body Safety Program will be presented to parents on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and to students in grades K-12 on Wednesday, Nov. 15 by Sgt. Terry Hall. The program is designed to empower children without scaring them. The program gives information on signals and myths of abuse. Teachers and parents will learn how to handle a report on an incident of abuse.

On Nov. 29 at 1:30 p.m., Champions Together will be presenting at West Central High School. Champions Together is a collaborative partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics Indiana that promotes servant leadership among student athletes, while changing their lives, as well as the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics International is supporting Champions Together as a model program to activate schools through “Project Unify,” which also has the endorsement of the National Federation of High Schools.

  
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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.

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.”

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.

  

Indiana News

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.

 

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.

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.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

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.