The board also approved a compensation plan for employees not covered under the collective bargaining agreement. Foster presented a recommendation that was a two-step plan, which included a three-day stipend for most employees and an approximately three percent increase to the base pay. Extra-curricular secretaries will receive an increase in pay, and a new pay schedule for substitute teachers was included in the plan. Bus drivers were recommended for an increase to $80 per day. After discussion, the board approved the recommendation.

In other business, the board approved the second reading of School Board Policy Section 208/313/405 (Employee Arrest).

Foster presented the first reading of School Board Policy Section 618 (Staff Social Media). The second reading and possible approval will be presented at the next meeting.

Harold Welter, representing the Cheryl Lynn Welter Charitable Trust Foundation, asked for support from the school to participate in the program whereby under privileged students could receive the supplies they need through grants applied for by teachers and approved by the building principals. Board consensus was to approve the program.

During the "Spotlight on EPES!" portion of the board meeting, Elementary school principal Jill Collins introduced Mrs. Hileman and Mrs. Kistler, sponsors of the Lego Club. Mrs. Hileman stated that the club grew out of helping students with socializing and is a mentorship tool as well. The Pulaski County Community Foundation approved their grant application to help with costs. The students make the club rules, approved by the sponsors. The background of the club was shared as well.

In his report, Foster covered the following:

  • Commended drama director Patrick Schuttrow, students and volunteers for another great performance during fall play.
  • Commended the buildings for their Veterans’ Day programs.
  • Commended Mrs. Hileman and Mrs. Kistler for sponsoring the Lego Club at the elementary school. Mr. Wegner was commended for sponsoring the Coding Club and the Robotics Club.
  • Reported the elementary school gym floor is done and Fissel’s has completed its project. Miller’s Carpet is still working on the carpeting project.
  • Gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31. All funds have positive balances. After discussion the board voted to approve all claims as submitted.

 

Personnel Matters:

  • Tara Terry, elementary school instructional assistant, submitted her resignation.
  • Kari Johnson submitted her resignation as JV girls’ basketball coach.
  • Alexsondra Haschel was recommended for the open instructional assistant position.
  • The slate of winter sports coaches was presented for approval.

After discussion, the board approved the above recommendations as submitted.

Emily Hintz, high school Science Olympiad sponsor, submitted an out-of state field trip request to take the team to Michigan for competition. After discussion, the board approved the trip, as submitted.

 

Principal Reports:

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the Veteran’s Day program went well; WCHS graduate Adam Wallace was the speaker. The band and choir were thanked for their performances during the program.

For Red Ribbon Week there were speakers brought in on drug addiction, sharing the problems associated with it.

The fall play, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was very well done. Mr. Schuttrow was commended as well as the students and volunteers.

High school winter sports are underway.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that for Red Ribbon Week there were speakers brought in on drug addiction, sharing the problems associated with it.

The Veterans’ Day program went well.

The Junior Achievement program is underway.

“Battle of the Books,” a reading incentive program is underway.

Upcoming activities were also shared.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins shared that the Veterans’ Day program at the elementary school went well and was well attended, with many students bringing guests.

Their recent food drive netted 2,421 items.

Family Literacy Night is scheduled for Nov. 16. Students are to bring grandparents.

Upcoming activities were also shared.

The elementary is offering a mentorship program whereby community members come in and visit with students.

 

Board comment: The EPTA was commended for ratifying the Master Contract. Also commended were Mr. Welter, and the Lego Club.

During public comment Ms. Jona Ewasiak submitted a petition.

 

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.