The board held a hearing on its proposed lease agreement. Attorney Bonnie Coleman explained the purpose of the hearing for the secure entrance and utilization of space project. Board president Jeff Lowry asked for questions or comments on whether the lease rental contained in the lease agreement is fair and reasonable for the construction or improvements being made. Hearing none, the hearing on the lease was closed.

The school board held a second hearing to consider additional appropriation. Coleman explained the purpose of the additional appropriation for the bond. Lowry asked for questions or comments. Hearing none, the hearing to consider additional appropriation was closed.

The school board then approved the resolution authorizing execution of the lease and sale of real estate; and also approved the resolution authorizing additional appropriations.

The board voted to approve the resolution approving continuing disclosure undertaking.

The board approved the resolution approving post-issuance compliance procedures.

The board voted to approve the resolution assigning construction bids.

Approval was given to the resolution approving issuance of bond anticipation notes and multiple series of AD Valorem property tax first mortgage bonds.

Adam Weesner from Barton-Coe –Vilamaa reviewed the plans for the "secure entrance and utilization of space" project. The project consists of reconfiguring the building office areas for the purpose of making the entrances more secure. Other areas of the buildings will be renovated to utilize the existing space for current purposes.

Weesner also reviewed the plans for the middle school and auxiliary gym roof project. The board voted to advertise for bids on the proposed roof project.

 

Other Action/Report Items:

The board passed a resolution to approve of the necessary fund transfers so that all accounts have a zero or positive balance for the year of 2017. It was further resolved that funds are hereby encumbered from the 2017 accounts for use in 2018.

The board voted to accept the bid from MidWest Transit Equipment for two new IC/Collins 78-passenger school buses for $85,525 each. MidWest will allow $6,400 for a trade in allowance for Bus 2 and $6,700 for Bus 7.

Approval was given for the teacher appreciation grant distribution.

The first reading of a policy manual revision was held regarding employee use of social media, electronic monitoring, notice of procurement of professional services, and reporting of arrests by employees. There will be a second reading at the next school board meeting in January.

At the opening of the school board meeting, an election for a temporary secretary for the school board was held. Mandy Sharpe was nominated and elected for the position.

Street reported the certified staff will be participating in a poverty simulation program on Jan. 3 during the professional development day.

The superintendent also reported the general fund balance for November was good. The wind turbine production was positive for November.

 

Personnel Items:

The board approved the retirement of custodian Susan Wall.

The board approved the resignations of instructional assistant Peyton Myers, and high school cross country coach Rebekah Erb.

Approval was given to the employment of the following:

  • Harold Rogers – Custodian
  • Kendra Miller – Instructional Assistant
  • Mike Harter – Driver Education
  • Mandy Bishop – 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Alison Carnahan – 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

Leave request was approved for the following, as presented:

  • Brittany Mendiola – Personal Leave
  • Laura Stout – Personal Leave
  • Arlene Metzger – Personal Leave

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that West Central Elementary hosted Donuts with Dad Dec. 1. With a lumberjack theme, a good time was had by all. The day also included a trip to the Math Masters Prize room and a preview of the PTC’s Holiday Shop, which will run the week of Dec. 4-8. The K-3 and Elementary Chorus Christmas Program will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12. For professional development, a trainer from Curriculum Associates worked with staff on math program implementation. Staff also collaborated regarding the online science textbook.

Middle/high school principal Patrick Culp reported that West Central High School continues to be recognized for the efforts to expand dual college credits. Recently, West Central was honored by Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ivy Tech Community College, and Vincennes University during the 2017 Indiana Dual Credit Recognition Ceremony. This inaugural celebration is in recognition of West Central Senior High School’s efforts to provide Indiana students with access to and success in Dual Credit courses. The Fine Arts program is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Awards for art will be presented. Artwork from high school students will be displayed in the cafeteria. At 6:30 p.m., a concert by the band and choir will begin in the high school gym.

  
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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.