The school board discussed the ramifications pertaining to ISTEP, end-of-course assessments, early graduates, and athletics, to name a few, if the start of school were to be pushed back to later in August. 

Under the newly approved calendar, the first day of school for the 2018-19 school year will be Wednesday, Aug. 8. Christmas vacation will begin after school on Dec. 19 until classes resume Jan. 7. The last day of school will be May 28 (2019). First semester (87 days) will run Aug. 8 to Dec. 19. Second semester (93 days) will run Jan. 7 to May 28. Graduation 2019 will be May 31.

"Spotlight on WCMS" – Junior Honor Society: Rori Blackman, Kendal Johnson and Brendan Day shared their roles in the Junior Honor Society. The students publish a monthly newsletter, take pictures of events, and construct bulletin boards throughout the middle school. Other events are sponsoring dances and having fundraisers for worthy causes. Students have to meet certain criteria to be in the Junior Honor Society.

In other business, Foster stated that with the calendar year budget ending for 2017, board action is needed to transfer appropriations within funds to complete the process. A budget is an estimate and to bring negative accounts to a zero balance transfers are needed. The board voted to approve appropriations, make transfers as needed, and pay claims for the close of the calendar year 2017 budget as necessary.

Foster presented the paving/concrete project information. There was discussion on the bids and alternates. After discussion it was decided more information will be gathered before a decision is made.

The superintendent also reported on the following:

  • All the holiday concerts last week were very good.
  • The Rural Small Schools Task Force met last week and is working on offering regional meetings and discussing their challenges.
  • State Board of Education update: The Graduation Pathways was passed by the state board, despite most of the 12-plus hours of testimony asking for a delay to have questions answered before passing.
  • Mrs. Polstra, Mrs. Hanselman, and Mrs. Anspach were thanked for working to get pay increases done in a timely manner.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Nov. 30. The condition of funds statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The extra curricular report was also shared. The general fund comparison statement showed 12.45% of the yearly appropriation remains. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as submitted.

 

Personnel Items:

  • Elementary school instructional assistant Nancy Huggler submitted her resignation, effective Jan. 4.
  • Markus Kay was recommended as the varsity baseball coach, Will Fox was recommended as the varsity assistant coach, Heath Gearhart was recommended as the junior varsity baseball coach, and Eric Richter as the volunteer assistant coach.
  • Craig Barr was recommended as the Champ Club Director.

After discussion, the board voted to approve all the personnel items as presented.

 

Principal Reports:

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinsonshared that the choir/band did a great job at their concert on Dec. 6. The numbers in these programs are increasing. Recently sixth-grade took a trip to Purdue to see a Christmas show and eighth-grade students took their annual trip to the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw. Qualifying seventh-grade students will visit Purdue to attend a Techfit competition in the coming week. The board was thanked for allowing these opportunities for the students.

High school principal Rick DeFriesshared that the band/choir program last week was very good. The National Honor Society Induction will be Dec. 11 in the auditorium. On Nov. 29, a body safety seminar was offered for students. The seminar focused on drug/alcohol abuse and inappropriate touching. Students were encouraged to make themselves fully aware of their surroundings.

Elementary school principal Jill Collinsshared that the holiday season is in full swing at the elementary school. They are doing a Holiday Kindness Challenge, focusing on random acts of kindness. Anchor Writing is focusing on a winter theme. Mrs. Valencia was commended for the Express Choir Holiday concert, along with the students. The kindergarten, first grade, and second grade Christmas Concert will be Dec. 21.

Board Comment: The Junior Honor Society students were commended. Mrs. Huggler was commended for her service. The pay schedule for substitute teachers was discussed. The Calendar Committee was thanked.

  
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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.