According to its website, BioNova is a global network of landscape professionals, contractors, and pool builders who work synergistically to promote the state-of-the-art of Natural Swimming Pool (NSP) design, construction, aesthetics and maintenance.

Headquartered in New Jersey, BioNova supports licensed dealer partners across North America and works with design professionals – e.g., landscape architects, landscape designers, and architects – on planning and implementing NSPs in a variety of settings.

Heater reported BioNova is asking for $10,000 for a feasibility study before any design or planning begins.

The original 1963 Winamac municipal pool closed following the summer of 2013 due to age and disrepair. That autumn the town council voted to study options for replacing the pool. Councilmember Heater was eventually appointed to head a committee to research and price pool construction possibilities and to raise funds for a pool project. A fund was established with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. To date, more than half the funds needed to construct a new pool have been raised.

However, late last year the town council voted to suspend the pool project due to financial concerns.

Heater reported at this month's council meeting that the pool committee continues to fundraise and would like to apply for grants but cannot do so without the town council’s approval.

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger explained that the town’s finances already reflect a deficit in the general fund of approximately $300,000 due to the decrease in local income tax revenues. Berger's concern is the cost of maintaining and operating a pool without raising taxes on Winamac residents.

In a related matter, council president Tom Murray asked the pool committee to research the requirements from Homeland Security and the Indiana State Board of Health regarding any issues related to a natural pool.

In other business, town manager Brad Zellers announced the town of Winamac has been awarded a wastewater grant from OCRA (Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs) in the amount of $700,000. The funds will be used for wastewater improvements. The project will modify the existing wastewater stabilization lagoons. The council voted to allow Zellers to execute all necessary documents regarding the wastewater project to move forward.

Zellers also reported on the following:

 

Town Manager’s Report

  • The Arbor Day Proclamation was presented to the council. The council voted to adopt the proclamation.
  • For the past few years, the fireworks have been held on the school grounds. Last year, there was an issue with debris landing on the cars at the Braun Chrysler dealership. Council president Murray suggested moving the fireworks back into the Winamac Town Park. The council agreed.
  • The four paving bids for the 2017 Community Crossings Matching Grant were opened. The council voted to have Zellers review the bids per the specs and liability coverage as requested and to make the decision for the contractor.

 

Clerk-Treasurer’s Report

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger reported on the following:

  • The change was made to the employee handbook per the direction of the council. Ordinance No. 1 of 2018: An Ordinance Adopting the Town of Winamac’s Revised Employee Handbook was adopted as presented.
  • The Fund Report through February, 2018 was presented to the council. The Winamac Economic Development Committee Fund No. 206 is currently held in a savings account at KeyBank. The concern with this account is it being sent to the State of Indiana for inactivity. Berger asked the council for permission to transfer this account from KeyBank to 1st Source Bank. Council members Murray and Heater did not wish to see this account closed. Heater said she would bring $1 to deposit into the account to keep the account active.
  • A state law was changed and took effect in 2012 regarding small town primary elections and districts. This will affect the 2020 election. Town attorney Justin Schramm explained the 2012 law states that a town that changes an election ordinance after a census (2010 was the last census) would have to recertify the district areas. The council adopted Ordinance No. 4 of 2017 and did not recertify the district areas which means the three district council members will run at-large for the elections. The 2020 election will be at-large members. Per the statute, the town can recertify the districts in the next ordinance that cannot be done until two years after the next census.
  • ILMCT Conference to be held June 10– 4 in South Bend.
  • IMPA is hosting a “Customer Service Boost Camp” on June 6 . Two office employees attended two years ago and said it was very good customer service training. The office will be closed so office employees can attend this workshop.
  • Review of yearly budget reports from Umbaugh:

A. Electric Department: Umbaugh has reported the electric utility will experience a positive cash flow over the next five years and that the current rates are sufficient to pay for the operation, maintenance and planned capital improvements.

B. Water Department: Umbaugh has reported the water department will experience negative cash flows over the next four to five years. The water project is a factor to the negative cash flow. Umbaugh states the current rate schedule is sufficient to pay for operation, maintenance and a portion of planned capital improvements. The concern will be keeping operation costs at a low for years 2019 – 2022.

C. Wastewater Department: Umbaugh has reported the wastewater department will experience a positive cash flow over the next five years. This is with the help of the wastewater grant from OCRA for the ammonia limits per the NPDES permit renewal. Umbaugh states the current rate schedule is sufficient to pay for operation, maintenance, debt service, and annual capital improvements for the next few years.

 

Department Reports

Town Marshal Mike Buchanan provided the council with the department's monthly statistics. Buchanan reported officer Alec Berger began his new duties April 1 and will report to the police academy on June 18.

The new police vehicle was discussed, and six quotes were presented. The officers gave their opinions on the vehicles. After further discussion, the council approved the purchase of the Durango or an Explorer with the final decision from the consensus of the police department.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported his department has been working on the complex by removing the old concrete with the help of the other departments, the new drain system has been installed, the gas line has been moved and new concrete has been poured. Shorter’s department has changed out poles; is working east of town on cross arms; continues to do locates for the cable company; line clearance; installed the pass-through system at the police station; and has helped move the water line at the complex.

Wastewater foreman Waylon Burke reported his department jetted lines on West Street and Stamper Drive, and repaired a line on West Street. The wastewater employees have begun their classes for certification and also have received mosquito training along with town manager Brad Zellers. The vac truck needs repairs that will cost approximately $24,000. Workers have tv’d lines at the school, responded to sewer calls at the Pulaski County Public Library and another location on Riverside Drive, and continue to do locates for the cable company.

Water and Street supervisor Jeremy Beckner reported his department continues to pick up brush and leaves, repaired pot holes, continues to do locates for the cable company, provided water taps at the trailer park and at Dobson’s, helped the electric department remove concrete for the drains at the complex, begun street sweeping and also grading the alleys.

 

Other Business

Councilmember Dan Vanaman recommended using an asphalt vendor who has provided quality work. Councilmember Heater agreed.

Councilmember Alvin Parish asked to address the parking in front of One Eyed Jacks wherein the golf carts and motorcycle spaces are being used by vehicles. Superintendent Beckner has another sign and will install. It was suggested to review the parking ordinance.

  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

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.

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 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. 

  

Indiana News

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

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 out break in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

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.

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.