During discussion, town attorney noted that similar considerations are being held in other towns, including North Judson. Until more information can be obtained, the council decided to take the request under advisement.

 

Town Manager’s Report

Town manager Brad Zellers reported on the following:

  • The fireworks went well this year and the employees cleaned up at the school.
  • The restroom facility along the Winamac Parkway will be completed soon.
  • Costs for the rebuild east of Town will range from $75,000 to $275,000. ISC was the lowest at $75,000. The specific quotes were not provided at the meeting but are:
    • IMPA Service Corp. (ISC) - $75,000
    • ARC American, Inc. – Section 1: $122,407 and Section 2: $33,128
    • L. E. Myers - $271,511.25

The council voted to accept ISC’s quote of $75,000.

  • The sidewalk program has been implemented.
  • The easements have been secured for the water project and hopefully OCRA will  release funds in the near future.
  • The electric laborer job description was revised to show the five steps necessary to obtain the journeyman’s card. The council voted to adopt the job description as presented.

 

Clerk-Treasurer’s Report

Clerk-treasurer Melanie Berger reported on the following:

  • Resolution No. 5 of 2018: "A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Winamac, Indiana, Designating a Certain Area of the Town of Winamac as an Economic Revitalization Area for the Purpose of Qualifying Applications of Assessed Valuation Deductions Pursuant to § Ind. Code 6-1.1-12.1" was presented to the council for a second approval. The council voted to adopt the resolution as presented.
  • Resolution No. 6 of 2018: "A Resolution Waiving Noncompliance for Standard Properties, Inc. for Deduction for Rehabilitation or Redevelopment of Real Property in Economic Revitalization Area" was presented to the council. Discussion followed. The council voted to adopt the resolution, as presented.
  • Effective July 1, the State Board of Accounts implemented a new procedure requiring cities and town to begin uploading, on a monthly basis, into the Gateway portal the bank reconcilements, approved board minutes, and funds ledger detailing receipts and disbursements, by fund. SBOA is also requiring annual uploads for the final year-end bank statement, year-end outstanding check list, year-end investment statements, detail of receipts and disbursements for the year, salary ordinance, employee earnings records and annual vendor history report. SBOA’s goal is to streamline its process with more monitoring, planning and audit work prior to being on site for audits.
  • Resolution No. 3, 1995: "Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Winamac, Indiana Authorizing Usage of the Municipal Utility Complex." Berger asked the council to consider revising this 23-year-old resolution, as the wastewater treatment plant has not paid the electric department rent since 2010. Also for consideration in this ordinance is the rent to be paid the electric department from the street and police departments. The police now has its own building is not using any of the space at the complex. The council agreed to the changes and a resolution will be prepared for the council’s approval.
  • The town does not have a formal written policy regarding water and sewer adjustments. There is a document that has been followed for past adjustments and Berger asked the council to consider a formal policy. The council gave permission to draft a policy for their approval.
  • Berger would like to implement a policy regarding an undercharge or overcharge to a customer should a billing error occur. Having a written policy in place before an issue arises will take away any question on how to handle this situation. The council agreed and gave permission to draft a policy.

 

Department Reports

Water and Street supervisor Jeremy Beckner was not in attendance, but his monthly report was provided to council members in their packets.

Electric superintendent Doug Shorter reported to the council that his department continues to work on line clearance, changing poles, servicing transformers, and continuing work on the new restrooms along the Winamac Parkway. The department received three quotes for the east rebuild. Shorter reported Waylon Burke has been on the department for a month and is working well. Three interviews have been held, and Shorter asked the council for permission to hire Dalton Grandstaff. The council voted its approval. Burke and Grandstaff will attend journeyman training at the same time.

Wastewater Department foreman Barry Day reported his department continues to locate for Lightstream, provide routine maintenance to the wastewater treatment plant, spray weeds downtown and at the plant, perform maintenance on lift stations and repair at the fairgrounds lift station, perform maintenance on the clarifier, work in the drying beds, and work on the soil at the restroom area at the Winamac Parkway. After conducting interviews, Day, on behalf of himself and Beckner, asked the council to consider hiring Evan Howatt to fill the position to work between both departments. The council voted its approval of the request.

Town Marshal Mark Hoffman, provided the council with the monthly statistics. Hoffman stated activity has increased this month. Officers Pickens and Spanley attended and completed SWAT school. Hoffman installed a labeler and bar code system for evidence and installed equipment which he donated in the interview room. The new vehicle will be equipped with lights and graphics soon. Hoffman asked the council for permission to hire part-time officers to cover the department while an officer is attending the academy. The council gave its approval.

 

In old business, council  member Dan Vanaman asked if the wastewater employees were going to be taking their test soon. Day said that he and Burke will be taking their tests in the near future. Zellers said that Brett Zellers will be taking the water test soon.

Council member Alvin Parish asked if a notice could be placed in the monthly billings reminding everyone of the policy in place for placing their garbage cans at the curb during the specified hours and then removal of the cans; and also that grass clippings be mowed toward yards instead of in the streets.

Marcella Kunstek asked the council if a decision had been made regarding the water project construction bid. Zellers said the town is waiting for OCRA’s approval before a contractor is awarded. Kunstek asked that she be informed when the award is made.

  
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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

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

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 outbreak 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.