Street reported the secure entrance and utilization of space project is almost complete. There are a few areas that will not be complete until after school starts.

The staff will be issued keycards for entrances. Police and fire officials will also be issued keycards for entering of the building.

The first day for students is Thursday, Aug. 9. On Wednesday, Sept. 26, the students will not attend school; however, instruction will be provided via eLearning. Staff will attend school and be involved in professional development.

Street reviewed the utility usage with the board, along with the general fund cash balance.

 

Personnel

The board voted to approve the following resignations:

  • Melvin Wireman – Math Teacher
  • Megan Sterk – 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
  • Jessica Kaeb – Instructional Assistant
  • Thea Rodriguez – Maintenance
  • Zephaniah Conley – Assistant Middle School Football

The board approved a personal leave request for Jennifer Byrne.

Approval was given to the transfer of Ashley Burge from high school science to middle school special education.

The board voted to employ the following individuals, as presented:

  • Jon Pilarski - Teacher
  • Lynne Wuethrich – Maternity Leave for Courtney Rausch
  • Tammy Toosley – Guidance Instructional Assistant
  • Nate Neeley – Assistant Middle School Football Coach
  • Brittany McMullen – Volunteer Cheerleading Sponsor

 

Action Items

The board approved a Sunday performance for the fall play for Sunday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m.

Second readings were approved for board policy manual revisions for items regarding Criminal History – Applicants and Contractors, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Right to Inspect Certain Non-Academic Materials, and Administration of Medication at School.

The board approved the Title I Grant as presented. Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), provides financial assistance to states and school districts to meet the needs of educationally at-risk students. The goal of Title I is to provide extra instructional services and activities which support students for the state’s challenging performance standards in mathematics, reading and writing.

A first reading was approved for a board policy manual revision for additions for the use of metal detectors. West Central has requested the state-issued, handheld metal detectors. West Central qualifies for three of the handheld metal detectors. The handheld metal detectors are designed for random group searches and individual searches with reasonable suspicion.

The board voted to approve the Cooperative School Employee Contracts as presented.

The board voted to approve advertising the 2019 School Budget Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan.

 

Principal Reports

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported the annual West Central Trojan Scholarship golf outing is Saturday, Aug. 11 at Moss Creek Golf Club. Teams and sponsors can still participate by contacting athletic director Wes Allen at the middle

school office. Golfers of all ages and abilities are welcome to play. Golf starts at 1 p.m.

Extended School Year (ESY) for students and teachers has concluded. Chelsea Reed and her staff, Kelly Jackson and Shelby Powell, worked hard in preparation for ESY. During the two weeks of ESY, students from North White and West Central worked on various academic skills and community based instruction. Also, Laura Stout completed summer school for high school students in the Trojan Opportunity Academy.

On Friday, Aug. 17, the student council is hosting the 18th annual Pork and Chicken dinner prior to the football game against Caston. Please come out and enjoy some delicious food and entertaining football!

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported elementary staff members joined together in a potluck supper on July 26 at the elementary school to discuss plans for the coming year and share how they spent the summer.

Summer school finished on Thursday, Aug. 2 with a pool party and celebration for all the kids and their families who desired to attend. Over 20 new students registered at the elementary school on July 30 and 31. Staff are excited for these new students to join the West Central family.

Meet the Teacher Night is Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m., and the first day of school for students is Thursday, Aug. 9. Staff professional development at the start of the year will focus on preparing for E-Learning and more staff training on social-emotional learning.

  
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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.