In her remarks, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe thanked the high school staff, teachers, administrators and custodial/maintenance staff for all their hard work in ensuring the May 26 graduation ceremonies were successful.

Dr. Rowe reported the school is currently in the transition phase of moving from Alma to Harmony for its student information system, as well as a transition from Standard for Success to Pivot, which was previously used.

She also discussed West Central’s financial situation relative to the food service account and noted that while the food service fund is very close to providing free student meals, at present the fund would lose money if it did so. Rowe explained other schools have advertised that they can offer all students free meals, and this is due to the fact that the federal government is providing enhanced reimbursements for student counts of those who are direct certified for meals (SNAP, TANF, etc). That reimbursement level is allowing other districts to be reimbursed at a rate that covers losses from paid and reduced meals. At this time, free meals for all is not financially feasible at West Central, but school officials are hoping it may be in the future.

The superintendent also reported on the following:

  • June 11 will be bus inspections.
  • Summer school counts were shared.
  • Student registration for the 2024-25 school year will be July 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Aug. 1 from 1 to 7 p.m. Teacher work days will be Aug 6 and 7, with the first student day of the school year on Aug. 8.
  • The additional black chairs from the middle/high school cafeteria that were previously damaged in the shipment to the school will be kept.

The school board recognized Students of the Month. Allie Sanders was chosen to represent WCMS/HS , while Landyn Metzinger was the WCES selection.

 

Personnel

The school board approved the following resignations, as presented:

  • Mary Chesser, Special Education Teacher
  • Michael Slys, Assistant Principal
  • Cheryl Ailes, Custodian
  • Lisa Mahaffey, Music and Choir
  • Sarah Coffman, STEM K-8
  • McKenna Boerner, Resignation

 The board approved employment for the following:

  • Kay Allen, Bus Driver for Summer School
  • Don Bushong, Bus Driver for Summer School
  • Tammy Brick, Bus Driver for Summer School
  • Jerry Norman, Bus Driver for Summer School
  • Brandon Davis - student summer helper
  • Grant Peter - student summer helper
  • Nate Peter - student summer helper
  • Ezra Rodriguez - student summer helper
  • Elly Sparks - student summer helper
  • Kay Allen, Bus Driver - Adjusted Work Schedule for 2024-25
  • Casie Allen - Adjusted Work Schedule for 2024-25
  • Brandy Maxwell, Cafeteria Staff
  • Amanda Dunne, Cafeteria Manager
  • Amber Leman - 5/6 Grade Volleyball Coach
  • Jeremy Glasford - JV Girls Head Basketball Coach
  • Annie Scholz - Girls Basketball Assistant Varsity Coach
  • Tyler DeMoss - Girls Basketball Varsity/JV Assistant Assistant
  • Tyson Mellon - Head Girls Basketball Coach
  • Jeremy Glasford - Head Co-Ed Cross Country Coach
  • Marc Hall - Head Football Coach
  • Greg Buschman - Football Assistant Coach, HS
  • Tyler Napier - Football Assistant Coach, HS
  • Emily Bridgeman - School Psychologist, CSS
  • Lauren Manuel - School Psychologist, CSS
  • Alison Rees - Preschool Speech Language Pathologist, CSS

 

Action items

The school board voted to approve the Cooperative School Services Joint Services Agreement.

Approval was given for the Affidavit of Completion Certificate affirming all work has been completed for the band-choir project.

The IVY Tech Dual Credit memorandum of understanding was approved, as presented.

The board approved the Moake Park Group A1A Agreement, as presented.

The board voted to approve the Wireless Devices Prohibition and Habitual Truant policies as presented.

The school board agreed to add a developmental preschool as part of the Cooperative School Services program.

Approval was given for the overnight field trip for the WC football team to travel to Manchester University.

Approval was given for the Girls Basketball Team camp to Indiana Wesleyan June 18-20.

The board voted to approve salary increases for support staff, as well as administrative contract extensions, as presented.

Several state-required public hearings were conducted during the school board meeting regarding school campus improvement projects, financing thereof and equipment purchases. No public comment was offered.

In related matters, the school board voted to reapprove the building corporation; and also to approve the resolution assigning construction bids and contracts, once received.

The board adopted a resolution approving the second supplement to master continuing disclosure undertaking, as presented.

Approval was given to the lease agreement between the West Central School Building Corporation and the West Central School Corporation Lessee.

 

Principal reports

Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke reported there was lots of work, celebrating, and fun during the month of May.

  • The month began with Teacher Appreciation Week.
  • Prom was held at The Shed in Wanatah.
  • Grades 7-10 finished their last round of NWEA testing.
  • Senior awards night, the FFA Banquet and the Spring Band Concert were held.
  • The middle schoolers went on an incentive trip to Indiana Beach, and the band students also went to King’s Island and performed there.
  • The high schoolers took final exams.
  • The student council put on a talent show; there were 6 acts.
  • The school had a cookout, awards, and games on the last day. It was a good ending to the school year.

The Veterans motorcycle group, “Rolling Thunder” came by the school May 29. Everyone was invited to come out and thank them for their service.

Graduation went well, and there was a good turnout.

The first round of CMA exams were taken and all three students passed. The school has six more students taking the exam June13. There are also 13 students coming to the school to take speech classes with an Ivy Tech professor.

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared the school year ended well and with a flurry of activity as usual. Field trips provided extra opportunities. Kindergarten went to Logansport and toured the firehouse. First grade experienced Fair Oaks, and Third grade went to the Indianapolis Zoo. Fourth Grade toured Pulaski County learning about many aspects and businesses. Third grade also had their annual Pioneer Day.

Grades 3-5 participated in the County Spelling Bee at Eastern Pulaski. Kylie Erb was first in third grade, Garrett Scholz was first in fourth grade, and Aslynn Pack was third in fifth grade. All the students represented West Central very well.

“Let’s Roll” was hosted by PTC at the beginning of the month. Approximately 345 attended the event which included students with a special female adult to enjoy cinnamon rolls, a parfait, and create a craft.

Students who met their math facts goal went bowling, and the Water Bash was enjoyed by those meeting their reading goal. Slightly over 200 students qualified for each event.

Field Day was a success, and the Kickball tournament culminated with one of Mr. Gudas’ teams winning for the students and then competing against the staff.

Students and staff celebrated the year’s achievements with many academic and attendance awards handed out on the last day of school. The final benchmarking in reading and math showed the school is holding steady with approximately the same numbers year-over-year for meeting their growth and being on grade level.

IREAD retakes have been given. Those, along with ILEARN results, have been mailed home.

 

  
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Local News Briefs

S-P Habitat plans open house for new project Sept. 28

Starke-Pulaski Habitat for Humanity will hold an open house for its latest project, the John and Melissa May family home, at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.

The house is located at 614 S. Burson St., Winamac, along side the Panhandle Pathway. The public is welcome to attend to congratulate the May family.

Charitable income tax deductions available for farmers through CFPC’s Gifts of Grain

The Gifts of Grain program through the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) allows farmers to identify a portion of their harvest for a gift to CFoPC.

These donations, specified by farmers identifying a number of bushels at the farmer’s normal grain elevator, allow for tax advantages such as reduced adjusted gross income, taxable income, and more.

Chamber's autumn RiverFest event Oct. 5 in Winamac

WINAMAC – The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its third annual RiverFest from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Winamac Town Park.

The event will feature  30-plus vendors, food, crafts and music (open mic style), plus a River Ball Race at 5 p.m.

County health department to hold respiratory vaccine clinic Oct. 15

The Pulaski County Health Department will hold a respiratory vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Parkview Haven in Francesville.

Public health nurse Stephen Stephen Newcomer reports the flu vaccine will be available at the clinic. Also a limited supply of COVID, RSV and pneumonia vaccines will be offered.

U.S. 35 to have short-term closures

PULASKI/STARKE COUNTIES - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct seal coating operations resulting in two road closures on U.S. 35 beginning on or after Monday, Sept. 23.

U.S. 35 will first be closed during daytime work hours between SR 14 and the west junction of SR 10 for approximately three days on or after Sept. 23. The official detour for this closure will follow SR 10, U.S. 421 and SR 14.

Warrior Up after-school program continues at Winamac FUMC

WINAMAC – The Warrior Up Kids Club after-school program is continuing for the 2024-25 school year at the Winamac First United Methodist Church.

 The program offers bus transportation from the Winamac schools, snacks, homework help, some life-skills lessons, crafts and additional activities.

HVRM to run diesel, steam ‘Pumpkin and Twilight Trains’ in October

NORTH JUDSON - The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will run Pumpkin Trains every Saturday in October in historic North Judson at the junction of four former railroads.

A diorama of the Erie, Chesapeake & Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York Central railroads is on display in the admission-free museum, along with one of the largest collections of working railroad signals, a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car, and all types of rolling stock, engines and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

  

Indiana News

Abnormally hot, dry weather raises fire risk concerns for farmers

EAST LANSING, MI – Another dry week in Indiana provided favorable fieldwork conditions, but some farmers were concerned about the risk of fire, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels decreased from the previous week, with 21 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 73.1 degrees Fahrenheit, 9.1 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 0.10 inches, 0.59 inches below normal.

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 3.8% in August

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.8 percent in August, down from 4.0 percent in July, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Sept. 23). The rate was 2.8 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,868 employed persons in a labor force of 7,140 in August. In July those numbers were 6,968 of 7,261. A year ago the numbers were 6,698 of 6,894.

Free soil sampling program available for Indiana farmers

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 23) — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and partners throughout the state have worked with the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) to develop a no-cost program with a focus on increasing the knowledge and use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice to benefit farm operations.

The program, titled Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program, is open now for applicants through Nov. 1.

OCRA announces new training, capacity-building program for rural communities

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 19) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs have announced the opening of the new Rural Empowerment and Development (RED) program.

The program is a capacity-building and planning initiative created in partnership with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute. 

Culp, Jordan: Applications now open for 2025 Statehouse internships

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 29) – Applications to intern with Indiana House Republicans for the 2025 legislative session are now open, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). 

Culp said the Indiana House of Representatives offers a spring semester internship at the Statehouse in Indianapolis during the legislative session, which will start in January and conclude in April. House interns earn $900 biweekly and work full time, Monday through Friday.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

CDC releases fall/winter outlook for respiratory illnesses

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 10) - The Indiana Department of Health reported Sept. 10 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 399 from Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, down 80 from its previous weekly report.

State COVID-19 hospital admissions (Sept. 1-7) totaled 34, up 5 from the week before. The state reported one death in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

Mellon honored with state’s Golden Hoosier Award

INDIANAPOLIS – Charles Mellon of Francesville was presented with a Golden Hoosier Award by Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch Tuesday (Sept. 24), at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. He was among 18 people from across the state to receive the award.

The Golden Hoosier Award was established to acknowledge and recognize outstanding seniors for their lifetime of service to their communities. Sponsored by Indiana Lieutenant Governor in collaboration and partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, the award is the highest honor bestowed on a senior in Indiana.

OCRA announces four communities to receive $280K in federal planning grants 

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 26) – The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Thursday announced four Indiana communities will receive over $280,000 in Planning Grants through the Community Development Block Grant program. The communities will use the funds to develop plans for long-term comprehensive development and the implementation of utility improvement projects.

One of the communities is Winamac which has been awarded a $90,000 grant.

Nov. 5, 2024 General Election: Who's on my ballot?

Who will be on your 2024 Pulaski County general election ballot?

A list of all candidates to be considered by Pulaski County voters is presented here, along with website links for the national and state candidates to give voters an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the office seekers and their platforms.

Voter registration ends Monday, Oct. 7; and Early Voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 8 in Indiana. Information for voters may be found at Secretary of State: Voter Information

West Central School Board, Superintendent discuss impact of state voucher program on public school funding

FRANCESVILLE – West Central School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe referenced, at the September school board meeting, a recent article in the IndyStar that drew attention to a report on state’s school choice (vouchers) program drawing taxpayer monies away from Indiana public schools.

She told the board that what started out as a $15.5 million price tag school choice program in 2011, has ballooned to over $300 million most recently, and is forecast to cost $600 million this year. For West Central, the loss in state funding is estimated to be $277,730 annually, with impact felt each year as additional funding is allocated to vouchers.

Fall Festival announces contest winners

Francesville, the “Small Town with a Big Heart” put on a giant festival this past weekend (Sept. 20-22) jam-packed with family fun.

The 56th annual Francesville Fall Festival featured “Tag Art” dinosaurs, carnival rides, a Harvest Dance, contests, games, arts, crafts and a variety of ventdors. A sampling of photos from the event appears on the PulaskiPost Facebook page.

EPCS receives state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17) – Eastern Pulaski Community Schools recently received more than $39,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program.

The SSSG program was created in 2013 and codified by Indiana Code 10-21. The legislation was established to increase the safety of Indiana schools. The SSSG program is a dedicated state fund that provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools and coalitions of school corporations.