Rowe and corporation treasurer Shannon Fritz are looking into investment options for the construction funds that the corporation will be holding until payments need to be made to contractors. The project includes several improvements throughout the school campus, from a new roof at the elementary school to new bleachers at the football field.

Rowe also reported on the following:

  • She thanked parents for attending the recent parent/teacher conferences.
  • Two school board members attended the recent ISBA Regional meeting Oct. 30 with her.
  • She will hold data meetings with principals in the upcoming weeks.
  • She reviewed district data with the school board such as attendance rates, free/reduced meals, ILEARN and IREAD results and other information.

In other business, Rowe reported the district is hosting a screening of the movie, The Addict’s Wake, sponsored by the Pulaski County Community Foundation at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at the West Central Elementary School cafeteria. Childcare and transportation are provided, but advance notice is required (contact 574-946-0906).

Student of the Month awards were presented to Connor Huber representing the middle/high school and to Rebecca Hughes from the elementary school.

The school board also recognized Donita Stimson as a valued West Central School Corporation volunteer with appreciation from the school and the entire school community.

 

Personnel items

The school board approved the following resignations, as presented:

  • Kathy McBride - Cafeteria effective Jan. 31
  • Kristi Laxton - CSS Coordinator

Approval was given to the following for employment, as presented:

  • Jennifer Johns - WCHS Student Council
  • Kristie Baer - WCES Student Council
  • Devin Green - WCES Student Council
  • Joy Schlatter - EL Coordinator
  • Jordan Danford - 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
  • Ryan Howat - 5th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
  • Mike Bishop - Softball Coach
  • Mike Lattimore - 8th grade boys basketball coach
  • David Allen - Volunteer Assistant 5⁄6 Boys Basketball
  • Dylan Ingram - Volunteer Assistant 6th Boys Basketball
  • Dale Sampson - CSS full time to part time transfer
  • Makenzie Spencer - CSS Related Services Counselor

Leave requests were approved as follows:

  • Melissa Wise (CSS) Oct. 17
  • Emily Bridgeman (CSS) Dec. 2
  • Samantha Heims - Maternity leave March 10 to end of school year

 

Action items

The school board voted to approve the contract renewal and addendum, as presented, for West Central Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe. The action was preceded by a public hearing on the matter. There was no public comment.

Approval was given for the substitute salary clarification, as presented.

The board voted to approve the Indiana ESC Food Co-Op Member annual contract.

Approval was given to the West Central Youth Wrestling League’s request to use the school’s wrestling facilities; and also to the West Central Youth Football League request to use the school’s football facilities.

The board approved a resolution establishing a teacher supplemental payment and non-certified staff stipend, as presented.

The board voted to approve items presented as declared surplus for disposal.

 

Principal report

Middle/high school principal Mike Carlson reported October began with Homecoming which included “many fun activities” such as boys volleyball, girls flag football, golf cart floats, and a dance; and ended with winning the football game.

The middle school had its Trojan Races for those meeting academic and behavior expectations for the first nine weeks. Eighty-seven percent of the students participated on a beautiful 80-degree day.

Parent Teacher Conferences were held.

Band and choir held their fall concert. Carlson reported Mr. Sholey, Mr. Brunker and the students “did a really nice job and their work showed. It was well attended and had many compliments.” This was followed the next weekend with the drama performance of Death by Chocolate. Again, the students showcased their talents with an entertaining who-done-it.

Sophomores and juniors took the PSAT and seventh and eighth grade have completed the math ILEARN Checkpoint 1. There are bright spots in all the data and areas to grow.

The girls wrestling team had its first-ever meet against KV and Twin Lakes. Two girls had pins.

The month ended with Donita setting up an amazing caramel apple bar for the staff.

  
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Local News Briefs

PCT's Hometown Holiday Celebration Nov. 24

Pulaski County Tribe has planned its fourth annual "Hometown Holiday Celebration" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday Nov. 24, at Meadow Springs (U.S. 421 South), Francesville. Admission is free for all ages.

Organizers report "memories" are the theme of the event - with activities aplenty for young and old. Those attending are encouraged to dress in their festive best to add to the holiday spirit.

Hospice myths and trivia program Nov. 19 at Francesville library

FRANCESVILLE – Heart to Heart Hospice will present a program “Myths and Truths Trivia,’ featuring special guest Wendy Alvarado at 12 noon, Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library in Francesville.

Alvarado is a palliative massage therapist and end-of-life doula with Heat to Heart Hospice.

Community film screening of ‘The Addict’s Wake’ Nov. 22

Documentary explores family, community impact of U.S. addiction crisis

Glory Girl Productions, in collaboration with Pulaski County Drug-Free Council (PCDFC) and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, will present a screening of the award-winning documentary, The Addict’s Wake, to the Pulaski County community at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at the West Central Elementary School gym.

Admission is free, thanks to the generous sponsorship of 4C Health and BraunAbility. Viewer discretion is advised and is generally recommended for those over the age of 12.

Chamber's Winter Wonderland Dec. 6

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22nd annual Winter Wonderland Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., in downtown Winamac.

The sixth annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” will welcome Santa at 7 p.m., Friday evening. The event will also feature craft and food vendors, horse-and-wagon rides, Christmas stories at the train depot and more.

PCPL announces November programs, activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for November. They include the annual “Our Heroes’ Tree,” a food drive, a recycling of old eyeglasses program, a Golden Experiences Art Exhibit, nature programs, and a Medicare 101 session.

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.

Funding opportunity available for substance misue projects through Pulaski County Drug-Free Council

Do you care about reducing substance misuse in our county? Do you have an idea that could prevent misuse or help people enter recovery? Do you need funding to make your idea a reality?

The Drug-Free Council is pleased to announce that approximately $27,000 is available in grant awards to address problems related to substance misuse in Pulaski County.

  

Indiana News

State soybean harvest finished; corn 97% complete

EAST LANSING, MI – Harvest wrapped up in many areas last week across Indiana amid warm, rainy weather, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 54 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 47.6 degrees Fahrenheit, 6.1 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 1.07 inches, 0.32 inches above normal.

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms receives $2.7 million to enhance education

FAIR OAKS (Nov. 12) – Seven Farm Credit System institutions have partnered with Indiana-based Lake States Dairy Center to enhance public knowledge and education of sustainable agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, CoBank, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Mid-America, Farm Credit Services of America and Greenstone Farm Credit Services will contribute a combined $2.7 million over the next five years to help the center showcase food safety, animal care, nutrition, environmental stewardship, employee care and community.

Northwest Indiana Forum hires new membership/marketing events coordinator

PORTAGE (Nov. 5) – The Northwest Indiana Forum recently hired Olivia Allen as the membership and marketing events coordinator. Allen will be working with key stakeholders to execute events and marketing strategies. She will also manage membership and sponsorships.

The Northwest Indiana Forum is the regional economic development organization dedicated to jobs and capital investment in harmony with the environment for Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke, Jasper, Newton and Pulaski counties.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.6% in September

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6 percent in September, down from 3.8 percent in August, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Oct. 28). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's September unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.2 percent in August. The August 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August (seasonally adjusted), down fractionally from 4.2 percent in August. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Nov. 15: Serious respiratory illness low in U.S.; but RSV elevated

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Nov. 12 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 300 from Oct. 20 - Nov. 5, down two from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Nov. 3-9) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

CFoPC: Triple impact of #GivingTuesday gift in Pulaski County

Save the date! #GivingTuesday is Dec. 3, and The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) will once again spearhead the local observance of the day.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of celebrating generosity, created in 2012 for the purposes of fostering philanthropy, encouraging giving to important causes and celebrating the generosity of the community.

Alliance Junior Board visits Pulaski Memorial Hospital

FRANCESVILLE - The Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors recently had an opportunity to meet with staff at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac to learn about its operations.

Students met with various staff members and asked questions to learned about the different roles and positions required to operate the hospital.

West Central closes bond on construction projects

 FRANCESVILLE – The bond for the next round of construction projects at West Central Schools was closed Nov. 6, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe reported to the school board at its November meeting.

She added that bid drawings are due from architect firm Moake Park to construction manager Tecton by Nov. 18, and the bonds sent out to bid around Dec. 23.

INDOT awards $139.7 million through Community Crossings matching grants

Pulaski County, Medaryville, Francesville receive funds

PETERSBURG (Nov. 7) – Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Transportation gathered Thursday at the Pike County Courthouse in Petersburg with cities, towns and counties from across southwest Indiana receiving portions of the nearly $140 million awarded through the Community Crossings matching grant program, a component of Holcomb's Next Level Roads program.

Locally, Pulaski County will receive $1,032,285 through Community Crossings, while Medaryville has been awarded $165,065. (See separate article below on Francesville.)

2024 Election: Pulaski County voters choose new commissioners

Returns by precinct now posted

Republicans Jenny Halleck Knebel and Don Street Jr. will be Pulaski County’s new commissioners in January, following the results of the 2024 General Election Tuesday.

In addition to the new county commissioner, the county elected one new member to the Winamac Town Council, and two new members to the Eastern Pulaski School Board in contested races.

CFPC announces 2025 Lilly Scholarship finalists

Five students from two area high schools have been named finalists in the Community Foundation of Pulaski County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship process, which is a merit-based scholarship in the county.

The finalists are: Jalie Glasford from West Central High School, and Corrin Combs, Claire Goodman, Kamryn Huddleston and Linzy Walters from Winamac Community High School.