Annual board reorganization

Tim Rausch was elected school board president for during the board reorganization for 2025. Aaron Campbell was chosen vice president and Taylor White as secretary.

The board approved Stefanie Grandstaff as returning corporation treasurer, and Katie DeGroot as deputy treasurer. Bonds were approved for both.

Bonds were also approved for the positions of athletic director; the high school, middle school and elementary extracurricular treasurers; the corporation secretary, the three administrators and the superintendent.

The board established its 2025 meeting dates and times for 5:30 p.m., the second Monday of each month for regular sessions. Work sessions were set for March 31, June 3, Sept. 29 and Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

The board approved a resolution to pay board members, based on state code, at $2,000 in annual compensation along with IRS established mileage rates.

The board appointed Susan Traynor as lead legal counsel with Lewis and Kappes Law firm for the 2025 calendar year to represent the Eastern Pulaski Board of Trustees as needed.

First Source Bank was appointed as the primary financial institution for Eastern Pulaski School Corporation. First Federal Bank was selected as investment institution that holds a certificate of deposit

Pulaski County Journal and Rochester Sentinel were appointed as the corporation’s legal advertisement sources.

Following the board meeting, Tim Rausch, Jessica Rausch, Greg Kiser and Jackie Kiser were presented with conflict of interest forms.

 

In other business, the board reviewed financial Items covering claims, the fund report and corporation summary, transfers – including the cafeteria transfer from November 2024, the TAG grant, Medicaid to Education Fund, curriculum material transfer, grant cleanup, and a summary of education expenditures.

 

Personnel items

The school board approved positions for the following:

  • Cullen Ulerick - 6th Grade Basketball
  • Sandi DeSabatine - 6th Grade Girls Volunteer Coach
  • Wendy Hinz - 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

Also, a pay increase was approved for Denise Beckner (crossing guard) to match the Town of Winamac’s crossing guard.

 

Action items

The school board approved a resolution authorizing the investment of public funds.

Approval was given to the second reading of the Neola policy update (Neola is an independent provider of policy service for school corporations). The revisions include 16 policies to address legislative changes. Revised policies are available at the Central EPCS Office upon request.

The board accepted two donations from the following:

  • Bradley & Teresa Fackler - $1,000 (Helping Hands)
  • Jim Dobson Memorial Fund - $1,000 (support WCHS music programs)

The board approved an out-of-state field trip for teacher Jeremy Wegner and his physics class to a Fermilab in Batavia, IL on April 24. The students will experience a major internal research facility working on the frontiers of science.

The board amended the 2025-26 school calendar to reflect the correct date of Good Friday in 2026 to April 3.

The meeting concluded with principals’ and the superintendent’s reports.

 

Board of Finance Session

The Board of School Trustees of Eastern Pulaski School Corporation met in regular Session Jan. 13 to appoint the trustees as a board of finance.

Officers elected were Tim Rausch as president and Taylor White as secretary.

The board reviewed of district finances and investments reports, as well as a fiscal indicators report.

 

Executive Session

The board met in executive session Jan. 13 immediately following the Board of Finance meeting to discuss job performance evaluation of individual employees.

No information outside the advertised code was discussed in this meeting. 

  
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Local News Briefs

Yakym district staff to hold mobile office hours locally in February

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County Feb. 5, in Winamac.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in February to assist constituents with casework questions.

Chamber seeks nominations for 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award.

The award will be presented at the HJ Halleck Award recognition banquet (date to be announced). Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 7.

SWCD annual meeting Feb. 12 to discuss ‘carbon markets’

The Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will hold its public annual meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Celebration Station in Winamac.

Key speaker will be Jean Brokish of American Farmland Trust whose topic will be “Making Sense of Carbon Markets and Climate – Smart Incentives.”

PCPL announces January programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for January. Events include Kids’ Winter Bingo, a Polar Bear story time, a Dragonfly Diamond Art Plant Stick craft, and a Winter Foods from the Wild children’s program.

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.

PCT invites photographers to capture the spirit of Pulaski County in a photography contest

Participate and Share Your Perspective on Pulaski County

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

  

Indiana News

Braun: Indiana should be national model for bold, innovative leadership

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun delivered his first “State of the State” address at the Statehouse Wednesday evening, outlining his plans to tackle “runaway” property taxes, create “farm savings accounts” to stabilize income for farmers in bad crop years, and to streamline state government.

The governor also addressed strengthening the state police force, checking undocumented immigration, restructuring the state’s economic development commission, reigning in health care costs, facilitating universal school choice – and more.

Pulaski County December unemployment rate down to 2.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.1 percent in December, down from 3.9 percent in November, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Jan. 25). The rate was 2.7 percent a year ago.

The state's December unemployment rate was 4.5 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.4 percent in November. The November 2023 rate was 3.6 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in December (seasonally adjusted), nearly the same as November (4.2 percent). A year ago, the national rate was 3.7 percent.

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The bills under discussion, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session. 

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

CDC reports amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare remains high

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Jan. 22 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 331 statewide from Jan. 12-18, down 127 from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, unchanged from the week before. The state reported two COVID deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

CFoPC welcomes two board members to new terms

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc. (CFoPC) has announced new terms for two members to its 2025 board of directors - one returning and one new to the organization.

They are Shane Pilarski of Francesville and Christi Beavers of Winamac.

Pardoned J6 Hobart man fatally shot by Jasper police deputy

Updated

JASPER COUNTY – A Hobart man, pardoned last week for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop by a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy along SR 14 near the Jasper/Pulaski county line.

Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart, was pulled over by the deputy, according to a report from the Indiana State Police. The officer attempted to arrest Huttle, but the suspect allegedly resisted. An altercation took place, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect.

Purdue to again offer Direct Course Credit to students with 4-H experience

Purdue Extension-Pulaski County has announced that Purdue University will again offer Direct Course Credit this year to students who have 4-H experience.

4-H’ers who are thinking about attending Purdue, or who have already been accepted may wish to check the opportunity to receive credit for first-year courses.

PACE grants available now

Pulaski Alliance for Community Education (PACE) is offering $60,000 in educational grants to eligible organizations this spring.

Organizations whose primary mission is public education may apply for grant funds. Participants in CAPE II/III are also encouraged to apply for a portion of funds available to sustain or continue original CAPE program activities.

EPCS Board begins new calendar year with two new members

WINAMAC – The Eastern Pulaski Community School Board was joined by two new members, Steve Rausch and Greg Kiser at its Jan. 13 meeting.

They were sworn-in, along with returning members Jimmy Terry and Taylor White, all of whom were elected to the board in November.