In other business, Street reported that the West Central Schools will utilize the school calendar's built-in make-up days due to recent weather-related school closures. School will be in session on Feb. 15, 18 and April 22. eLearning will continued to be used.

The ending cash balances for 2018 were reviewed by the board with the superintendent. The school corporation has maintained a positive cash balance. West Central is a member of the Northern Indiana Educational Service Center. WCSC is able to reduce spending as a result of the consolidated purchasing and shared services with the NIESC.

Street reported that the construction company is completing a few minor details with the Secure Entrance and Utilization of Space Project.

The superintendent reported WCSC will be exploring other student information systems in the near future, as well as other software.

Also in his report, Street noted that WCSC continues to search for qualified individuals for non-certified positions.

The school board approved the transfer of funds from the General Fund, Rainy Day Fund, Capital Projects, Transportation and Debt Services Fund to close out the 2018 budget.

A student-of-the-month certificate was presented to Aybree Ingram at the elementary school level. Daniel Beiswanger, middle school February student-of-the-month, was unable to attend.

 

Personnel:

The board approved the resignation of instructional assistant Mercedez Pack.

The board approved the employment of the following individuals as presented:

  • Daniel Becker – Custodial
  • Marlana Saltsman – Instructional Assistant

Approval was given to the leave requests of Sally Smidler and Betty Rogers.

A field trip request was approved for Stephanie Thilges - FCCLA – State Leadership Conference in Muncie.

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra informed the board students returned from the polar vortex on Feb. 1. They resumed classes and are fully engaged in another busy month.

  • On Feb. 2 WCES had soloists and choir members participate in the ISSMA vocal contest and take home a plethora of medals.
  • Fifth grade students will attend the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 8.
  • Progress reports for the third quarter will go home Feb. 13.
  • On Feb. 14, the elementary school is always delighted to participate in the National Honor Society’s Valentine’s Day activities, along with their classroom parties.
  • Gym’n’Swim ends Feb. 15.
  • FFA week is Feb. 18-22, and will conclude on Friday with its annual petting zoo.
  • On Feb. 27, the school will welcome back its social-emotional learning trainer, Dina Emser. She will work with elementary school teachers in the morning, and the school will provide time for her to meet with instructional assistants and bus drivers that afternoon.
  • For professional development, the elementary school has focused more on standards and curriculum as staff and students head into ILEARN testing.

Middle/high school principal Scott Ritchie reported that on Jan. 26 West Central students competed in the District Solo & Ensemble contest. Three students qualified for State Solo & Ensemble contest: Kaelie Eberhart, Jaden Cords, and Nate Thompson. This is the first time in several years that West Central has had more than one student qualify for state.

The following students earned gold medals: Alexa Schultz, Brooklynn Mellon, Natalie Baran, Adam Stimson, Micah Newbolds, Hunter Schultz, Cambria Schleman, Natalia Ashley, Collin Stalbaum, Emma Taylor and Jocelyn Adams.

The following students earned silver medals: Alex Lynch, Miranda Thompson and Tatum Toosley.

  • On Feb. 2, five wrestlers participated in the IHSAA Regional event at Logansport HS: Braden Nuest, Collin Fritz, Brandon Stevens, Dalton Sizemore and Conner Fritz. Three of those athletes qualified for semi-state, which will take place on Feb. 9, at East Chicago Central.
  • On Feb. 6, Jennifer Johns and Heather Straus received a Cheryl Lyn Welter Charitable Foundation Grant. The awards were presented on Feb. 6 by Harold Welter.
  • This month, professional development focus is student learning objectives and curriculum alignment. Student learning objectives are used to complete the teacher evaluation process. The schools have made big movement on curriculum alignment as those begin to come in from the teaching staff. Areas to be addressed are: eLearning attendance, eLearning procedures, remediation and scheduling.
  
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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.