Sandy Lucas from Pulaski County Probation, Andrea Keller from Pulaski County Health Department, and Linda Webb from Pulaski Memorial Hospital reported on the Drug Free Council. They gave the background of the council, the grants available through the council, and stressed that they are available to assist with any drug free education needs. They reported on the many programs and resources available in Pulaski County.

Interim superintendent Dr. Gib Crimmins reported that current teaching openings include high school Spanish and elementary school special education.

In other business, the Agreement for Special Education Services between Logansport Community School Corporation and Eastern Pulaski Schools was presented for approval. The agreement will serve to provide services not provided at Eastern Pulaski. After discussion, the board voted to approve the agreement as presented.

The Homeless Students policy (board policy No. 522) was presented at the last meeting as a first reading. The board voted to approve the policy as presented.

Dr. Crimmins recommended, along with middle school principal Ryan Dickinson, a $50 stipend be paid to teachers who attend professional development training on the new Achieve 3000 book adoption on Aug. 8. After discussion, the board approved the stipend as presented.

Dr. Crimmins recommended, retroactive to June 30, to approve a resolution to transfer funds from the Rainy Day Fund to the Education Fund. After discussion, the board voted to approve the resolution as presented.

Also presented was a resolution to transfer amounts from the education fund to the operations fund as per Indiana House Bill 1001, retroactive to June 30. After discussion, the board voted to approve the resolution as presented.

 

Personnel

Retirement/Resignation:

  • Elementary school special education Allyson Adams submitted her resignation.

Employment:

  • High school secretary – Jessica Griffin
  • Elementary school special education - tabled
  • Middle school special education – Bianca Ash
  • High school English – Laura Stout
  • Elementary School Leadership Council –Mandy Bennett, Kullen Day, Dana Field, Maureen Garrity, Jackie Kiser, Susie Schultz and Beth Smith
  • Freshman volleyball coach – Cindy Birnell

Maternity Leave Request:

  • Brandi Kappes

After discussion, the board approved the personnel items as presented.

 

Dr. Crimmins gave a financial report for the period ending June 30. All school corporation funds have positive balances after transfers. The claims were presented and approved as well.

Dr. Crimmins also reported on the following:

  • Paving work (sealing/painting) will start July 17, weather permitting. There was discussion on parking during this time.
  • The ISBA/IAPSS Conference will be the end of September.
  • With the dissolution of Logansport Area Joint Special Services Coop (LAJSSC), the transition will be challenging with many hurdles.

 

Principal Reports

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that former speech teacher Trish Bucks donated a variety of speech and language supplies to the elementary school. She also reported that there will be professional development from Pearson on the new reading resources on July 24. All who attend will receive a $100 stipend. Also, Jeremy Eltz will provide professional development on STEM in the near future. She thanked the custodians for their hard work this summer to get the building ready for the start of school.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that he is planning the Achieve 3000 professional development and was very appreciative of the stipend. He thanked the custodians for their hard work this summer to get the building ready for the start of school.

High school principal Jeremy Tucker reported that the football scoreboard will be installed in time for the first football game, along with the roof of the concession stand. The athletic trainer’s room is being moved across the hall to help with privacy and security. He also reported on new programs he is implementing at the high school. A high school Spanish teaching position is still needed.

 

Board Comment:Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Webb, and Mrs. Keller were commended for their report. Mrs. Bucks was thanked for her donation.

Public Comment:Rudy Anderson commented on teaching services for his child. Kate Daily asked clarification on the Rainy Day to Education transfer.

 

Following the meeting, the school board met in executive session to “discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees” and collective bargaining strategies.

  
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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.