The elementary school principal also reported that over 50 percent of the school's families are living in poverty, limiting their access to high-quality preschool programming.

Mrs. Collins shared that the school is working in collaboration with the local PACE (Pulaski Alliance for Community Education) organization. PACE was recently awarded a grant from the Indiana Family Social Services to help the local community further develop access to high quality preschool programs. PACE will be the fiscal agent for this grant, but it will allow EPES to utilize available space to meet the growing pre-school need within the community. Grant dollars will be available to help cover expenses for staffing, instructional resources, and professional development to ensure that the school meets the highest levels of the state guidelines for preschool.

In addition, the PACE organization has shown its support for a pre-school program by offering a monetary match.

One limitation will be that transportation will need to be arranged by parents, due to preschool aged children not being able to be transported by school bus.

Mrs. Collins will be reaching out to other schools to learn how other programs have succeeded at building financial sustainability while still meeting the needs of economically disadvantaged students. She thanked the PACE board and Dr. Robert Klitzman for their leadership with this grant.

In other business acting Superintendent Dr. Gib Crimmins reported on the following:

• Projected Enrollment – as of Sept. 6, school student enrollment is 1,189 – 44 less than Sept. 13, 2018.

• Special Education Update – Michelle Gillen has begun working and is very busy. One Speech SPLA is set to begin Sept. 13, and the school corporation is working to find another speech therapist. Gillen was hired last month as director/coordinator for the new shared services special education program among the Winamac, Caston and Pioneer school systems.

• The school board was reminded of the change in the October Board Meeting date to Oct. 21 due to Fall Break.

• Budget Work Session – 5:30 p.m., Sept. 16.

• Negotiations – 5:15 p.m., Sept. 26.

• Budget – Public Hearing – A brief public hearing will be at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 7.

 

Personnel

Resignation

Jona Ewasiuk submitted her resignation as an elementary instructional assistant.

Employment

  • Mckenzie Boehning – Volunteer MS Volleyball Coach
  • Jamie Wenzler – Freshman Class Sponsor, taking the place or Jeremy Wegner.
  • Mrs. Daniel Bates – Autism Instructional Assistant
  • Mandy Couch – Food Service
  • Rowena Allen – Food Service
  • Connie Vanaman – Food Service

After discussion, the board voted to approve the recommendations as submitted.

 

Overnight or Out-of-State Field Trips:

  • Student Council Leadership Retreat – This item was tabled.
  • National FFA Convention – Tammy Halleck, FFA Sponsor, submitted an overnight field trip request to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Oct. 30-31. This trip has been taken in the past. After discussion, the board voted to approve this trip as submitted.
  • Culinary Arts Disney World – Culinary Arts Teacher Taylor White presented a slideshow and video with information on this first-year field trip. After discussion, the board voted to approve this trip as submitted.
  • Science Olympiad – This item was tabled.

Dr. Crimmins gave a financial report for the period ending Aug. 31. All funds had positive balances. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

Dr. Crimmins reported information concerning the Teacher Retirement Cost Reduction. This reduced expense will be more than offset by reduced funding.

 

Principal Reports

Elementary school principal Jill Collinsreported that the school will host the PTA Harvest Hustle Color Run Sept. 14.

EPES will strive to have 100% of parents attend the annual parent teacher conferences Sept. 18-19. Conferences will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and she is incredibly grateful for teachers' willingness to accommodate parents for this opportunity to build a strong, collaborative foundation for the school year.

Field Trip Season has arrived — On Sept. 27, fourth graders will learn about Indiana History at the Fulton County Trail of Courage. On Oct. 1, second grade students will go to see a production at Amish Acres.  On Oct. 4, first grade will visit the Potowatomi Zoo.

Oct. 2 is the first eLearning practice day.

Oct. 4 is the annual "Donuts with Dad."

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinsonreported that the middle school is off to a good start. He welcomed Mr. Stalbaum, Mrs. Dulin, and Mrs. Ash and reported that the Middle School has 23 “new to our school” students.

A College and Career Readiness class was added to the curriculum this year.

The goals for the year were shared. The theme for the year is "Retro" and everything has been “groovy, far out, and totally awesome.”

He reported that the first round of NEWA testing is over and went well.

High school principal Jeremy Tuckerreported that the new school year is off to a great start. He said the school is a first class school corporation, and he added that he and the students "love our school lunch."

He shared that the high school will be handling Parent/Teacher conferences a little differently this year, having the gymnasium be the main area to conference.

The high school will hold a corporation-wide pep session Sept. 27, and he invited board members to attend. The homecoming court will be taken to Notre Dame for a tour after the dance.

The high school hosting a blood drive on Oct. 9.

Articles of the week is something new at the high school.

Athletic director Bill Ball and assisting staff were thanked for getting the new scoreboard up and looking great.

He also reported that a student has approached him regarding a proposed change to the wording of the school fight song.

 

Board Comments: Rob Zeider thanked the staff for all efforts to get the school ready.

Public Comments: Jaylynn Hall, senior at WCHS, asked for a change in the School Board Policy regarding clarification of Honors Classes not taken at WCHS failing to count toward a student’s GPA.

Dr. Daniel Anderson questioned the policy regarding homeschooled students participating in sports.

  
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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

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 out break 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.