The board voted to approve the following resolution, as presented: “Be it resolved that the members of the Board of School Trustees hereby approve of the necessary transfers so that all accounts have a zero or positive balance for the year of 2019. Be it further resolved that funds are hereby encumbered from the 2019 accounts for use in 2020.”

The board voted to approve a resolution, as presented, authorizing the transfer of up to $61,250 per month from the Education Fund to the Operation Fund.

Approval was also given to a resolution to pre-write vendor checks.

In other business, the board approved the school calendars for 2020-21 and 2021-22, as presented.

The board voted to accept the bid from Midwest Transit Equipment for two new IC/Collins 78-passenger school buses equipped with stop-arm cameras for $98,163 each. Midwest will allow $5,700 for a trade-in allowance for bus No. 3 and $5,700 for bus No. 20.

The board approved a field trip request for the eighth and ninth grades to visit Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL on May 8.

The board voted to allow a Sunday performance for the school band and choir to hold a Christmas Concert on Dec. 15.

Principals Mike Carlson and Scott Ritchie made presentations on their School Improvement Plans for 2019-20.

The superintendent also reported:

  • the intersection at US 421 and SR 14 will soon have a four-way stop, thanks to the work of the West Central School Board and State Rep. Doug Gutwein.
  • on Jan. 3, teachers will return from break and receive Stop the Bleed and Narcan training.
  • the district will honor teachers who’ve retired during the 2019-20 school year.
  • quotes for the interior door/lock replacement came in lower than expected. Plans are being prepared to complete the project in the summer of 2020, with significant funding coming from the School Safety Grant.

 

Personnel

The board accepted the resignations of the following:

  • Joyce Reuille - Custodial
  • Cheri Maple - Instructional Assistant
  • Corey Howat - Boys Basketball Varsity Assistant Coach

The board approved the employment of the following:

  • Brittany McIlvain - Instructional Assistant
  • Linda Krintner - Custodial

Approval was given the following transfers of employment:

  • Shannon Fritz - Corporation Treasurer
  • Chassidy Leman - Corporation Assistant Treasurer/Human Resources
  • Camilla Amsler - Guidance Instructional Assistant

The board approved a motion to approve the principal contract, as presented, for the 2019-20 school year.

 

Principal Reports

Elementary school principal Mike Carlsonreported that the next round of testing for reading and math is in process and student progress is being measured mid-year for growth.

Applications have been received for the third-grade teaching position, and a candidate is to be in place upon students’ return after Christmas break.

Donuts with Dad will be Dec. 6.

Dina Emser, a trainer for positive discipline, will work with staff on social-emotional learning on Dec. 10.

The elementary Christmas program will be Dec. 17.

Middle/high school principal Scott Ritchiereported that middle and high school students were gearing up for the end of the semester, and reaping some of the rewards from the investments in digital learning tools.

Nathan Harman from “Your Life Speaks” will present to middle and high school students on making good decisions.

The staff will have their Christmas party at Wheatfield Lanes.

  
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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.