In other business, Zylstra reported that based on staffing and other considerations, the administrators are exploring the possibility of moving the sixth grade from the middle school to the elementary school for 2020-21school year.

The school administration is also looking into more details concerning home schooled athletes participating in middle school sports programs. Zylstra said current IHSAA rules require high school students to be enrolled in at least one course at the school. There are no such rules for middle school athletes, and administration is looking at what type of policy would be needed to allow participation.

The superintendent also reported that the staff received Stop the Bleed and Naloxone training at their Jan. 3 workday. In addition, local personality Charlie Adams also spoke about the power educators have to touch the lives of students.

Lastly, Zylstra reported West Central will host a Farmers’ Breakfast at Meadow Springs Manor on Jan. 14 as part of the WHIN (Wabash Heartland Innovation Network) initiative.

The school board held its annual reorganization meeting. Jeff Lowry was elected school board president. Jonathan Gutwein was elected vice president, and Kyle McTeigue was elected board secretary.

The school board members filled out annual conflict of interest forms as required by law.

The board approved the appointment of the following individuals for 2020:

  • Shannon Fritz - Corporation Treasurer/Small Claims Representative
  • Chassidy Leman - Corporation Assistant Treasurer/Human Resources
  • Monica Franscoviak - Extra-Curricular Treasurer
  • Edward Dumas - School Corporation Attorney

“Students of the Month” were presented certificates of recognition as follows: Addisyn Baker at the elementary school level; and Nicole Baran and Kailee Bishop at the middle school level.

 

Personnel:

The board approved the resignations of the following:

  • Lisa Baker - HS English
  • Betty Rogers - Custodial

Approval was given to the employment of the following individuals:

  • Darian Fleck - Third Grade Teacher
  • Kathryn DeMaat - HS English
  • Dominique Bruner - Custodial

A maternity leave request was approved for Megan Hunsley.

Conference requests were approved for the following:

  • Jon Pilarski and Lacie Allison - HASTI Science Teaching Conference, Indianapolis.
  • Brian Pilarski and Shelby Powell - NFCA Coaches Clinic, Chicago.

 

Additional Business

The board voted to approve the new course descriptions as presented.

The board reviewed the first reading of the proposed Naloxone policy.

The board approved a motion to transfer $60,000 from the County LIT Fund to the Education Fund.

Approval was given to a motion to transfer $100,000 from the Operation Fund to the Rainy Day Fund.

The board voted to approve a motion to transfer $15,000 from the Debt Service Fund to the Textbook Rental Fund.

 

Principal Reports

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson reported:

The second semester has had a good start. Candid pictures for the yearbook were taken last week. The school is getting a math bowl team together for competition this spring.

A partnership and grant is available with Greater Lafayette Commerce to start a CoderDojo coding club. We are in the beginning planning stages and there is a teacher interested in leading this.

Students will be recognized for reaching their goals in mastering math facts last semester. This will be at halftime of the boys’ basketball game Friday Jan. 17. A total of 138 kids met their goal. It is up from 105 last year.

The elementary has adjusted the Thursday professional development schedule times. This semester they will take place from 2 to 2:45 in the afternoon. This will allow schedules to remain the same in the morning to start days in the same routine.

Middle/high school principal Scott Ritchie reported, “As we start a new year, we have much to be proud of at West Central.”

The school received a card from the Conn family at North White thanking the students, girls’ basketball, and staff for the generous donations they have received.

The school’s “comfort closet” has served over 90 families since its inception earlier this year.

Ms. Durie is now licensed to teach Ivy Tech English 111 as dual credit through Ivy Tech.

The Thursday morning professional development was led by three teachers Thursday morning (Jan. 9) and was centered around the “I Don’t Care Student.” Ritchie thanked Mrs. Newbauer, Mrs. Minnick and Mrs. Byrne.

 

Board of Finance Committee

The Board of Finance Committee of the West Central School Corporation met Thursday, Jan. 9.

Mandy Sharpe was re-elected president of the board of finance.  Jeff Tanner was elected secretary of the committee. Treasurer Shannon Fritz was designated as the investing officer.

The committee designated Lake City Bank, Medaryville Branch and Alliance Bank, Francesville Branch as depositories for the year.

Superintendent Dan Zylstra reviewed the current accounts, including checking, savings, and certificates of deposit.

Zylstra also reviewed the report of the district’s financial condition as well as the fiscal and qualitative indicators dashboard as per IC 5-13-7-8.

  
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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.