The award recipients were as follows:

Valedictorian - Nathan Thompson

Salutatorian - Angel Carrillo

Top Five Scholars - Nathan Thompson, Angel Carrillo, Blayden Huber, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman

 

 
 Distinguished Award Winners
 
  Departmental Award Winners
 
 Health Science/CNA Award Winners
 
  General Scholarship Winners
 
 West Central Education Foundation Scholarship Winners

President’s Award for Academic Excellence - Nathan Thompson

Governor’s Work Ethic Awards - Gracie Eberhart, Megan Stimson, Nathan Thompson, Savannah Shepperd

D.A.R. Good Citizenship Award - Nathan Thompson

Northwest Indiana Workforce Work Ethic Awards - Gracie Eberhart, Megan Stimson, Nathan Thompson, Savannah Shepperd, Blayden Huber, Tyler Kochale

Principal’s Leadership Award - Emanuel Hoover

 

Academic Honors Diploma - Angel Carrillo, Gracie Eberhart, Emanuel Hoover, Blayden Huber, Wendy Salazar, Megan Stimson, Nathan Thompson, Kayli Wireman

Technical Honors Diploma - Angel Carrillo, Zander Deutscher, Gracie Eberhart, Kelsey Gutwein, Emanuel Hoover, Blayden Huber, Tyler Kochale, Austin Morrison, Wendy Salazar, Paige Thomason, Nathan Thompson, Destiny Villarreal, Kayli Wireman

National Honor Society - Angel Carrillo, Gracie Eberhart, Manny Hoover, Blayden Huber, Austin Morrison, Nate Thompson, Kayli Wireman

Ivy Tech Green Cord Awards - Nathan Thompson, Angel Carrillo, Blayden Huber, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman, Megan Stimson, Austin Morrison, Emanuel Hoover, Tyler Kochale, Zander Deutscher, Wendy Salazar, Kelsey Gutwein, Destiny Villarreal, Connor Czahor, Alyson Bazan, Ewen Cameron, Austin Kopka, Nathan Davis, Blayde Dillman, Colton Gutwein, Ashtin Howard, Dakota Kaeb, Kolten Kletz, Tamea Rowe, Brian Salazar, Elva Martinez

 

High Honor Roll - Angel Carrillo, Blayden Huber, Nathan Thompson

Honor Roll - Gracie Eberhart, Megan Stimson

Perfect Attendance - none

Athletic (Four Year Awards)

Gracie Eberhart - Track and Field, Cheerleading

Kayli Wireman - Softball

Blayden Huber - All Conference Academic All Star (Football, Basketball and Track)

 

Academic Awards:

Health Careers - CNA - Gracie Eberhart, Destiny Villarreal, Zander Deutscher, Elva Martinez, Wendy Salazar, Alyson Bazan, Kayli Wireman, Kelsey Gutwein

Health Science - Austin Morrison, Xayla Keys

Medical Terminology - Emanuel Hoover, Emily Centers, Blayden Huber, Alyson Bazan

Spanish (Outstanding Student) - Zander Deutscher

Spanish (Most Improved) - Austin Morrison

Trojan Opportunity Academy (Extraordinary Effort) - Austin Kopka

Pre-Calculus (Outstanding Student) - Angel Carrillo

Quantitative Reasoning (Outstanding Student) - Megan Stimson

Business (Outstanding Business) - Kayleigh Wireman

English (Outstanding Student) - Angel Carrillo

Economics (Outstanding Student) - Blayden Huber

American Welding Society Certification - Tyler Kochale, Gerardo Salazar, Blayde Dillman, Dakota Kaeb, Ewen Cameron, Connor Czahor, Nathan Thompson, Brian Salazar, Austin Kopka, Ashtin Howard, Austin Morrison

Music Award (Band) - John Philip Sousa Award - Nathan Thompson

 

Senior scholarships also awarded

The 2022 senior scholarship awards at West Central have also been announced.

Recipients are as follows:

Health Careers Scholarships - Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman

Thomas E & Ora M Carneal Scholarships - Gracie Eberhart, Emanuel Hoover

Francis & Gertrude Rausch Agricultural Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Pulaski County SWCD Senior Conservation Award - Nathan Thompson

Koster Family Scholarships - Nathan Thompson, Angel Carrillo, Blayden Huber, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman, Megan Stimson, Emanuel Hoover

Francesville American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship - Megan Stimson

Murray Law Scholarship - Gracie Eberhart

Lightstream Scholarship - Emanuel Hoover

Gutwein & Risner Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

District 1 Farm Bureau Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Pulaski County Farm Bureau Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

West Central Student Council Scholarships - Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman

West Central National Honor Society Scholarships - Nathan Thompson, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman, Emanuel Hoover

West Central FFA Scholarships - Nathan Thompson, Angel Carrillo, Ewen Cameron, Dale Gilger

West Central Athletic Boosters Scholarship - Kayli Wireman

Northern Indiana Power From the Past Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Miles William Allen Memorial Scholarships - Nathan Thompson, Gracie Eberhart

Co-Alliance Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Grace Pampel Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

John & Violet Wuethrich Agricultural Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Vision Farm Management Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Doris Petra Scholarship - Savannah Shepperd

Shannon Bretzinger Memorial Scholarship - Kelsey Gutwein

Ladybug Cleaners Scholarships - Megan Stimson, Tyler Kochale, Connor Czahor

Walter & Wanda Buczek Memorial Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Terry Stevens Memorial Scholarships - Zander Deutscher, Destiny Villarreal

Branden Conley Memorial Scholarships - Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman

Deb Haring Memorial Scholarship - Angel Carrillo

Dr. Mike Gutwein Memorial Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Mike Rishel Memorial Scholarship - Kelsey Gutwein

Roger Dickinson Family Scholarship - Wendy Salazar

Mellon Family Scholarship - Megan Stimson

The Patio Drive-In Scholarship - Zander Deutscher

Francesville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship - Alyson Bazan

Ralph Harris Memorial Scholarship - Kayli Wireman

Lerch Family Scholarship - Austin Morrison

Martha Timm Memorial Scholarship - Savannah Shepperd

Getz Family Scholarship - Angelina Tarr

Overmyer Family Scholarships - Gracie Eberhart, Tyler Kochale

Jeanette Moncel Memorial Scholarship - Zoe Nelson

Jeff Moncel/Phil Pixey Memorial Scholarship - Angelina Tarr

William J Hubbard Memorial Scholarships - Emanuel Hoover, Wendy Salazar

Angie Huber Memorial Scholarship - Emanuel Hoover

Betty Rebeck Memorial Scholarship - Savannah Shepperd

Freshour Scholarships - Angel Carrillo, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman, Tyler Kochale

Pulaski County Community Foundation Scholarship - Blayden Huber

Louis Rosenberg Memorial Scholarship - Austin Morrison

Cooperative Elevator Scholarship - Nathan Thompson

Ralph & Carol Tanner Scholarship - Lorelee Pedalino

West Central Scholarships - Nathan Thompson, Angel Carrillo, Blayden Huber, Gracie Eberhart, Kayli Wireman, Megan Stimson, Austin Morrison, Emanuel Hoover, Zander Deutscher

 

  
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Local News Briefs

Pulaski Christmas Lights return for 35th year

PULASKI – The annual Pulaski Christmas Lights displays returns this year and will be lit from 5 to 11 p.m., nightly beginning Sunday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Jan. 1, for public viewing.

Returning favorites include lighted (and many animated) Santas, reindeer, angels, Nativity scenes, farm animals, storefronts, gingerbread persons, Christmas trees and the signature wreath arch. This year will also feature many updated and new light displays.

HVRM offers 'Santa Trains'

Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and into December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson.

Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.

CFoPC: Triple impact of #GivingTuesday gift in Pulaski County

Save the date! #GivingTuesday is Dec. 3, and The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) will once again spearhead the local observance of the day.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of celebrating generosity, created in 2012 for the purposes of fostering philanthropy, encouraging giving to important causes and celebrating the generosity of the community.

Chamber's Winter Wonderland Dec. 6

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22nd annual Winter Wonderland Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., in downtown Winamac.

The sixth annual “Lighted Christmas Parade” will welcome Santa at 7 p.m., Friday evening. The event will also feature craft and food vendors, horse-and-wagon rides, Christmas stories at the train depot and more.

PCPL announces November programs, activities

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for November. They include the annual “Our Heroes’ Tree,” a food drive, a recycling of old eyeglasses program, a Golden Experiences Art Exhibit, nature programs, and a Medicare 101 session.

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.

Funding opportunity available for substance misue projects through Pulaski County Drug-Free Council

Do you care about reducing substance misuse in our county? Do you have an idea that could prevent misuse or help people enter recovery? Do you need funding to make your idea a reality?

The Drug-Free Council is pleased to announce that approximately $27,000 is available in grant awards to address problems related to substance misuse in Pulaski County.

  

Indiana News

Harvest season draws to end across most of Indiana

EAST LANSING, MI – Winter preparations commenced as harvest season for many farmers throughout Indiana came to a close last week, according to Nathanial Warenski, state statistician, USDA NASS, Indiana Field Office.

Topsoil moisture levels increased from the previous week, with 61 percent rated adequate or surplus. The average temperature for the week was 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.6 degrees above normal for the state. The statewide average precipitation was 0.66 inches, 0.03 inches below normal.

Thanksgiving dinner cost down slightly in Indiana

But still high relative to recent years

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 20) – Hoosiers gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner will find slight relief when it comes to purchasing ingredients, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. 

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows that Hoosier shoppers can expect to spend approximately 2% less at the grocery store compared to 2023. According to this year’s pricing survey, Hoosiers are paying an average of $53.31 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.33 per person.

Indiana’s Fair Oaks Farms receives $2.7 million to enhance education

FAIR OAKS (Nov. 12) – Seven Farm Credit System institutions have partnered with Indiana-based Lake States Dairy Center to enhance public knowledge and education of sustainable agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, CoBank, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Mid-America, Farm Credit Services of America and Greenstone Farm Credit Services will contribute a combined $2.7 million over the next five years to help the center showcase food safety, animal care, nutrition, environmental stewardship, employee care and community.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.6% in September

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6 percent in September, down from 3.8 percent in August, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (Oct. 28). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's September unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.2 percent in August. The August 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in August (seasonally adjusted), down fractionally from 4.2 percent in August. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Nov. 15: Serious respiratory illness low in U.S.; but RSV elevated

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Nov. 12 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 300 from Oct. 20 - Nov. 5, down two from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Nov. 3-9) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no deaths in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

Holidays can be hard

Ask for help if you need it

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration and connection with loved ones.

However, for many, it can also bring challenges such as stress, loneliness or heightened emotions. Stressful family dynamics, financial pressures, or even the societal expectation to feel cheerful can amplify existing struggles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are resources and individuals ready to help.

Plymouth Tube announces sale of Winamac plant

WARRENVILLE, IL (Nov. 6) – Plymouth Tube Company has completed the sale of its Winamac carbon and alloy seamless tube mill to an affiliate of Shadowbriar Capital Partners.

The Winamac plant will continue to operate as a stand-alone business named Crossroads Seamless USA.

PCT reps attend workshop, learn to ‘leverage arts, culture for community growth

WINAMAC (Nov. 25) - Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) recently took another step forward in advancing its mission to create a stronger, more connected community by joining nine other groups selected from a pool of 40 applicants to participate in the Creative Convergence workshop in Fishers (IN) Nov. 21-22.

Members Brandi Larkin, Diana Day, Don Darda, and Lynn Darda dedicated two full days to exploring how arts and culture can drive meaningful community impact.

Training, equipment enable county police to safely defuse potentially dangerous Nov. 19 domestic incident

Pulaski County police deputies arrested a Winamac man near midnight Tuesday (Nov. 19) on three felony charges, including domestic battery, following a meticulously planned and executed operation that resulted in a safe conclusion for all involved.

Arrested was Leonard Salyer, 30. The incident began when the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Knox Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute that originated in the Denham area of Pulaski County.

EPCS Board approves Secured School Grant

WINAMAC –  The Eastern Pulaski School Board discussed and approved a Secured School Grant the school corporation has received, during its Nov. 11 regular monthly meeting.

The matching grant for almost $39,500 will update the school campus key fob system, intercoms and camera system at doors to integrate with the school’s Verkada system.

West Central closes bond on construction projects

 FRANCESVILLE – The bond for the next round of construction projects at West Central Schools was closed Nov. 6, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe reported to the school board at its November meeting.

She added that bid drawings are due from architect firm Moake Park to construction manager Tecton by Nov. 18, and the bonds sent out to bid around Dec. 23.