Bond positions and amounts were approved for the corporation treasurer, deputy treasurer, athletic director, high school, middle school and elementary school extracurricular treasurers, corporation secretary, three administrators and the superintendent.

It was established that regular school board meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m., on the second Monday of each month, with board work sessions in January, May, July and October.

A resolution was approved to pay school board members $2,000 in annual compensation and IRS reimbursement for mileage.

Susan Traynor Chastain of the Lewis Kappes law firm in Indianapolis was appointed school corporation attorney. She is a director and a member of the firm's education law practice group. First Source Bank was appointed as the school’s primary financial institution, while First Federal Bank as appointed as an investment institution that holds certificates of deposit.

The Pulaski County Journal and Rochester Sentinel were chosen as advertisement sources.

Conflict of interest forms were presented and approved.

 

Additional business

During public comment, several teachers and community members addressed the board, sharing opinions and discussing issues surrounding the display of “pride” flags on school premises. The board listened, and later in the meeting a few members responded, agreeing the primary concern is respect for and the safety and best interest of students and staff.

During the “Spotlight on Excellence” segment of the meeting, a presentation was given on the middle school drama club, led by Duane Yost.

The board approved December financial claims of $1.79 million.

 

Personnel

The board approved the following coaching positions:

  • Levi Schultz as JV Baseball Coach
  • Chad Burton as Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Josh Allred as Assistant Baseball Coach
  • Chad Cook as Volunteer Baseball Coach
  • Bill Ball as Volunteer Baseball Coach
  • John Hendryx as Volunteer Baseball Coach
  • Jenni Belcher as Head Softball Coach
  • Micah Combs as JV Softball Coach
  • Stephanie Smith as Assistant Softball Coach
  • Cortney Brandt as Assistant Softball Coach
  • Wendy Hinz as MS Softball Coach
  • Hope Rhodes as Volunteer MS Assistant Coach
  • Danna Sommers as Volunteer HS Assistant Coach
  • Adam Bennett as Varsity Girls Track Coach
  • Mike Haschel as Varsity Assistant Girls Track Coach
  • Emma Myers as MS Girls Track Coach
  • Jackie Kiser as MS Girls Track Coach
  • Bryce Kappes as Varsity Boys Track Coach
  • Andy Stepp as Varsity Assistant Boys Track
  • Connor Jones as MS Boys Track
  • Jeremy Wegner as MS Boys Volunteer Track
  • Kullen Day as MS Boys Track

The board accepted the resignations of Nancy Peverelle of the custodial staff, and Donny Jones of the MS Wrestling staff.

Approval was given for a maternity leave for Sharon Field.

 

Action and Discussion Items

The board agreed that elementary cafeteria line surplus masks/clorox wipes should be donated

Approval was given to a resolution authorizing investment of public funds.

Approval was given to continue the athletic trainer agreement with Pulaski Memorial and Logansport Memorial hospitals.

The meeting concluded with reports by the principals and Superintdent Dara Chezem.

 

Board of Finance, Executive sessions

A seven-minute school board of finance session followed the regular meeting. The school board members were appointed as the corporation’s board of finance, with the school board president and secretary serving in the same positions on the finance board.

A review of district finances followed.

A 50-minute executive session follow the board of finance meeting to “discuss job performance evaluation of individual employees” as prescribed by state law. It was noted that no information outside the advertised code was discussed in this meeting.

  
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Local News Briefs

County Councilman Locke resigns seat, effective June 30

The Pulaski County Republican Party reports the District 3 county councilman has submitted his resignation from the council, effective June 30.

The seat is held by Jerome “Jerry” Locke. A party caucus will be held to select a replacement to fill the remainder of Locke’s term.

Francesville ‘Family Fun in Park’ June 28

FRANCESVILLE – The Uptown Project, in partnership with West Central Youth League, will sponsor its “Family Fun in the Park,” from 6 p.m. to sunset, Saturday, June 28.

The public is welcome to join in for a fun evening of fellowship at the Francesville Town Park.

PCPL activities, programs listed for June

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for June. They include the Summer Reading Program, a youth improve camp, a children’s program on bubbles, and a stuffed animal sleepover.

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.

Circus comes to town June 17

WINAMAC - The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Winamac Tuesday, June 17, at the Winamac Town Park for two shows, the first starting at 5:30 p.m., and the second beginning at 7 p.m. Each show lasts about an hour and a half.

The event is sponsored by the Winamac Kiwanis Club.

4-H Fair Parade June 30

The 2025 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair Parade, with the theme "Grow it, Show it, Play it at 4-H," will step off at 6 p.m., Monday, June 30, in downtown Winamac.

The parade is organized by the Winamac Kiwanis Club in partnership with the Pulaski County Fair Association. The parade grand marshal will be 2025 Halleck Award winners Don and Lynn Darda. 

  

Indiana News

4C Health purchases Curtis Building from PMH

PERU - 4C Health is marking its 50th year in business with an exciting development for Pulaski County operations with the purchase of the Curtis Building from Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

The building is located north of Winamac, just off U.S. 35, at 2418 Curtis Drive.

Yakym surprises 'Hoosier Heroes' with Congressional records

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) –Congressman Rudy Yakym honored two local first responders Tuesday recognizing their “exceptional service and commitment to their communities.”

Pulaski County Deputy Christopher Parish and Culver Community Police Chief Ryleigh Carr received entries into the Congressional Record.

Young, colleagues address shortage of mental health providers in schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27) – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) reintroduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address the shortage of mental health providers in schools by boosting the pipeline of graduate students trained to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

“Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Sen. Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

Pulaski County unemployment rate drops to 2.4% in April

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 2.4 percent in April, down from 3.1 percent in March, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday, (May 22). The rate was 3.1 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,777 employed persons in a labor force of 6,943 in April. In March those numbers were 6,753 of 6,967. A year ago the numbers were 6,388 of 6.591.

  

Post News

CFoPC awards$17,000 to community organizations

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC)  announced Thursday (June 5) $17,000 has been awarded in grants to four local nonprofits and community organizations.

The Foundation works to strengthen the community through funding, convening and fostering collaboration among nonprofits to amplify their impact.

Winamac Community HS presents 2025 senior awards

WINAMAC - Winamac Community High School has announced its 2025 Senior Awards winners, honoring graduates for various academic and athletic awards, and scholarships.

The awards were presented at the annual Senior Awards program Friday evening (May 30).

Winamac Community HS 2025 commencement exercises held June 1

Senior photos featured

WINAMAC - Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 at Winamac Community High School were held Sunday June 1, at the high school gymnasium.

Diplomas were presented to 81 seniors.

Human Services celebrates 50 years

Pulaski County Human Services (PCHS) continued the celebration of its golden anniversary Wednesday (May 28) at its annual Senior Citizen Health and Resource Fair in Star City.

PCHS is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to low-income, disabled, and elderly households, as well as general public-transportation and referral services in Pulaski County.

West Central HS awards diplomas to 41 seniors

Senior photos featured

FRANCESVILLE - The 58th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School were held Sunday (May 25), in the school gymnasium. Diplomas were awarded to 41 seniors.

The program opened with a baccalaureate service at 2 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Ministerial Association, followed by the commencement ceremonies.