🌱 Hearing For Local Ex-Choir Director + Gala Of Hope Raises $20K

Hey, Lafayette. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Lafayette Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cooler with a thunderstorm. High: 79 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 78 Low: 56.

Here are the top three stories in Lafayette today:

1. Jefferson High School's former choir director, Ja'Shon Burks, appeared in Tippecanoe County court on Thursday for an initial hearing on felony charges filed against him. A previous issue of the Lafayette Patch Newsletter reported that Burks was facing 15 total charges of child seduction and sexual battery in connection with allegations of inappropriate behavior with female students. Tippecanoe Magistrate Sarah Wyatt set bail at $50,000 surety bond and a $10,000 cash bond, and scheduled Burks' initial trial date for Oct. 10. (Journal & Courier)
2. Lafayette Urban Ministry successfully raised at least $20,000 during its Gala of Hope on Saturday night. Over 150 individuals participated in the event and enjoyed food, raffles, and live performances at the Wells Community Cultural Center. The funds generated from the gala will contribute to supporting the immigration clinic operated by Lafayette Urban Ministry, which offers aid to individuals seeking assistance with the immigration process in the Greater Lafayette area. (WLFI)
3. On Friday, a former township trustee from Tippecanoe County accused of theft had her case heard by the Indiana Supreme Court. In January 2022, Jennifer Teising was found guilty of 21 counts of theft by a trial court. Prosecutors claimed that despite moving out of Wabash Township during the pandemic, Teising continued to collect her government salary and neglected her official duties as an elected township trustee. The Indiana Court of Appeals later overturned her conviction in December, citing insufficient evidence of her intention to establish a new household outside of Wabash Township. (WISH TV)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Lafayette:

Monday, June 26

• Summer Lift-Off Wine Dinner At 8Eleven Modern Bistro, West Lafayette (6:00 PM)
• Pipelines, Progress, And Policy: A Public Forum On Water Use And Transfer At Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, June 27

• Patio Bingo At Tippecanoe County Public Library, Downtown Branch (2:00 PM)
• Fugu Dugu At People's Brewing Company (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Lafayette Citizens Band will be performing at the Columbian Park Amphitheater this Thursday, Jun. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Conductor emeritus Bill Kisinger will be returning for this special concert, which is free and open to the public. (Lafayette Citizens Band)
• The next Tippecanoe County Council Meeting will be happening on Tuesday, Jul. 11 at 20 North Third Street here in Lafayette. Keep an eye on the County's website and social media pages for updates. (Tippecanoe County)
• Calling all local house hunters! These gorgeous properties have just hit the market in Lafayette, including 903 Rainbow Court and 18 Canyon Creek Circle. Visit the link for property specs and list prices. (Lafayette Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.