🌱 Local Schools Receive $1.2M Grant + Purdue's Student Housing Issue

Hello all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Lafayette Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 61.
• Sunday: Sunny, hot and humid. High: 90 Low: 67.

Here are the top three stories today in Lafayette:

1. Vinton and Earhart Elementary schools are receiving a $1.2 million grant to establish site coordinators as part of the Communities in Schools of Indiana program. These coordinators will work to connect students with necessary support services, addressing fundamental needs like food, health care, and hygiene to enhance their school success. The grant aims to strengthen the school communities by providing vital resources to students through the efforts of site coordinators who will begin their roles in the upcoming school year. (WLFI)
2. Purdue University President Mung Chiang discussed the university's response to the housing crisis and the future of enrollment during a media panel on Wednesday. Chiang mentioned that residential undergraduate enrollment is reaching a plateau, and despite housing projects' completion increasing availability by 35 percent compared to 2013, enrollment growth won't be the same. The university's slow response to student housing over the past decade impacted the local markets, with Chiang emphasizing efforts to address the shortage, including the conversion of conference rooms into dorms and leasing additional beds for transition. (Journal & Courier)
3. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Lafayette Rotary's sixth annual Ice Cream Crawl happening today, Aug. 19 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This event lets ticket holders visit seven ice cream shops in Greater Lafayette, including Budges Drive In, Igloo Frozen Custard, Freddy’s, Sweet Revolution Bake Shop, and more. Purchase a passport ticket online, get it stamped at each stop, and enjoy ice cream delights while supporting the Lafayette Rotary's fundraiser for the Wabash River Greenway Trail. (Journal & Courier)

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Today and tomorrow in Lafayette:

Saturday, August 19

• Lafayette Farmers Market at N. 5th St. (8:00 AM)

Sunday, August 20

• Sunday Funday: Highland Calf At Painting With A Twist (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Lt. Joey Danaher from the Lafayette Fire Department is joining Indiana Task Force One's 70-member team to aid in the rescue operations in Maui, specifically recovering bodies from the wildfire debris. The team, including Danaher as a hazmat specialist, is organized to address different phases of the rescue, aiming to provide closure for the victims' families. (WLFI)
• The next Tippecanoe County Board of Commissioners meeting is on Monday, Aug. 21 at 10:00 a.m. You can view the meeting agenda here. (Tippecanoe County via X)
• Lafayette Fire Department Assistant Chief Grant Davidson was recognized with the Star City Customer Service Award for June for his exceptional assistance during the onboarding of 15 new recruits. Mayor Roswarski and Clerk Cindy Murray surprised Davidson with a plaque to express gratitude for his outstanding work. To nominate employees for this award, click here. (City of Lafayette via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.