🌱 Purdue Biologists Discover Hellbenders + Short-Term Rental Issues

Hello all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Clouds and sun. High: 85 Low: 66.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and humid. High: 83 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Lafayette today:

1. Biologists from the state and Purdue University discovered a young hellbender salamander in the Blue River, marking the first documented sighting of a young hellbender in the area in three to four decades. This finding is a positive sign for the ongoing conservation efforts for Indiana's endangered species. The discovery is a result of nearly two decades of a collective effort by Purdue's "Help the Hellbender Lab" and other organizations. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to release any accidentally hooked hellbenders unharmed by cutting the fishing line. (WLFI)
2. The short-term rental issue has become a contentious topic in Lafayette, with two city council members proposing ordinances to limit them. The proposals faced opposition from Power Poll voters, with about two-thirds viewing the council's attempts negatively and calling for more discussion on the issue. The majority of Power Poll voters indicated that they use short-term rentals while traveling, and opinions on the proposed ordinances were divided, with only a small percentage supporting them. (The Advocate)
3. Lafayette Jefferson High School is introducing a sensory room, spearheaded by assistant principal Casey Davenport, to benefit students with special needs and those without. The room aims to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance balance and motion for students. The project has received significant support from the community, with donors such as Tipmont/Wintek, Linnwood Tavern & Lyn Treece Boys & Girls Club, and Operation Roundup contributing over $22,000. The room is expected to be completed in September. (WLFI)

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Today and tomorrow in Lafayette:

Wednesday, August 2

• Lafayette Aviators Vs. Johnstown Mill Rats At Loeb Stadium (7:00 PM)

Thursday, August 3

• Thursday Night Dodgeball At Bauer Community Center (6:30 PM)
• Lafayette Citizens Band Concert At Memorial Island (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Exciting news: The intersection of Poland Hill/US 52/Teal Road/S. 4th Street has officially reopened! (City of Lafayette via Facebook)
• The Lafayette Post 11 baseball team has won the Indiana American Legion State Championship for the first time in 30 years! American Legion Baseball is a popular amateur baseball league played by 13-19-year-olds in the U.S. and Canada, with thousands of teams participating annually. Post 11's victory earned them a spot in the Great Lakes Tournament scheduled for early August. (City of Lafayette via Facebook)
• Tonight (Aug. 2) is the last Wet Wednesday/Family Night for the summer at Tropicanoe Cove. Rates have been reduced to $4 to $5 and radio station B102.2 WXXB will be joining in on the fun from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Learn more at the link. (Lafayette Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.