🌱 Wabash River Pipeline Project + Pronoun Controversy In Schools

Good morning, Lafayette! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Lafayette Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid; a stray a.m. t-storm. High: 84 Low: 63.
• Sunday: Sun and some clouds. High: 82 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Lafayette today:

1. Initial evaluations conducted along the Wabash River have produced encouraging outcomes for a proposed pipeline project aimed at providing water to Boone County. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), responsible for creating the expansive economic development area in Boone County, has already invested more than $10 million in pipeline engineering, design, and testing. Despite earlier assurances to Tippecanoe County officials that no pipeline would continue without studies to assess potential negative impacts on Lafayette, West Lafayette, and other communities in the area, the IEDC's actions have prompted concerns about transparency and potential repercussions for local water resources. (WTHR 13)
2. Following the passage of House Bill 1608, schools in Indiana, including the West Lafayette Community School Corp. and the Lafayette School Corp., are now required to notify parents if a student requests a change in their name, title, or pronoun from what is recorded in the school records. Originally aimed at transgender students, the law now encompasses any student seeking to be addressed differently from their registered name. The Tippecanoe School Corp. has taken a more lenient "common sense" approach, only notifying parents if the requested name is significantly different from the registered one. (Subscription: Journal & Courier)
3. Indiana Landmarks is honoring the nearby Flora Community Club and the Montpelier History Club with its 2023 Sandi Servaas Memorial Awards for their contributions to historic preservation. The Flora Community Club, located in Carroll County, received the organizational award for transforming a 1908 railroad depot into a local history museum. The Montpelier History Club, in Blackford County, was recognized for its youth-serving efforts, led by educator Ryan Ingram, in engaging students of all ages with local history and preservation projects. (Inside Indiana Business)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Lafayette:

Saturday, August 12

• Relentless Concert At Mosey Down Main Street (6:00 PM)

Sunday, August 13

• Public Tours At Samara, The John And Catherine Christian House, West Lafayette (3:00 PM)
• Fall Trees On The Lake At Painting With A Twist (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• High school students from Lafayette's sister city, Ota, Japan, were welcomed by the Greater Lafayette Commerce in a cultural exchange program earlier this week. During their visit, they had an engaging tour of the Lafayette Police Department's Public Safety Center. Led by Chief Galloway, the group explored various areas in the department, including a patrol car, evidence room, ARC, and dispatch, while sharing discussions about their respective cultures. (Lafayette Police Department via Facebook)
• REMINDER: The Ice Patrol returns on Aug. 12, featuring Kona Ice and local police officers. Lafayette Police Department's free Kona Ice distribution schedule will have neighborhood stops, inviting everyone to join! Learn more at the link. (City of Lafayette via Facebook)
• The City of Lafayette is giving away two tickets to Scotty McCreery live in concert on Aug. 17 at Loeb Stadium! To enter the giveaway, you must like their Facebook post and list your favorite McCreery song. (City of Lafayette via Facebook)
• Phone scams are everywhere — but did you know that 812 is the top area code for scam calls in Indiana? Visit the link for more statistics on phone scams in Indiana and across the United States. (BeenVerified)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (August 15)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.