Jillian Ellison on Muck Rack

Jillian Ellison

Verified
Lafayette
As seen in: Journal & Courier, MSN, Yahoo Entertainment, Yahoo Life, USA Today, Yahoo Canada, Yahoo News, Aol, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Finance Canada, Yahoo Finance Singapore and
Reporting all things Greater Lafayette for @jconline. @LifeAtPurdue grad. Send me your stories or favorite piece of Lafayette history at jellison@gannett.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work. Claim your profile
Back to Jillian Ellison’s profile

Articles by Jillian Ellison

LSC Superintendent Huddle to retire after 2026-27 school year Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Lafayette School Corp. Superintendent Les Huddle announced he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Huddle has served as superintendent for 14 years, beginning in 2012. The LSC board will begin a search for the next superintendent and is seeking public input. LAFAYETTE, IN — After 14 years as the Lafayette School Corp.'s superintendent, Les Huddle announced that his 15th will be his last and he will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

LPD issues 152 tickets in 11 days at city's most dangerous intersection

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Lafayette police are increasing traffic enforcement at the intersection of South Street and Creasy Lane. Officers have issued 152 citations and made seven arrests in less than two weeks. The goal of the increased enforcement is to reduce crashes and improve safety. LAFAYETTE, IN — The most dangerous intersection in Lafayette is experiencing an increase in traffic enforcement in an effort to curb traffic accidents.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Lafayette Theater marquee set for $1 million major restoration

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
June 22, 2026, 2:25 p.m. ET The Lafayette Theater's marquee is set to be renovated six years after the city acquired the building. Renovations include upgrading the marquee to a digital display and repairing exterior tiles. The project is estimated to cost between $1 million and $1.5 million, funded by a local tax district. City leaders must get approval from the Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Lafayette Theater marquee set for $1 million major restoration

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Aol Verified
Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier Updated Mon, June 22, 2026 at 7:53 PM UTC Lafayette Theater marquee set for $1 million major restoration LAFAYETTE, IN — Six years after the city took ownership of the Lafayette Theater on Main Street, the building's iconic marquee is expected to undergo a facelift.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (2) Issue with article?

Lafayette residents urged to prepare today for tornadoes

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Severe storms with possible tornadoes are expected to hit the Greater Lafayette area. Winds could reach 60 to 80 mph with hail up to 2 inches in diameter. Officials advise residents without basements to shelter in an interior room or with friends and family. Residents are urged to enable phone alerts and not rely solely on outdoor tornado sirens.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Lafayette residents urged to prepare today for tornadoes

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Aol Verified
Lafayette residents urged to prepare today for tornadoes LAFAYETTE, IN — Severe storms expected to hit the Greater Lafayette area are forcing residents to make emergency shelter plans in the event that a tornado forms.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Indiana power grid struggles to keep up with growth, utility leaders say Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Indiana power providers are facing supply chain issues for essential infrastructure components like large transformers. Increased demand from new housing, businesses, and technology is straining the existing utility networks. Utility companies are shortening their long-term planning from 20 years down to three because of market volatility. Lafayette has seen a significant increase in water usage, leading to rate hikes to fund necessary infrastructure improvements.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Main Street business owners worry as stores close, relocate in Lafayette

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A local business owner's social media post highlighted many vacant storefronts in downtown Lafayette. Rising rent, property taxes and insurance costs are forcing some businesses to close or relocate. Landlords also face economic pressures, citing increased maintenance costs for historic buildings. LAFAYETTE, IN — When Robert Theodorow got out of his car on Monday at the corner of Ferry and Fifth streets, he was surprised to see the windows of the former Roth Florist completely bare.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Lafayette residents voice concerns over Flock Safety cameras Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Lafayette residents are asking the city to end its contract with Flock Safety over privacy and data security concerns. Citizens raised concerns about potential Fourth Amendment violations and data sharing with federal agencies like ICE. The Lafayette Police Department states the data is not used for immigration enforcement and will soon release crime statistics online.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Bob Rohrman Honda offers public celebration of $8 million update Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
June 2, 2026, 11:12 a.m. ET Bob Rohrman Honda in Lafayette has completed an $8 million expansion to modernize its facility. The renovated dealership features an open-concept showroom and an upgraded customer waiting area. A grand reopening event will feature appearances by current and former Purdue athletes. Despite national trends, the dealership reports strong sales, particularly for hybrid vehicles.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Mom of Earhart student who was missing for hours angry about school actions

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A mother claims an elementary school sent her 9-year-old son home alone without notifying her first. The student was reportedly turned away because he was not supposed to attend school on the day of a field trip. The mother states the school never told her that her son was barred from attending school that day. The child was found safe later that evening after a search party was organized.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Lafayette's Mountain Jacks Steakhouse forced to close

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A Lafayette steakhouse is closing despite a record-breaking fiscal year. The property owner declined to renew the lease, reportedly to bring in a chain restaurant. Owners Ed and Blanca Fauble have offered all employees jobs at their Dayton, Ohio, location. The couple hopes to potentially reopen a new restaurant in Lafayette within the next year. LAFAYETTE, IN — Fiscal year 2025 was the best on record for Mountain Jacks Steakhouse.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Clinton Co. OKs opioid money to projects including deputies' mental health Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Clinton County approved $113,300 in opioid settlement funds for seven local projects. The money will support substance use recovery, youth vaping prevention, and mental health for jail staff. This money comes from a statewide settlement with pharmaceutical companies over the opioid crisis. Projects include vape detectors in schools and transitional housing for women in recovery.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Rural residents push back on new subdivision in Battle Ground Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission approved a new 13-lot subdivision near Battle Ground. Local residents voiced concerns about drainage, utilities, and the use of private septic systems. Neighbors argued the lot sizes are too small for private septic systems and could cause future environmental issues. The developer's representative stated the project meets all zoning requirements and will address drainage with a retention pond.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Lafayette school's actions questioned after missing 9-year-old found Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A 9-year-old student went missing in Lafayette after being sent home from school. The school sent the student home because he was ineligible for a class field trip that day. Social media played a significant role in both the search and in spreading accusations about the disappearance. The school district is reviewing its communication and student safety policies after the incident.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Purdue President Mung Chiang resigns, accepts Northwestern role

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| The Times of Northwest Indiana Verified
WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University's Board of Trustees announced Monday that President Mung Chiang will leave Purdue in the coming weeks. kAm~77:4:2=D D2:5 :? 2 ?6HD C6=62D6 E92E r9:2?8 :?7@C>65 ECFDE66D E92E 96 92D 2446AE65 2? @776C E@ 36 AC6D:56?E @7 }@CE9H6DE6C? &?:G6CD:EJ[ 2DDF>:?8 E96 ?6H A@D:E:@? @? yF=J `]k^Am kAm“xE 92D 366? 2? :?4C65:3=6 9@?@C 2?5 ;@J 7@C >6 E@ H@C< H:E9 E96 2>2K:?8 3@2C5[ 4@==628F6D[ DEF56?ED 2?5 2=F>?: 96C6[” r9:2?8 D2:5 :?
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Purdue President Mung Chiang resigns, accepts Northwestern role Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Purdue University's Board of Trustees announced Monday that President Mung Chiang will leave Purdue in the coming weeks. Officials said in a news release that Chiang informed trustees that he has accepted an offer to be president of Northwestern University, assuming the new position on July 1. “It has been an incredible honor and joy for me to work with the amazing board, colleagues, students and alumni here,” Chiang said in the release.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (38) Issue with article?

Recounts possible for 2 Indiana races with Trump-endorsed candidates Original

|
By Jake Allen Verified, Jillian Ellison Verified
| USA Today Verified
May 16, 2026, 11:19 a.m. ET The Republican primary elections for two Indiana Senate seats that featured candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump have been certified — but there may be a recount in one or both races. In state Senate District 23, which borders Illinois, West Lafayette incumbent Spencer Deery’s three-vote lead stood after Tippecanoe County's election certification on May 15. Deery was challenged by Paula Copenhaver, who was backed by Trump in the primary election.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (5) Issue with article?

'Silver Alert' issued for missing 9-year-old in Lafayette Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
May 15, 2026, 4:38 p.m. ET LAFAYETTE, IN — A statewide Silver Alert has been declared for 9-year-old Ricky Reveles of Lafayette, who was last seen Friday morning. Reveles, a fourth-grader at Amelia Earhart Elementary, was last seen wearing a tan zip-up sweater, black pants with green shorts, white tennis shoes and an orange "Naruto" backpack, Lafayette police said Friday afternoon. Reveles is described as 3 foot 10 inches tall and about 55 pounds with black dreadlocks and brown eyes.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (8) Issue with article?

Deery's 3-count primary lead stands in Tippecanoe Co.; recount expected Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Republican incumbent Spencer Deery holds a three-vote lead in the Indiana Senate District 23 primary race. Election officials are preparing for a potential recount because of the extremely narrow margin. LAFAYETTE, IN — The three-count lead for Republican incumbent state Sen. Spencer Deery stands after Tippecanoe County's election certification on Friday, but election officials say they are prepping for a recount.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

IU Health Arnett details new West Lafayette hospital plans Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Nearly a year ago, West Lafayette found itself with a surplus of health-care providers announcing plans for full-service hospitals in the city. But IU Health Arnett's chief operating officer says that company's plans for a second hospital in Tippecanoe County have been in the works for years.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

University of St. Francis returns to Lafayette, eyeing health-care needs Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
The University of Saint Francis has opened a new campus in Lafayette, its founding city. The university was originally founded in Lafayette in 1890 but relocated to Fort Wayne in 1944. The new campus, in a former Franciscan Health building, will focus on health-care-related degrees and certificates. An anonymous $3.5 million donation funded the refurbishment of the facility.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (5) Issue with article?

Lafayette, West Lafayette emergency vehicle system to roll out in 2027 Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Lafayette and West Lafayette are implementing an emergency vehicle preemption system. The system will alter traffic signals to give emergency vehicles a green light, improving response times. West Lafayette's portion of the project will cost over $962,000, partially funded by a federal program. LAFAYETTE, IN — An emergency vehicle preemption system at traffic signals across Lafayette and West Lafayette is expected to be fully deployed by the fall of 2027.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Former Clinton County sheriff, wife avoid serving time in plea deal Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A former Indiana sheriff and his wife avoided jail time after pleading guilty to conflict of interest charges. The charges stemmed from an audit that found over $220,000 was improperly paid to the couple from the jail's commissary fund. As part of his plea deal, former Sheriff Richard Kelly agreed to resign from his position. The couple still faces separate felony charges in other counties related to alleged disability fraud and unlawful handgun possession.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Purdue's $2 million AI project for inmates lacked controls, audit finds

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Aol Verified
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — A nearly $2 million cooperative agreement awarded to Purdue University to study AI as a means to help former inmates re-enter society was not properly controlled, an audit from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General found. The National Institute of Justice in the Office of Justice Programs awarded Purdue $1,999,779 in September 2019 to develop an AI intervention system to support offenders' reentry into their communities and reduce recidivism.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Purdue's $2 million AI project for inmates lacked controls, audit finds

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A Department of Justice audit found a nearly $2 million grant to Purdue University was not properly controlled. The grant was for developing an AI system to help former inmates re-enter society and reduce recidivism. The project failed to meet most of its goals, including deploying the program to the intended number of human subjects. The audit identified issues with project oversight, premature contact with participants, and questionable costs.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly resigns after guilty plea

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly resigned after pleading guilty to felony conflict of interest and official misconduct charges. The charges stemmed from a state audit that found over $223,000 was improperly issued from the jail's commissary fund to Kelly and his wife. As part of a plea deal, Kelly faces a recommended sentence of 2.5 years of suspended incarceration and one year of probation.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly resigns after guilty plea

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Aol Verified
FRANKFORT, IN — Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly has resigned as part of a plea agreement filed Thursday involving 2022 felony charges. During a final pretrial hearing Thursday morning, Kelly pleaded guilty to felony level charges of conflict of interest and official misconduct, with one count of official misconduct dismissed, according to court documents.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Tippecanoe health officials worry about new Indiana food truck law Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A new Indiana state law shifts mobile food vendor permitting from local health departments to the state. The law raises the annual permit fee but allows vendors to operate in any county in the state. Tippecanoe County health officials are concerned about unclear language regarding inspection responsibilities. Officials worry the new system could increase the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Deery declares GOP primary win despite razor-thin vote; so does Copenhaver Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
May 5, 2026, 11:37 p.m. ET Sen. Spencer Deery declared victory in the Senate District 23 race by a narrow margin. Deery won Tippecanoe County, while his opponent Paula Copenhaver won Fountain County. He expressed concern over federal government overreach and the influence of money in local politics. LAFAYETTE, IN — As ballots were still being examined across Tippecanoe, Fountain, Vermillion, Parke, Warren and Montgomery counties, both Sen.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Alting, Baker win nominations in Indiana Senate District 22

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| USA Today Verified
May 5, 2026, 10:58 p.m. ET Sen. Ron Alting won the Republican nomination for Indiana Senate District 22, defeating Richard Bagsby. Natasha Baker secured the Democratic nomination for the same district over Marlena Edmondson. The Republican primary featured negative ad campaigns, while the Democratic race was comparatively mild. Alting and Baker will face each other in the November general election. LAFAYETTE, IN — Sen.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Alting, Baker win nominations in Indiana Senate District 22

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Sen. Ron Alting won the Republican nomination for Indiana Senate District 22, defeating Richard Bagsby. Natasha Baker secured the Democratic nomination for the same district over Marlena Edmondson. The Republican primary featured negative ad campaigns, while the Democratic race was comparatively mild. Alting and Baker will face each other in the November general election. LAFAYETTE, IN — Sen.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Bright, Brewer win Clinton Co. Republican races for sheriff, commissioner Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Brendon Bright won the Republican primary for Clinton County sheriff with nearly 60% of the vote. Bright defeated fellow candidates Jake Myers and Ashley Kelly in the primary election. Candidate Ashley Kelly and her husband, the current sheriff, face felony fraud charges. FRANKFORT, IN — After months of controversy surrounding Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife, Ashley, voters have selected different faces as the Republican candidates for sheriff and commissioner.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Lafayette protects 2 city-owned buildings with historic status Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — A final vote by Lafayette City Council bestows two city-owned properties protected historic status in downtown. The pair of ordinances to designate the Lafayette City Hall and the Long Center for the Performing Arts as protected have been in the process since December, when the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve the recommendations.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Colfax woman seeks $1.25M after alleged malpractice in surgery

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
A woman is suing a doctor and surgical center for medical malpractice after a 2018 procedure. The lawsuit alleges the doctor perforated the patient's esophagus, leading to septic shock and permanent injuries. A medical review panel found that the health-care providers failed to meet the standard of care. The patient is seeking additional damages from the Indiana Patient Compensation Fund after an initial settlement.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Clinton County voters weigh Kelly charges ahead of primary

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Despite the charges, both Richard and Ashley Kelly are on the Republican primary ballot for county commissioner and sheriff, respectively. A judge has ordered the Kellys to repay over $329,000 found to be improperly taken from the county jail's commissary fund. Voters in Clinton County are divided and uncertain about the candidates ahead of the primary election.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Clinton Co. sheriff faces new handgun charge, adding to allegations

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly faces a new charge for unlawfully carrying a handgun while facing existing felony charges. A deputy reported that Kelly, while working an off-duty security job, had him retrieve a personal handgun from a desk drawer. Kelly was previously ordered by a judge not to possess firearms due to felony conflict-of-interest and official misconduct charges from 2022.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Indiana AG seeks to recoup money from Clinton County sheriff's home

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
The Indiana attorney general's office has filed a notice on property owned by Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and his wife, Ashley. A judge previously ordered the couple to repay over $329,000 for improperly issuing checks from the jail commissary fund. The Kellys also face separate felony fraud charges in Marion County related to alleged false disability claims.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

GOP House candidate eyes education, health care and local control

|
By Ron Wilkins, Jillian Ellison Verified
| Yahoo Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The Journal & Courier asked candidates in contested primary races to answer questions to help voters learn about them. A complete list of Tippecanoe County candidates on the May 5 Primary Election ballot can be found online. Republicans Tracy Brown and Oscar Alvarez are vying to be the GOP candidate for Indiana House 27th District in the fall election. Whoever wins will face Democratic candidate Sheila Klinker. Alvarez chose not to participate in this news report.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (5) Issue with article?

Lafayette draws new upscale breakfast spot, Broken Yolk Cafe

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The franchise owner of Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in Greater Lafayette will bring a new, upscale breakfast spot to the area by the fall, marking a first for the state. Marc Clapper, franchise owner of Freddy's and owner of Clapper Funeral Services, said his family's love for dining out over breakfast found them searching for more upscale options around Greater Lafayette.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

GOP candidates vying for chance to face Democratic clerk candidate

|
By Ron Wilkins, Jillian Ellison Verified
| Yahoo Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The Journal & Courier asked candidates in contested primary races to answer questions to help voters learn about them. A complete list of Tippecanoe County candidates on the May 5 Primary Election ballot can be found online. Tippecanoe County clerk Deputy clerks Carrie Sanders and Abby Myers — both Republicans — are vying to replace Clerk Julie Roush, who is unable to run for re-election because of term limits.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?

Tippecanoe County Commissioner District 1 candidates vie for open seat Original

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The Journal & Courier asked candidates in contested primary races to answer questions to help voters learn about them. A complete list of Tippecanoe County candidates on the May 5 Primary Election ballot can be found online. Tippecanoe County Commissioner District 1 As the current commissioner of District 1, Republican Tracy Brown, steps aside to run for Indiana House District 27, several local candidates have stepped up to punch their ticket for the position.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (4) Issue with article?

Indiana State Senate District 23 candidates discuss top voter issues

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Aol Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The Journal & Courier asked candidates in contested primary races to answer questions to help voters learn about them. A complete list of Tippecanoe County candidates on the May 5 Primary Election ballot can be found online. Indiana State Senate District 23 Incumbent State Sen. Spencer Deery faces a Republican primary challenge from Paula Copenhaver, a former Fountain County clerk and current Fountain County Republican Party chair. Tell us about yourself. Deery: Age: 43.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?

Indiana State Senate District 23 candidates discuss top voter issues

|
By Jillian Ellison Verified
| Journal & Courier Verified
LAFAYETTE, IN — The Journal & Courier asked candidates in contested primary races to answer questions to help voters learn about them. A complete list of Tippecanoe County candidates on the May 5 Primary Election ballot can be found online. Indiana State Senate District 23 Incumbent State Sen. Spencer Deery faces a Republican primary challenge from Paula Copenhaver, a former Fountain County clerk and current Fountain County Republican Party chair. Tell us about yourself. Deery: Age: 43.
Open in Who Shared Issue with article?
Show More
 •  Privacy  •  Terms  •  Security and Legal  •   •   •   • 

© 2026 Muck Rack

SOC 2® Certified