INDOT Construction on SR 13 May Impact School Bus Routes

04/22/2025

Lapel, IN — April 22, 2025 — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is set to begin a construction and repaving project on State Road 13 (SR 13), starting as early as Monday, April 14. The project includes culvert repair and replacement in several key locations, and may temporarily impact school transportation services.

Construction Timeline & Locations

Beginning Monday, April 14: Work starts just south of the SR 13 and 53rd Street intersection. Thursday, April 24: Culvert repair at Hackberry Lane and SR 13. Monday, April 28 – Tuesday, April 29: Work at the intersection of 300 South and SR 13.

During these repairs, SR 13 will be closed daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Impact on Bus Routes

The Transportation Department advises that bus routes, pickup times, or pickup locations may be adjusted during construction. If a significant change is necessary, your bus driver will contact you directly.

Map of Affected Areas

![Map Placeholder — SR 13 Construction Zone]

An interactive map will be available on the school district’s website.

Stay Updated

For real-time updates on this project, visit the INDOT TrafficWise website or call 1-800-261-ROAD (7623).

Photo obtained from facebook group.

Indiana Woman’s Remarkable Survival After Six Days Trapped in Crash

03/13/2025 (updated 03/13/2025)

A powerful story of human resilience has emerged from Newton County, Indiana, where a woman survived six harrowing days trapped in her crashed vehicle. Brieonna Cassell’s incredible determination to live is an inspiration to us all.  

On Tuesday, March 11th, Cassell was discovered by a passing equipment operator, Johnny Martinez, in a ditch off the roadway in Newton County, about an hour and a half south of Chicago. Martinez alerted his supervisor, the local fire chief, and together they found Cassell, the sole occupant of the vehicle, conscious and able to communicate.  

According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Cassell had suffered severe injuries to her legs, ribs, and wrist. She was swiftly airlifted to a hospital near Chicago for urgent medical treatment.  

The ordeal began on Wednesday, March 6th, when Cassell left her mother’s home and was on her way to visit a friend in Brook, Indiana. Tragically, she fell asleep at the wheel, causing her vehicle to veer off the road and into a deep, hidden ditch. “She had fell asleep and veered off the road and went into a very big, deep ditch. It couldn’t be seen from the road,” explained her father, Delmar Caldwell, to local news outlets.  

For six long days, Cassell was trapped, facing extreme conditions with limited resources. Her cellphone had lost power, leaving her unable to call for help. However, a nearby creek proved to be her lifeline.  

In an incredible display of resourcefulness, Cassell devised a method to obtain water. “She would take her hoodie and toss it, like she’s fishing,” her father recounted. “And bring it back and suck on it to have water.” This simple yet ingenious technique allowed her to stay hydrated and survive until help arrived.

This story is a testament to Brieonna Cassell’s unwavering resilience and determination. Her ability to find a way to survive against all odds is truly inspiring. We send our thoughts and well wishes to Brieonna and her family for a speedy and full recovery.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance while driving, especially when fatigued. We hope that Brieonna’s story encourages everyone to prioritize safety on the road and to appreciate the strength within us all.

Bringing Freshness to Lapel: Simply From Scratch’s Mobile Market

03/12/2025 (updated 03/19/2025)

Lapel residents know the joy of supporting local businesses, and now, we have a unique opportunity to enjoy farm-fresh goodness right in our own town thanks to Simply From Scratch’s innovative mobile market! This Noblesville-based business brings its curated selection of locally sourced produce and handmade goods to Lapel every other weekend (Look out for them on Pendleton Ave. this weekend).

A Market on Wheels: Simply From Scratch’s Unique Approach

Simply From Scratch has transformed a bus into a charming, mobile grocery store, bringing the best of Indiana’s farms directly to our community. This past Saturday, Lapel was fortunate enough to experience their fantastic offerings firsthand. This inventive approach allows them to reach more communities and share their passion for fresh, local products.

What’s on Board? A Bounty of Local Delights

When Simply From Scratch parks their mobile market in Lapel, residents can expect a delightful array of products, including:

  • Fresh Produce: Grown in their own gardens and sourced from Indiana Grown farms, their fruits and vegetables are bursting with flavor.
  • Handmade Breads: The aroma alone is enough to draw you in! Their breads, from classic sourdough to sweet treats like Maple Cream Cinnamon Rolls, are crafted with care and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Pantry Staples: Discover a variety of local dairy, maple syrup, and other pantry items, including their popular Maple Cinnamon Butter.
  • Unique Finds: Like their Dundee Molasses Bread, there are always unique and delicious items to discover.

Supporting Local, On the Go

Simply From Scratch’s mobile market is more than just a convenient shopping experience; it’s a way to support local farmers and artisans. By choosing to shop with them, you’re contributing to the vibrancy of our region and enjoying the freshest products possible.

Catch Them in Lapel!

Mark your calendars! Simply From Scratch visits Lapel every other weekend, bringing their mobile market to our town. Keep an eye on their social media pages and website for exact dates and times.

Stay Connected:

  • Visit their website: Simply From Scratch
  • Follow them on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for updates on their location and product offerings.

Trial Set for Larry Savage in Ballot Case—Political Witch Hunt or Legitimate Charge?

03/11/2025 (updated 03/11/2025)

ANDERSON — A trial has been scheduled for July in the case of Larry Savage, a former political candidate facing a felony charge for allegedly destroying or misplacing a ballot.

Savage appeared in Madison Circuit Court Division 6 on Friday, where Judge Mark Dudley set his trial for July 28 as the second choice for that date.

His attorney, Brandon Townsend, stated that plea negotiations failed to produce a resolution.

“I’m innocent, and my attorney will prove it,” Savage asserted in a statement after the hearing.

The 51-year-old was charged last year with a felony and a misdemeanor theft charge after he allegedly removed ballots during an Oct. 3 test of Madison County’s voting machines. Savage has strongly pushed back against the accusations, calling them a “political witch hunt.”

The machine test was conducted through the Voting System Technical Oversight Program hosted by Ball State University.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by David Peterson of the Indiana State Police, two test ballots were discovered missing. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Savage folding the ballots and placing them in his pocket before leaving the Madison County Government Center.

Shortly after taking the ballots, the footage also shows Savage whispering to Katherine Callahan, who later received a Facebook post from Savage stating that the test was three ballots short.

Savage, upon his arrest, claimed he didn’t realize he wasn’t allowed to take ballots marked “sample.” Indiana law requires that all ballots used in machine testing be sealed.

A search warrant was executed at Savage’s home, including a review of his cellphone. Investigators say his texts included a message to Callahan asking if anyone had mentioned the missing ballots.

Callahan reportedly texted back that officials were looking for them. Savage then responded, “I had three, how can they be one short?”

Despite the video evidence, Savage maintains the ballots were sample materials and not intended for actual use. He admitted he did not ask permission to take them but insists he did not intentionally commit a crime.

The political backdrop of the case raises some questions. Savage has run unsuccessfully for multiple offices, including mayor of Alexandria in 2019, an at-large seat on the Anderson City Council in 2023, and the Republican nomination for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District last year.

With his repeated election bids and his claims of political motivation behind the charges, it remains unclear whether this is a genuine case of election security enforcement or an overblown response to what Savage describes as a misunderstanding. His day in court may provide some answers.

Statewide Severe Weather Alert System Test Scheduled for March 11

03/10/2025 (updated 03/10/2025)

Attention Lapel Residents,

Governor Mike Braun has declared March 9-15, 2025, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. As part of this initiative, the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with multiple state and national agencies, will conduct a statewide and countywide test of emergency communication systems.

Test Details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

⏰ Time: 10:15 AM EDT / 9:15 AM CDT

📢 Includes: Madison County EMA Outdoor Warning Alert Sirens

This test is designed to evaluate our preparedness and response capabilities in the event of severe weather. Madison County EMA will also conduct an internal drill at their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to assess their ability to coordinate a severe weather response.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week aims to educate residents on the dangers of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes while ensuring that everyone knows how to respond when severe weather strikes.

Be Ready & Stay Informed

• Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning

• Understand Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado, and Flash Flood Warnings

• Use this test as an opportunity to practice your severe weather plan

Although clear weather is expected, if conditions change, sirens will not be activated.

For more information, visit the Madison County Emergency Management & Department of Homeland Security website.

Stay safe and stay prepared, Lapel!

Road Construction Updates for Lapel, Indiana: What You Need to Know for 2025

03/06/2025 (updated 03/06/2025)

Hey, Lapel residents! As we roll into March 2025, it’s time to talk about what’s happening on the roads around our little corner of Madison County. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying a drive, here’s the latest on planned road construction that might affect you this year. I’ve dug into the details from INDOT and other sources to keep you in the loop—because nobody likes being caught off guard by a road closure or traffic delay!

Nearby Construction on State Road 32: New Stop Signs Coming Soon

Starting March 10, 2025, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is making some changes just west of Lapel along State Road 32. They’re installing new four-way stop signs at the intersections of SR 32 and Durbin Road and SR 32 and Prairie Baptist Road in Hamilton County. This isn’t right in Lapel, but if you head west toward Noblesville or beyond, you’ll notice the difference.

  • What’s Happening? INDOT is adding stop signs, rumble strips, flashing lights, and advance warning signs to make these intersections safer and easier to navigate.
  • How Long? The work should wrap up in about two days, barring any weather surprises (fingers crossed for a dry spell!).
  • Impact on You: Expect a brief disruption—maybe some slowdowns or a detour—while crews get this done. Once finished, these new stops could slow your trip a bit, but they’re designed to cut down on accidents. If SR 32 is your go-to route west, plan for an extra minute or two starting mid-March.

Workplace Safety Violations Issued to Owens Brockway Glass in Lapel

03/06/2025 (updated 03/06/2025)

The Indiana Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) has issued multiple serious safety violations to Owens Brockway Glass Container Inc., located at 2481 S Brookside Rd in Lapel, IN. The violations, cited during an inspection conducted between July 11 and September 16, 2024, resulted in a total proposed penalty of $13,500.

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