$4.3 Million Sale Could Lower Rates by 22% for Residents

The Town of Lapel has officially entered the process of selling its natural gas utility to Citizens Energy Group in a deal valued at $4.3 million. The decision, approved by the Lapel Town Council earlier this month, marks a major shift in how natural gas service will be delivered to the community.

Competing Bids: Citizens vs. Ohio Valley Gas

According to consultant Dan Cutshaw of MS Consultants, both Citizens Energy and Ohio Valley Gas submitted bids matching the appraised value of $4.3 million. While Ohio Valley Gas offered to lock in Lapel’s current rates for five years, Citizens Energy secured the deal by pledging to provide the same rates it currently charges in Westfield—a move that will result in an immediate 22% reduction in rates for Lapel customers.

“Citizens Energy will be providing the same rates as Westfield, which will be a 22% reduction to Lapel customers.” — Dan Cutshaw, MS Consultants

What Residents Can Expect

• Lower Rates: Citizens Energy’s adoption of Westfield’s rate structure will reduce local bills by about 22%.
• Timeline: The sales agreement is expected to be finalized at the council’s Sept. 10 meeting.
• Regulatory Approval: The sale must be approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), a process that could take up to 18 months.
• Service Provider Transition: Citizens Energy Group will assume responsibility for operations, billing, and maintenance once approval is granted.

Why This Matters

The move comes after several difficult years for Lapel’s municipal gas system. During the polar vortex of 2021, Lapel was one of several small towns hit with wholesale gas costs over 70 times higher than normal, straining budgets and driving up customer bills. The town later became involved in a class‑action lawsuit, resulting in a $565,418 settlement in early 2024 that was distributed among local gas customers.

By selling the utility, Lapel aims to eliminate the financial risk of operating a small standalone system while delivering more predictable and affordable rates for residents.

Citizens Energy’s Track Record

Citizens Energy Group, a nonprofit charitable trust, already serves hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Known for reinvesting in infrastructure and providing regulated rates under IURC oversight, the utility emphasizes long‑term reliability and customer service.

If past acquisitions are any guide, Lapel residents can expect:

• Infrastructure upgrades such as pipe replacements and safety improvements.
• Customer service support backed by a larger utility provider.
• Rate oversight through IURC review and approval processes.

Key Dates to Watch

Looking Ahead

If approved, this sale will provide Lapel with a $4.3 million windfall, reduce monthly gas bills for residents, and shift the responsibility of running the utility to a provider with deeper resources and experience.

As the Sept. 10 vote approaches and the IURC review begins, residents will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds—and how quickly the promised savings reach their utility bills.

You’re Invited to Public Safety Day 2025!

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of dedicated public safety service to our community! The Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory is hosting this special event and invites you and your agency to participate.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory, located at 8871 W 200 S, Lapel, Indiana 46051.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for public safety professionals, departments, and community partners to come together, showcase their agencies, and connect with the public. The day’s activities will include:

* Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement Demonstrations
* Emergency Vehicle Displays
* Family-Friendly Activities
* Centennial Recognition Ceremony
* Food, Music, and Community Fun!

We’re excited to honor a century of service and strengthen the bonds between agencies and the people we protect. To confirm your agency’s participation, please RSVP or contact us by September 2, 2025.

For more information, reach out to Jason Renner at (phone number) or email jrenner@lapelstonycreekfd.com. We look forward to celebrating with you!

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Make Your Home Easy to Find in an Emergency!

In case of an emergency, every second counts. Ensure that help can find you quickly with a reflective mailbox or home address sign. Our signs are designed to be highly visible day or night, making it easier for emergency responders to locate your home.

Here are the details:
* Reflective Mailbox or Home Address Sign: $30.00 each
* Durable and weather-resistant for long-lasting visibility

To order your reflective address sign, please provide the following information:

* Horizontal placement preference: _______
* Vertical placement preference: __________
* Name: _________________________________________
* Street Address: __________________________________
* City: ____________________ State: ______ ZIP: _________
* Phone Number: __________________________________
* Email Address: __________________________________
* Sign Address: ____________________________________
* Quantity Ordered: ________ signs
* Total Payment Enclosed: $_________

Please make checks payable to Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory. You can submit your order in one of two ways:
* Email your order to: jrenner@lapelstonycreekfd.com
* Visit the Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Station to pick up or drop off an order form.

Don’t wait – get your reflective address sign today and help emergency responders find you quickly in case of an emergency!

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🚨 Apparatus Spotlight: Rescue 74 🚨

Meet Rescue 74, our go-to rescue company and second-out engine company, equipped to tackle a broad range of emergency situations. This versatile unit combines firefighting and rescue capabilities, making it a vital asset to our department. Whether responding to vehicle accidents, structural fires, or hazardous materials incidents, Rescue 74 is ready to provide critical support.

🔧 Key Features & Equipment:

Our Rescue 74 is outfitted with cutting-edge tools, including:
– Holmatro Battery-Powered Rescue Tools: advanced extrication equipment for vehicle accidents, designed to be portable, powerful, and fast.
– Paratech Rescue Struts: essential for structural stabilization of vehicles, ensuring a safe and secure environment for rescue operations.
– BLS Equipment: providing Basic Life Support gear for patient care and prehospital emergency medical services, enabling our team to deliver immediate care when it’s needed most.
– Hazmat Mitigation & Monitoring Equipment: equipped with tools for initial hazardous materials response, including gas detectors and spill control supplies, to swiftly and safely mitigate potential threats.
– Battery-Powered Ventilation Fan: allowing for quick deployment to remove smoke and enhance ventilation operations, improving visibility and safety at the scene.
– Foam Capabilities: featuring an onboard foam system for combating flammable liquid fires and enhancing fire suppression efforts, providing an effective means to control and extinguish fires.
– Onboard Generator: supplying power for scene lighting and electric equipment during extended incidents, ensuring our team can work efficiently and safely for as long as needed.
– SCBAs (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus): crucial for firefighter safety in IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environments, protecting our crew from hazardous atmospheres.
– Thermal Imaging Camera: significantly enhancing search and rescue, fire location, and overhaul efforts by providing real-time thermal imaging, helping our team to navigate and manage the incident scene more effectively.
– RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) Capabilities: prepared to deploy for firefighter rescue operations, ensuring the safety of our crew and providing a swift response in emergency situations.
– Ladders: equipped with ground ladders for access, ventilation, and rescue, offering multiple means to access and navigate different types of emergency scenarios.

With its extensive range of equipment and capabilities, Rescue 74 is an indispensable part of our emergency response fleet, ready to face whatever challenges come its way.

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To ensure you never forget your little one in the car, take these simple yet crucial steps:

Place a personal item, like a backpack, in the back seat alongside your child. This visual reminder can help you develop a habit of checking the back seat every time you exit the vehicle.

Arrange with your child’s care provider to call you if your child doesn’t arrive at their scheduled care time. This added layer of accountability can provide peace of mind and help prevent tragic accidents.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of forgetting your child in the car and keep them safe.

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Areas of fog, along with pockets of locally dense fog, have formed across central Indiana. These conditions are expected to persist until 9AM. If you’re driving through an area with reduced visibility, please exercise caution and drive slowly to ensure your safety.

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Meet Firefighter Rick Holland, a dedicated member of the Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory. With 30 years of experience in the fire service and 3 years with LSCTFT, Rick serves as a Firefighter/EMT and holds the rank of IDHS Response LNO in his full-time job.

Rick’s motivation for volunteering is rooted in his belief that a community is only as strong as its volunteers. He feels that without volunteers in the fire and EMS services, many community members would suffer. As a volunteer firefighter, Rick finds it fulfilling to serve his community and make a positive impact.

Firefighter Holland is the kind of team member every department strives for – always willing to lend a hand, consistently uplifting his peers, and perpetually sporting a smile. Whether he’s cleaning the apparatus, maintaining a spotless station, or assisting a fellow crew member, Rick sets a high standard for dedication and positivity. His commitment to excellence and team-oriented attitude have a profound impact on the department every day.

We’re grateful to have Rick as part of our team, and we appreciate everything he does to support his crew and serve the community. His selflessness and enthusiasm make him a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated firefighter. Thank you, Rick, for being a bright light in our department and for all that you do.

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It appears there is no Facebook post content provided to rewrite. Please provide the text of the post, and I’ll be happy to assist in rewriting it for clarity, flow, readability, and SEO.

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