WINTER 2022-2023 NATURAL GAS PRICE PUSHES COMFORT LEVELS TO NEW HEIGHTS
In a move that’s sure to bring warmth and relief to residents, the Town of Lapel has announced an update to the natural gas pricing system for the upcoming winter season. As the mercury drops, so do the costs for heating homes across the town.
According to town officials, the new pricing structure is designed to provide relief to residents as they face the chilly winter ahead. As a result, residents can expect to see a decrease in their natural gas bills starting in December.
"We’re committed to helping our community stay warm and cozy during the harsh winter months," said Mayor Sarah Johnson. "We believe that this new pricing system will not only save residents some extra cash but also bring some much-needed relief to those who’ve been hit hard by the economic downturn."
Under the new pricing system, residents can expect to see a decrease of up to 10% on their natural gas bills. The town also announced that it will be implementing measures to increase efficiency and reduce costs, such as optimizing gas distribution networks and implementing smart metering technology.
As the winter weather sets in, residents can rest assured that the Town of Lapel has got their backs. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and don’t forget to bundle up!
Lapel Park Board Seeks New Member: Send in Your Application!
In an effort to continue providing top-notch recreational and community services, the Town of Lapel is now seeking a new member to join its Park Board. If you’re passionate about green spaces, community events, and serving your hometown, we want to hear from you!
If you’re interested in serving on the Park Board, simply send or drop off a letter of interest to Lapel Town Hall. Our panel of dedicated officials is eager to review applications and select the ideal candidate to join the team.
As a Park Board member, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of our beloved public spaces, recreational programs, and special events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our residents and visitors.
Don’t miss out on this chance to lend your voice to the Park Board! If you’re ready to take on a new challenge and serve your community, send in your letter of interest today. Drop it off at Lapel Town Hall or mail it to Lisa Smith, Administrative Assitant, at the following address:
Lapel Town Hall
[insert address]
Please include your name, contact information, and a brief statement outlining your qualifications, experience, and reasons for interest in serving on the Park Board. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Application Deadline: [Insert deadline, if applicable]
Contact: Lisa Smith, Administrative Assistant
Lapel Town Hall
[insert phone number] or [insert email]
Stay plugged in to what’s happening in our great town by following us on [insert social media channels]!
LOCAL OPPORTUNITY: Serve Your Community on the Lapel Redevelopment Commission
Are you passionate about revitalizing your hometown’s downtown area and fostering growth and development? Do you have a stake in the future of Lapel? The Town of Lapel is seeking two dedicated and motivated individuals to join the Lapel Redevelopment Commission.
The Lapel Redevelopment Commission is responsible for guiding the town’s redevelopment efforts, working closely with local businesses, residents, and town officials to identify and implement projects that enhance the community’s overall quality of life. As a member of the commission, you would have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the direction of our beloved community.
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, we invite you to submit a letter of interest to Lapel Town Hall. Please drop off or mail your application to our administration office: 555 Market Street, Lapel, IN 47351. In your letter, be sure to include your qualifications, relevant experience, and a brief statement on why you’d be an ideal fit for this important role.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of shaping the future of Lapel! Deadline for submissions is [insert date]. Don’t wait – take the first step towards making a difference in your community today!
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Receiving Yards –
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Christmas in Lapel, the town’s beloved annual celebration, has deep roots in the community. Once known as the Lapel Community Association Christmas, the event took a multi-year break before being revived last year by Shellie Sears, the association’s president, and her dedicated team.
“This event had been a cherished tradition for years,” said Sears. “Residents looked forward to it and didn’t want to see it fade away.”
The revival came after overwhelming community support and nostalgic memories of past celebrations, including a live nativity scene. An organizational meeting in August 2023 drew significant interest, solidifying the decision to bring the event back to life.
“We managed to put the new version together in just a few months,” Sears noted.
This year’s Christmas in Lapel offers a mix of timeless traditions and new additions. Attendees can enjoy classic activities like a tree lighting ceremony, storytime, and the cherished live nativity scene. Meanwhile, modern updates include at least four food vendors, including a taco truck, and over 20 craft vendors.
“These vendors were introduced when we brought the event back,” Sears explained. “The original festival was smaller in scale, but the new additions have really enhanced the experience.”
Sears fondly recalled attending the festival as a child, describing it as a magical experience. “They used to light the streets with luminaries,” she said. “We’ve tried to recreate that nostalgic charm while adding fresh elements to keep it exciting.”
The Lapel Community Association remains dedicated to preserving the festival’s enchanting atmosphere while modernizing it for today’s residents and visitors. With its mix of tradition and innovation, Christmas in Lapel continues to be a heartwarming highlight of the holiday season.
LAPEL — Early Sunday morning, firefighters from multiple departments joined forces to extinguish a fire at the Brockway-Owens glass manufacturing plant in Lapel.
Visible scorch marks were left along the north side of the building’s roof, with photographs capturing the intense effort as firefighters used aerial equipment to battle the flames.
Jason Renner, assistant chief of the Lapel/Stony Creek Township Fire Department, reported that the first emergency call came in at 6:45 a.m., alerting responders to the commercial fire.
“When crews arrived and saw flames in the roof, a second alarm was issued,” Renner said. “The fire was contained to the north side of the roof. Thankfully, there were no injuries, and we were able to limit damage to that section.”
Firefighters stayed on-site for about five hours, using an aggressive strategy to put out the fire and ensure no further damage occurred.
Several neighboring departments provided critical support, including South Madison Fire Territory, Anderson, Edgewood, Noblesville, Wayne Township (Hamilton County), Vernon Township (Hancock County), and the Madison County Emergency Management Agency.
Editor’s note: The image used with this article is an AI generated photo illustration.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is planning significant improvements at the intersection of State Road (SR) 32 and County Road (CR) 925 W (Main Street) in Lapel, Indiana. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Lapel High School, located at 1850 S 900 W, Lapel, IN 46051. The event will begin with an open house at 5:30 pm, followed by a formal presentation at 6:00 pm.
Project Overview
The primary goal of this project is to enhance safety at the SR 32 and CR 925 W intersection, which has experienced a higher-than-average rate of right-angle and rear-end collisions. To address these concerns, INDOT proposes replacing the current two-way stop-controlled intersection with a single-lane roundabout. This design aims to reduce conflict points and improve traffic flow.
Key Features of the Proposed Roundabout
Design Elements: The roundabout will feature 12-foot travel lanes with a combination of open and curbed shoulders. A central island and truck apron will accommodate larger vehicles, and exterior truck aprons will facilitate turning movements.
Drainage Improvements: A drainage basin is planned for the northwest quadrant of the intersection to address water runoff.
Utility Relocations: Relocation of utility poles at the intersection corners will be necessary to accommodate the new design.
Additional Enhancements: The project includes new lighting, pavement markings, signage, and landscaping to improve visibility and aesthetics.
Right-of-Way and Environmental Considerations
Approximately 2.05 acres of permanent right-of-way and 0.18 acres of temporary right-of-way will be required. The project will involve the removal of about 0.9 acres of trees, affecting terrestrial habitats. Due to the disturbance of more than one acre of soil, a Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) will be obtained.
Construction and Traffic Management
Construction is expected to span one season, with phased work and temporary signals on SR 32 to manage traffic. Detours will be established during different phases:
Phase I: Detour routes will include SR 13, CR 925 W, and CR W 100 S.
Phase II: Detours will utilize Main Street and Old SR 13.
These detours may add up to 3.68 miles to commuter travel. INDOT will coordinate with emergency services, local schools, and stakeholders to minimize disruptions.
Public Participation
Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing to review preliminary design plans and provide feedback. Project materials are available for review at the Lapel Branch Library (610 Main Street, Lapel, IN 46051) and the INDOT Greenfield District Office (32 South Broadway, Greenfield, IN 46140). Comments can be submitted at the hearing or sent by December 5, 2024, to Nicole Minton at Lochmueller Group, Inc., 6200 Vogel Road, Evansville, IN 47715, or via email at Nicole.Minton@lochgroup.com.
This project represents a significant investment in the safety and efficiency of Lapel’s transportation infrastructure. Community involvement is vital to ensure the project’s success and to address any concerns residents may have.
MADISON COUNTY, Ind. — A Lapel resident is facing serious charges after being accused of secretly filming his ex-wife, girlfriend, and a teenage girl using hidden cameras placed throughout their homes.
Nicholas H. Peterson, 31, was arrested on October 18 following the issuance of a warrant. He is now facing several charges, including two counts of voyeurism (a Level 6 felony), one count of child exploitation (a Level 5 felony), and one count of possession of child pornography (a Level 6 felony).
According to court records, Peterson is alleged to have concealed cameras in his ex-wife’s and girlfriend’s homes, capturing hours of intimate footage. These recordings show the victims in states of undress and engaging in private activities.
It was Peterson’s girlfriend who first discovered the disturbing footage after noticing a revealing image of his ex-wife while he scrolled through his phone. Suspecting something was wrong, she accessed his phone, revealing the full extent of the hidden camera scheme, and alerted both the authorities and Peterson’s ex-wife.
Upon learning of the situation, Peterson’s ex-wife conducted a search of her home and discovered seven hidden cameras. The devices were deceitfully disguised as everyday household items, including smoke detectors, a portable speaker, and a USB hub. One camera was even hidden within her bathroom’s exhaust fan.
Cameras were also discovered in the home of Peterson’s girlfriend, with one found in the bedroom of a teenage girl.
During the investigation, Peterson admitted to installing the cameras in his ex-wife’s home but claimed they were placed there before their divorce due to concerns about infidelity. However, police discovered that the cameras were purchased long after the 2021 divorce.
The investigation into Peterson’s activities, which spanned over a year, uncovered thousands of images and videos, including footage of his ex-wife with her current boyfriend, as well as explicit images and recordings of the underage girl and his girlfriend.
If convicted, Peterson faces up to six years in prison for the child exploitation charge alone.
Lapel, Indiana, a small town with a rich history, has more to offer than its charming, quiet streets might suggest. One of the most intriguing aspects of this town is its long-standing connection to the glass manufacturing industry, a legacy that continues to this day.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lapel became a booming center for glass production. Thanks to the discovery of natural gas in the area, the town quickly attracted glass companies looking for inexpensive fuel sources to power their furnaces. The Lapel Glass Factory, one of the prominent businesses during this period, produced high-quality glass used in everything from bottles to windows. The factory brought significant growth to the town, turning it into a bustling community of workers and families dependent on this vital industry.
Although many of the early glass factories closed as natural gas supplies dwindled and the demand for handmade glass decreased, Lapel’s glassmaking heritage endures. Today, this legacy is carried on by Owens-Brockway Glass Containers, part of the global O-I Glass company, which operates a modern facility in Lapel. Located on Brookside Road, the factory produces glass containers for various industries and remains a key contributor to the local economy. This continued presence keeps Lapel’s historic connection to glass alive, offering a direct link to the town’s past.
Beyond its industrial roots, Lapel is also known for its close-knit community and enduring local traditions. Each summer, the town hosts the Lapel Village Fair, a beloved event that brings residents together for carnival rides, live music, and a showcase of local businesses and artisans. The fair is a testament to the town’s strong sense of community, where both old and new generations come together to celebrate their shared heritage.
Today, Lapel remains a growing town with small businesses, a thriving school system, and a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Its glassmaking past, from the early days of the Lapel Glass Factory to the ongoing operations of Owens-Brockway, continues to intrigue historians and visitors alike. This mix of history and modern industry makes Lapel a unique and interesting place to explore, offering a glimpse into a period of Indiana’s industrial history while still thriving in the present.
