Pavement rehabilitation work on State Road 13 near Lapel is entering its final phase next week. Currently, the intersection of S.R. 13 and S.R. 38 is closed, with an expected reopening on Thursday, August 21, weather permitting.
Starting on or after Monday, August 18, S.R. 13 will be closed between S.R. 38 and County Road W. 400 S in Lapel. This closure will remain in place through the end of September, marking the final phase of the pavement rehabilitation project.
Joshua W. Stearman, a 42-year-old resident of Anderson, Indiana, has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2025, a federal jury convicted Stearman of unlawfully possessing incendiary bombs and falsely impersonating a Homeland Security officer.
The incident that led to Stearman’s conviction occurred on December 12, 2023, when Ingalls Police responded to a suspicious person report near a home that had previously been targeted by vandalism and arson. A witness spotted Stearman approaching the house carrying an unknown object before fleeing to a red Toyota RAV4 when security lights were activated. Officers quickly located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, Stearman presented a fake government ID, claiming to be a Homeland Security officer returning from a mission. He was also wearing black gloves with duct tape wrapped around his wrists. Upon taking him into custody, officers discovered four bottles filled with gasoline, each containing cloth wicks and wood pieces, as well as a lighter in the car.
Experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) later confirmed that the bottles were incendiary bombs. A forensic chemist testified that the liquid inside each bottle was gasoline, and a destructive device examiner explained that the devices were designed to start and spread fire upon impact. Possessing such devices is a federal crime under laws regulating destructive devices.
According to U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler, “This defendant not only put lives at risk by bringing homemade firebombs into a residential neighborhood but also attempted to evade detection by impersonating a Homeland Security officer. Thanks to the swift actions of local law enforcement and the expert analysis of our federal partners, this dangerous individual was stopped before he could carry out a potentially deadly attack.”
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Ingalls Police Department, with valuable assistance provided by the Lapel Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence. U.S. Attorney Wheeler expressed gratitude to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who prosecuted the case.
$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
Date
Event
Sept. 10, 2025
Lapel Town Council expected to finalize the sales agreement
2025–2027
IURC review process (up to 18 months)
After IURC approval
Citizens Energy officially assumes service in Lapel
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.
The 2025 Lapel Village Fair was truly one for the books, despite being cut short by a summer storm ⛈️! We had an amazing time, with plenty of delicious food 🍗🌽🍬, exciting rides 🚜, and spectacular fireworks 🎇🎆.
The Lapel Community Association couldn’t have made this beloved event, often referred to as the “World’s Fair”, happen without the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers. We’re grateful for their tireless efforts!
We’d also like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory and Lapel Police Department – your support is crucial to the success of our Village Fair, and we couldn’t do it without you!
Additionally, we appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the Lapel Town Council, the Lapel Town Utility Department, and the entire Town of Lapel. Your help is invaluable, and we can’t thank you enough! 🙏 We’re thankful for your support, and we’re glad you were a part of it! ♥️
A huge thank you to all the amazing vendors who participated – your presence made the event even more special and enjoyable for our attendees!
And last, but certainly not least, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who came from near and far to experience Lapel’s greatest tradition. Your presence means the world to us, and we’re so glad you could join in on the fun! ♥️
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, and we can’t wait to see you all again! 😁🫶🏻
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To find rummage sales happening during the fair, check out the comments section below for a list of addresses. If you’re hosting a rummage sale during this time, please share your address, dates, and operating hours with us so we can help spread the word.
The countdown is on! 🤩👏🏼 We’re just 4️⃣ days away from the 2025 Lapel Village Fair!!! 😎 The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see you there! 🌽🚜🎪
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🎉 CLOSING NIGHT CONCERT AT THE VILLAGE FAIR! 🎉
Get ready, Lapel — we’re ending the Village Fair with a bang! Join us on Saturday, July 12th from 6–8 PM at the Lapel Public Library parking lot for the first-ever Lapel Village Fair Concert, featuring the talented Corey Cox Band! 🎤🎸
This concert is more than just a night of great music — it’s a celebration of our community, the magic of summer nights, and the pride of small-town living. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and friends for an unforgettable evening of live music, good vibes, and hometown fun. 🌟
Country music fans, you won’t want to miss Corey Cox, a hometown favorite with a big Nashville sound! 🎶 The night will also feature a variety of food trucks, so come hungry and ready to enjoy some delicious eats. 🧺
Here are the details:
📍 Lapel Public Library Parking Lot
📅 Saturday, July 12 | 6–8 PM
Tag your friends, share this post, and let’s pack the parking lot for a night to remember! 💃🕺 We can’t wait to see you there! #LapelVillageFair #CoreyCoxLive #LapelIN #SmallTownBigFun #SummerConcertNights
We have booth space available for those interested. To learn more, please send us a private message and we’ll connect you with the right person to help. As a precaution against scams, we kindly ask that you refrain from responding to comments and instead reach out to us directly.
