Tornado Watch in Effect Until 9:00 PM on December 28, 2025
A tornado watch has been issued for our area, effective until 9:00 PM tonight, December 28, 2025. Please stay tuned to local weather reports and sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about the latest developments.
[Image: Tornado watch graphic]
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LOCAL WATER SYSTEM GETS YEAR-END BOOST: Lapel Town Officials Hail Successful Maintenance Efforts
As the calendar flips to a new year, the Town of Lapel is celebrating a major milestone in its efforts to ensure the reliability of its water delivery system. According to town officials, the recently completed cleaning of the State Road 13 well marks the culmination of a comprehensive maintenance program aimed at guaranteeing the consistent performance of the town’s water utility.
Over the past year, crews have worked tirelessly to clean and repair the town’s water tower, scrub its two wells, and flush its hydrants. These proactive measures, town officials say, will pay dividends for residents and businesses alike, providing a safe and reliable source of drinking water for years to come.
“We’re extremely pleased with the results of our maintenance efforts,” said a town spokesperson. “Our water system is the lifeblood of our community, and we’re committed to doing everything in our power to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.” With the year-end maintenance program now complete, Lapel residents can look forward to a new year with confidence in their town’s water delivery system.
12/22/2025
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=65&P=1
LOCAL NEWS
Lapel Town Council Makes Key Decision on Public Meeting Policy
In a move aimed at promoting transparency and community engagement, the Town of Lapel has officially approved a new Public Meeting Policy. The decision was made on December 18, 2025, marking a significant step forward for the town’s governance.
According to sources, the newly approved policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for public meetings, ensuring that residents have ample opportunities to participate in the decision-making process. The policy is expected to foster a more open and inclusive environment, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and opinions on matters affecting the community.
While details of the policy are still emerging, it is clear that the Town of Lapel is committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. By establishing a clear framework for public meetings, the council hopes to encourage greater civic participation and build trust among residents.
As the town continues to grow and evolve, this new policy is seen as a crucial step in maintaining open lines of communication between officials and the community. Residents can expect to see the policy in action in the coming weeks and months, with opportunities to attend public meetings and engage with town leaders on issues that matter most.
The approval of the Public Meeting Policy is a positive development for the town, and locals will be watching closely to see how it is implemented and how it affects the community. As more information becomes available, our newspaper will provide updates and insights on this important issue.
12/19/2025
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=271&P=1
LAPEL TOWN LEADERS DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY, ISSUE BURN BAN
In a move aimed at protecting residents and property, the Principal Executive Officer of the Town of Lapel has declared a local emergency and issued a burn ban, effective immediately.
According to officials, the decision was made in response to [insert reason, e.g. dry conditions, high fire danger, etc.]. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including [insert specific activities, e.g. campfires, bonfires, etc.].
“We understand that this may cause some inconvenience for our residents, but the safety of our community is our top priority,” said [insert name], Principal Executive Officer of the Town of Lapel. “We urge everyone to take this ban seriously and to take all necessary precautions to prevent fires.”
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice, and residents are advised to stay informed through local news and emergency alerts. Anyone found violating the ban may face [insert consequences, e.g. fines, penalties, etc.].
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to prevent fires and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
11/14/2025
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=270&P=1
BREAKING: Lapel Town Officials Declare Local Emergency, Issue Burn Ban
In a swift response to the growing threat of wildfires, the Principal Executive Officer of Lapel has declared a local emergency and issued a burn ban, effective immediately. This drastic measure is aimed at protecting the community from the dangers of uncontrolled fires, which have been exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds.
According to sources, the decision to declare a local emergency was made after careful consideration of the current weather conditions and the risk they pose to residents and property. The burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning, is a precautionary measure designed to prevent fires from breaking out and spreading quickly.
Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and to report any signs of fire or smoke to the authorities immediately. The town’s emergency services are on high alert, and crews are ready to respond to any incidents.
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice, and residents are urged to cooperate with the authorities to ensure public safety. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay informed and to take all necessary precautions to prevent fires.
11/5/2025
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=269&P=1
This Friday night, head out to the game and cheer on our undefeated Bulldogs. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the LCA Food Drive and bring a food item donation to support a great cause. 🥫🖤💛🐾🐾
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Working fire in Lapel – posted at 9:11 PM on November 1, 2025
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Pendleton, IN – Two critically endangered tortoises stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo have been found safe in Pendleton — just minutes from Lapel — after nearly two weeks missing.
Pendleton police say the tortoises were discovered around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday inside a cardboard box near the museum walkway at Falls Park. A note referencing the Indianapolis Zoo was taped to the box. Officers confirmed the tortoises’ identities through microchip scans and contacted zoo officials immediately.
“We’re incredibly relieved and grateful to everyone who helped bring these animals home safely,” said an Indianapolis Zoo spokesperson. “Their recovery is a huge win for conservation and community awareness.”
The recovered animals include an Egyptian tortoise and a Northern Spider tortoise — both listed as critically endangered species. Zoo officials believe the theft occurred between October 11 and October 12, 2025. Each tortoise was microchipped for identification, and the Egyptian tortoise has a distinct scar on its underside that helped confirm its identity.
Authorities have not released any suspect information at this time. The case remains under investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
While the theft occurred in Indianapolis, the fact that the animals were found in Pendleton — less than ten minutes from Lapel — has brought the story close to home. Local residents in Madison County have expressed both relief and pride in how quickly authorities acted.
This incident also highlights how small-town vigilance and awareness can play a big role in protecting wildlife. The Falls Park discovery underscores that conservation isn’t just a global issue — it’s something that can happen right here in our own backyards.
The tortoises are now back under the care of the Indianapolis Zoo, where they will undergo health checks before being reintroduced to their exhibit. Zoo staff say they will continue reviewing security measures to prevent future incidents.
LOCAL NEWS
Smoke Test to be Conducted on Lapel Sanitary Sewer System
Residents of Lapel can expect to see smoke rising from the town’s sewer system in the coming days as a routine maintenance test gets underway. The Town of Lapel has announced that it will be conducting a smoke test of its sanitary sewer system, a procedure designed to identify any potential defects or issues within the network.
The test, which is a standard practice in maintaining sewer infrastructure, involves pumping smoke into the system to detect any leaks, cracks, or other weaknesses. This will help town officials to pinpoint areas that may require repair or replacement, ensuring the overall integrity and efficiency of the sewer system.
While the sight of smoke emerging from manhole covers and other sewer outlets may cause concern, residents are advised that the smoke is harmless and poses no risk to public health. The test is an important part of the town’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its infrastructure, and will ultimately help to prevent potential problems such as sewer backups and overflows.
We will provide updates on the smoke test as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the Town of Lapel for more information.
10/18/2025
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=268&P=1
Beginning on or after Monday, October 20, a significant road closure is set to take place in Lapel, affecting State Road 32 between County Road 825 W and County Road 700 W. The closure is necessary to facilitate a box culvert replacement, a project expected to lasted approximately two months. To minimize disruptions, an official detour route has been designated, which will utilize State Road 9, I-69, and State Road 13. For more detailed information regarding this closure and the detour, please visit bit.ly/47io4pJ.
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