Author: liveinlapel_bmflb4

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.

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.