Honoring Heroes: Celebrating National First Responders Day with Gratitude and Appreciation

Happy National First Responders Day! 🚑🚓 We’re taking a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. Your courage, commitment, and compassion make a tangible difference every single day, and today, we’re celebrating you. ❤️ From all of us at the Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory, we thank you for your selfless service. #NationalFirstRespondersDay #ThankYouFirstResponders #LapelStonyCreekFire

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Remembering Retired Fire Chief Kurt Kahl: A Lifetime of Service and Dedication

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Retired Fire Chief Kurt Kahl, a devoted public servant who left an indelible mark on our community. Chief Kahl’s remarkable career with the Pendleton Fire Department spanned four decades, beginning in 1963. He rose through the ranks, becoming Fire Chief in 1985 after the retirement of Chief Ralph Miller, and went on to faithfully serve our community for 18 years until his retirement in 2003.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Kahl was guided by a simple yet powerful motto: “Will thirty seconds make a difference?” This phrase encapsulated his unwavering commitment to readiness, service, and the value of every moment. His selfless dedication to the fire service and our community has inspired countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

As we mourn the loss of this exceptional individual, funeral arrangements are currently pending. During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Chief Kahl’s family in your thoughts and prayers, offering them the support and comfort they need.

Respectfully,
Chief Chris Nodine

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Stay Safe this Halloween: Tips for Pedestrian Safety at Night

As Halloween week approaches, neighborhoods will see an increase in pedestrians on sidewalks and streets, especially after dark. With children often wearing dark costumes and darting between houses without warning, it’s crucial for drivers to exercise extra caution. Reducing speed in residential areas and being vigilant for trick-or-treaters can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Parents and guardians can also play a vital role in ensuring their kids’ safety by incorporating reflective materials into their costumes and providing them with flashlights. These simple precautions can greatly enhance visibility and help prevent accidents. By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

For additional resources and tips on pedestrian safety, visit on.in.gov/Halloween. Let’s prioritize #PedestrianSafetyMonth and #HalloweenSafety to ensure a fun and secure experience for all, especially on our roads, where #RoadSafety is paramount.

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Empowering Young Fire Safety Heroes: Lapel Fire Territory Visits Local Elementary School

The Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory recently spent the day at Lapel Elementary School, providing fire safety and public education to students of all ages. Every class, from Pre-K to 5th grade, received a personalized, age-appropriate lesson on fire safety, emergency awareness, and how to respond in case of an emergency.

The firefighters loved interacting with the students, answering their thoughtful questions, and helping them become Fire Safety Heroes. The kids were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the lessons, making the experience even more rewarding for the firefighters.

A huge thank you goes out to the teachers and staff at Lapel Elementary for welcoming the Lapel Stony Creek Township Fire Territory into their school. The students’ excitement and participation made the day truly special, and the firefighters appreciate the opportunity to have made a positive impact on their lives.

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Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment: Safety Tips for Indiana Drivers this Fall

As harvest season gets underway, Hoosiers can expect to see more large farm equipment on the roadways. With farmers working hard to bring in their crops, it’s not uncommon to encounter combines and tractors making slow and wide left turns. Be sure to stay alert and exercise caution when driving this fall, as these vehicles can be unpredictable and require extra space to maneuver.

If you’re unsure about how to safely share the road with farm equipment, check out these helpful tips: bit.ly/3Rd2ZXf. By being mindful of these vehicles and taking the necessary precautions, we can all do our part to ensure a safe and successful harvest season. #Harvest25 #SafeHarvestIN

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Spooky Safety: Top Tips for a Fun and Fire-Free Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun costumes, glowing pumpkins, and creative decorations – but safety should always be the top priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween, consider the following essential tips:

* Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles in pumpkins and decorations to minimize the risk of fires.
* Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks while trick-or-treating to help them navigate through the darkness.
* Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles, to prevent accidents.
* Keep decorations away from heat sources such as light bulbs and heaters to reduce the risk of fires.

By taking these simple steps, you can help create a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for everyone. For more information on Halloween safety, visit nfpa.org/halloween.

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Lapel vs Winchester: 2025 IHSAA Football Playoff Matchup – Watch Live Online

🏈#IHSAA PLAYOFF…
Get ready for an exciting matchup as the Lapel Bulldogs take on the Winchester Community Golden Falcons! The 2025 IHSAA Football Playoff (Class 1A – 6A) is underway, and the Winchester Community varsity football team is set to host Lapel (IN) in a home playoff game. You can catch all the action online by streaming the game at bit.ly/IHSAA-tv2025.

The game is scheduled for Friday, October 24, with kick-off at 7p. If you’re planning to attend in person, tickets will be available for purchase at the school gate. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to cheer on your favorite team! 🏈

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Lapel, Indiana Under Local Emergency: Burn Ban Extended Due to Drought Conditions

Attention Town of Lapel residents: although the County Wide Burn Ban has been lifted, the Town of Lapel’s Burn Ban remains in effect until further notice.

A Declaration of Local Emergency has been issued due to ongoing drought conditions, posing a significant risk of widespread fire hazards. As the President of the Lapel Town Council, I am authorized by Indiana Code §10-14-3-29(a)(1) and §36-5-2-2 to declare a local emergency.

The Town Council is committed to protecting the safety of our citizens and property. In light of the current drought conditions, a town-wide burn ban has been issued, effective immediately.

The following activities are prohibited in the Town of Lapel:
– Recreational fires, including campfires, unless they are enclosed in a fire ring with dimensions of at least 23 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height
– Open burning of any kind, including wood or other combustible materials, except for grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane
– Burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including materials resulting from construction activities or windstorm damage
– Use of burn barrels for open burning at residential structures

It is essential to extinguish charcoal from permitted grills thoroughly before removing it. This burn ban is in accordance with Section 10-14-3-29 of the Indiana Code.

All public offices and employees of the Town of Lapel are directed to exercise diligence in their duties and comply with emergency laws, regulations, and directives. Residents are urged to cooperate with public officials, comply with emergency measures, and obey lawful directions from identified officers.

This burn ban will remain in effect until rescinded by the Lapel Town Council, which will reevaluate the Declaration every seven days. The Emergency Declaration will be filed in the Office of the Clerk-Treasurer, posted throughout the Town, and provided to local news media.

Declared on October 4, 2025.

/s/ Brian Robertson
Brian Robertson, President, Lapel Town Council

Prepared by:
Jeffrey K. Graham
Graham, Farrer & Wilson, P.C.
1601 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, IN 46036
200 E. State Street, Pendleton, IN 46064
(765) 552-9878 / jgraham@gfwlawyers.com

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Frost Alert: Central Indiana Braces for Chilly Nights Ahead

Tonight, areas of frost are anticipated across most of central Indiana, with the exception of the far northeastern regions, which will be slightly more shielded due to increased cloud cover and stronger winds. To prevent damage, it’s a good idea to take protective measures for sensitive vegetation if necessary.

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Indiana Fire Departments Receive $453,386 in Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory is thrilled to announce that it has received a $3,000 award from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This funding will be used to purchase new sets of fire gear, enhancing the team’s ability to combat wildland fires and ensuring their safety while on duty.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has awarded a total of $453,386 to 100 rural and volunteer fire departments across 54 counties in Indiana. These awards, known as Volunteer Fire Assistance Capacity (VFC) grants, are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

The grants will be utilized for various purposes, including training, purchasing radios, and acquiring essential firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. Recipients were selected based on factors such as population density, acres of public lands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. As in previous years, projects focused on fighting wildfires were given priority.

The awarded grants range from $1,090 to $5,000, and the funded projects fall under several categories, including Safety, Wildland Firefighting Assistance, Water Handling, Communication, and Fire Prevention/Education.

Some of the fire departments that received the 2024 VFC grants include:

* Poe VFD, Allen County, $2,500, Safety
* Southwest Bartholomew County VFD, Inc., Bartholomew County, $5,000, Safety
* Montpelier VFD, Blackford County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Brown County VFD, Brown County, $3,050, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Galveston VFD, Cass County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Twelve Mile First Responders, Cass County, $2,500, Water Handling
* Charlestown VFD, Clark County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Monroe Twp. FD (Henryville), Clark County, $5,000, Safety
* Forest VFD, Clinton County, $5,000, Communication
* Kirklin VFD, Clinton County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Michigan Twp. VFD, Clinton County, $1,366.50, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Marion Twp. VFD (Greensburg), Decatur County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Garrett VFD, DeKalb County, $3,958, Safety
* Albany-Delaware Twp. FD, Delaware County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Daleville – Salem Twp. FT, Delaware County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Dubois VFD, Dubois County, $4,962.50, Safety
* Haysville Community Vol. Fire Dept., Dubois County, $4,900, Safety
* Ireland-Madison Twp. VFD, Dubois County, $5,000, Communication
* Schnellville VFD, Dubois County, $5,000, Water Handling
* St Anthony VFD, Dubois County, $5,000, Safety
* Cleveland Twp. FD, Elkhart County, $2,500, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Jefferson Twp. VFD, Elkhart County, $2,555, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Bentonville VFD, Fayette County, $4,900, Safety
* Brookville VFD, Franklin County, $5,000, Safety
* Eagle Fire Co. of Oldenburg, Franklin County, $2,500, Water Handling
* Laurel VFD, Franklin County, $5,000, Communication
* Metamora FD, Franklin County, $1,250, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Aubbeenaubbee Twp. FD, Fulton County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Kewanna / Union Twp. VFD, Fulton County, $4,000, Water Handling
* Center-Jackson Twp. FT, Greene County, $4,999, Water Handling
* Linton Fire Dept., Greene County, $5,000, Safety
* Taylor Twp. VFD, Greene County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Stilesville Fire and Rescue, Hendricks County, $4,400, Water Handling
* Greentown VFC, Howard County, $5,000, Safety
* Mount Etna VFD, Huntington County, $5,000, Safety
* Hamilton Twp. VFD, Jackson County, $5,000, Safety
* Owen Twp. VFD, Jackson County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Seymour FD, Jackson County, $4,098, Water Handling
* Bryant VFD, Jay County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Campbell Twp. VFD, Jennings County, $5,000, Safety
* Vernon Twp. VFD, Jennings County, $5,000, Communication
* Edwardsport VFD, Knox County, $5,000, Safety
* Freelandville VFD, Knox County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Vincennes Twp. FD, Knox County, $5,000, Safety
* Winona Lake FD, Kosciusko County, $2,475, Safety
* Howe VFD, Lagrange County, $3,715, Communication
* Lagrange VFD, Lagrange County, $5,000, Communication
* Lake Station VFD, Lake County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Lacrosse VFD, LaPorte County, $5,000, Communication
* Lincoln Twp. VFD (Walkerton), LaPorte County, $5,000, Safety
* Noble Twp. VFD (Union Mills), LaPorte County, $5,000, Safety
* Scipio Twp. VFD, LaPorte County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Springfield Twp. VFD Inc, LaPorte County, $5,000, Safety
* Westville VFD, LaPorte County, $5,000, Fire Prevention/Education
* Marion Twp. Rural FD (Mitchell), Lawrence County, $5,000, Safety
* Shawswick VFD, Lawrence County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Lapel Stony Creek Twp. FT, Madison County, $3,000, Safety
* Argos VFD, Marshall County, $5,000, Safety
* Bremen Community Fire Dept., Marshall County, $2,450, Water Handling
* Ellettsville FD, Monroe County, $5,000, Safety
* Waveland VFD Inc, Montgomery County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* A Twp. VFD, Morgan County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Monroe Twp. FD (Monrovia), Morgan County, $5,000, Safety
* Albion FD, Noble County, $5,000, Safety
* French Lick FD, Orange County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Clay Twp. VFD, Owen County, $2,200, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Owen Valley FT, Owen County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Bridgeton VFD, Parke County, $5,000, Safety
* J.U.G.A. (Bellmore) VFD, Parke County, $5,000, Communication
* Rockville-Adams Twp. Fire & Rescue, Parke County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Central Perry VFD, Perry County, $5,000, Water Handling
* Jefferson Twp. FD (Otwell), Pike County, $5,000, Safety
* Petersburg FD, Pike County, $5,000, Safety
* Beverly Shores FD, Porter County, $2,500, Water Handling
* Kouts FD, Porter County, $5,000, Safety
* Washington Twp. VFD (Valparaiso), Porter County, $1,090, Safety
* Francesville VFD, Pulaski County, $5,000, Training
* Medaryville-White Post FD, Pulaski County, $4,000, Safety
* Jefferson Twp. VFD, Putnam County, $4,900, Water Handling
* Lynn Fire Dept., Randolph County, $4,850, Safety
* Saratoga Ward FT, Randolph County, $5,000, Organization
* Batesville Vol. Fire & Rescue Dept. – EMS 10, Ripley County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Manilla VFD, Rush County, $4,517, Communication
* Posey Twp. VFD (Arlington), Rush County, $5,000, Safety
* Johnson Twp. VFD, Scott County, $5,000, Safety
* Vienna Twp. VFD, Scott County, $5,000, Safety
* Chrisney VFD, Spencer County, $5,000, Safety
* Liberty Twp. Fire, St. Joseph County, $5,000, Safety
* Knox-Center Twp. Fire Dept., Starke County, $3,250, Water Handling
* Koontz Lake VFD, Starke County, $5,000, Safety
* San Pierre Twp. VFD, Starke County, $5,000, Safety
* Angola VFD, Steuben County, $5,000, Safety
* Fremont VFD, Steuben County, $5,000, Safety
* Metz FD, Steuben County, $5,000, Safety
* Wildcat Twp. VFD, Tipton County, $5,000, Safety
* Perry Twp. VFD (Evansville), Vanderburgh County, $5,000, Communication
* Jackson Twp. VFD (Palmyra), Washington County, $5,000, Communication
* Livonia Vol. Fire & Rescue, Washington County, $5,000, Wildland Firefighting Assistance
* Fountain City / New Garden Twp. FD, Wayne County, $5,000, Safety

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