Category: Articles

Semi hauling corn crashes into school bus in Madison County

03/18/2025 (updated 03/19/2025) Published by

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A Tragic Accident: School Bus and Semi Collide in Summitville

A shocking incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Summitville, Indiana, when a farming semi-truck collided with a Madison-Grant United School Corporation bus at a rural intersection. Miraculously, there were no students on the bus at the time of the accident, which occurred around 2:30 pm.

According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, the semi-truck was traveling southbound on County Road 300 East when it failed to stop at a stop sign at C.R. 1550 N. The driver, 19-year-old Cameron Bair of Summitville, lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed into the school bus traveling west.

The impact was severe, sending both vehicles off the road and flipping them onto their sides. The bus driver, 35-year-old Bethany Gibson of Gaston, was treated for minor injuries at a hospital in Anderson. Bair was airlifted to IU Methodist in Indianapolis, where he was listed in stable condition.

Thanks to the quick response of emergency services and the fortuitous absence of students, the accident did not result in any serious injuries or fatalities. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

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Madison County, Indiana

Fishers Roundabout Nightmare: Crashes Soar to Record Heights

03/12/2025 (updated 03/12/2025) Published by

Crashes have skyrocketed at new Fishers roundabout

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Crashes have skyrocketed at new Fishers roundabout

Remember how much we all hated the Michigan left turns at the 96th Street and Allisonville Road intersection? Well, drivers aren’t too happy with the new roundabout, either. The number of crashes is now six times higher than it was prior to construction, according to a report by John Tuohy. There are a few theories as to why this is the case.

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Hamilton County, Indiana

Trial Set for Larry Savage in Ballot Case—Political Witch Hunt or Legitimate Charge?

03/11/2025 (updated 03/11/2025) Published by

ANDERSON — A trial has been scheduled for July in the case of Larry Savage, a former political candidate facing a felony charge for allegedly destroying or misplacing a ballot.

Savage appeared in Madison Circuit Court Division 6 on Friday, where Judge Mark Dudley set his trial for July 28 as the second choice for that date.

His attorney, Brandon Townsend, stated that plea negotiations failed to produce a resolution.

“I’m innocent, and my attorney will prove it,” Savage asserted in a statement after the hearing.

The 51-year-old was charged last year with a felony and a misdemeanor theft charge after he allegedly removed ballots during an Oct. 3 test of Madison County’s voting machines. Savage has strongly pushed back against the accusations, calling them a “political witch hunt.”

The machine test was conducted through the Voting System Technical Oversight Program hosted by Ball State University.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by David Peterson of the Indiana State Police, two test ballots were discovered missing. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Savage folding the ballots and placing them in his pocket before leaving the Madison County Government Center.

Shortly after taking the ballots, the footage also shows Savage whispering to Katherine Callahan, who later received a Facebook post from Savage stating that the test was three ballots short.

Savage, upon his arrest, claimed he didn’t realize he wasn’t allowed to take ballots marked “sample.” Indiana law requires that all ballots used in machine testing be sealed.

A search warrant was executed at Savage’s home, including a review of his cellphone. Investigators say his texts included a message to Callahan asking if anyone had mentioned the missing ballots.

Callahan reportedly texted back that officials were looking for them. Savage then responded, “I had three, how can they be one short?”

Despite the video evidence, Savage maintains the ballots were sample materials and not intended for actual use. He admitted he did not ask permission to take them but insists he did not intentionally commit a crime.

The political backdrop of the case raises some questions. Savage has run unsuccessfully for multiple offices, including mayor of Alexandria in 2019, an at-large seat on the Anderson City Council in 2023, and the Republican nomination for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District last year.

With his repeated election bids and his claims of political motivation behind the charges, it remains unclear whether this is a genuine case of election security enforcement or an overblown response to what Savage describes as a misunderstanding. His day in court may provide some answers.

Road Construction Updates for Lapel, Indiana: What You Need to Know for 2025

03/06/2025 (updated 03/06/2025) Published by

Hey, Lapel residents! As we roll into March 2025, it’s time to talk about what’s happening on the roads around our little corner of Madison County. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying a drive, here’s the latest on planned road construction that might affect you this year. I’ve dug into the details from INDOT and other sources to keep you in the loop—because nobody likes being caught off guard by a road closure or traffic delay!

Nearby Construction on State Road 32: New Stop Signs Coming Soon

Starting March 10, 2025, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is making some changes just west of Lapel along State Road 32. They’re installing new four-way stop signs at the intersections of SR 32 and Durbin Road and SR 32 and Prairie Baptist Road in Hamilton County. This isn’t right in Lapel, but if you head west toward Noblesville or beyond, you’ll notice the difference.

  • What’s Happening? INDOT is adding stop signs, rumble strips, flashing lights, and advance warning signs to make these intersections safer and easier to navigate.
  • How Long? The work should wrap up in about two days, barring any weather surprises (fingers crossed for a dry spell!).
  • Impact on You: Expect a brief disruption—maybe some slowdowns or a detour—while crews get this done. Once finished, these new stops could slow your trip a bit, but they’re designed to cut down on accidents. If SR 32 is your go-to route west, plan for an extra minute or two starting mid-March.

Tragedy on the Streets: Local Man Fatally Shot in Police Confrontation

02/25/2025 Published by

Man killed in near east side police shooting

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Officer-Involved Shooting on Near East Side Leaves One Dead

A man has died after a police shooting on the near east side of Indianapolis early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred in the 120 block of State Street, according to a report from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).

Police were dispatched to the 1600 block of E. Washington Street at around 2:15 a.m. after a report of a person injured. A woman, who had been assaulted, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Upon arrival, officers noticed a man with an active arrest warrant and attempted to speak with him, but he refused to cooperate and ran off, heading northbound on State Street. Police chased him and ordered him to stop, warning that they would use a Taser if he didn’t comply. At some point, one officer deployed his Taser, and the incident ended in gunfire, with the officer firing a shot that struck the man. The man was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

According to IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, officers rendered aid until medical personnel arrived, and investigators found a firearm lying next to the man’s body. The circumstances surrounding the man’s use of the firearm are still under investigation.

The officer involved in the shooting, as well as two other officers who witnessed the incident, were equipped with body cameras, which are being reviewed as part of the investigation. The IMPD Critical Incident Response Team and Internal Affairs are conducting parallel investigations, and the Use of Force Board will review the findings to determine whether the officers followed policies and procedures.

The man’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin, while the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, standard procedure in police shootings. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Det. Brian Lambert at (317) 327-3475 or Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS (8477).

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Indianapolis, Indiana

Christmas in Lapel: Reviving Tradition with a Modern Touch

12/03/2024 (updated 12/03/2024) Published by

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 Library Nears Completion of Green Space Project to Enhance Community Engagement

09/20/2024 (updated 09/20/2024) Published by

LAPEL – The Lapel Public Library is nearing the completion of a green space project aimed at enhancing the community’s options for activities and family gatherings.

Edra Waterman, Director of the Anderson Public Library, shared on Wednesday that the project has been in the works for several years.

“We envision the green space becoming a central part of our services and facilities in Lapel,” Waterman stated. “This project marks our first step toward improving services at the branch, which will also include extended hours.”

Waterman explained that the new space will host story times and other events, incorporating interactive elements for children to enjoy.

A community survey conducted by the South Madison Community Foundation revealed that local residents desired a space specifically for family gatherings in Lapel, according to Waterman.

Fredericks Construction has been working on the concrete portions of the project, which are nearing completion, and Hitchcock Design Group is set to handle the landscaping. Plans include the installation of play structures and a pavilion, anticipated to be finished this fall.

“We’re optimistic that the project will be wrapped up by the fall,” Waterman added. “It’s going to be a fantastic addition.”

Lapel Town Council President, Chad Blake, mentioned that the library consulted with the town council to discuss what the community needed. Initially, the town had considered purchasing the property for additional parking, but with the library’s expanded parking facilities, alternative uses for the space were explored.

“We already have parks in Lapel, but no dedicated area for people to relax outdoors and read,” Blake said. “This green space will be a great enhancement to the downtown area.”

Blake also expressed the hope that the new space will encourage more residents to visit the library.

Melanie Bishop, manager of the Lapel library, shared her excitement about the project’s potential.

“The possibilities are tremendous,” Bishop said. “The pavilion will be able to host entertainment, and the green space will add purpose to how the library is used by the community.”

The library is currently conducting a survey to gather feedback on its hours of operation, programming ideas for various age groups, and suggestions for additional services. New operating hours are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 2, and Bishop noted that the library is in the process of hiring a full-time children’s librarian.

The Herald Bulletin. “Lapel library adding interactive green space area” The Herald Bulletin, Sep. 20, 2024,

Photo Credit Crystal Ake 2024

Update on Lapel’s Water Project: Insights from Brian Robertson

09/18/2024 (updated 09/18/2024) Published by

In recent weeks, Brian Robertson, Vice President of the Lapel Town Council, shared an important update on the town’s ongoing water project. The council held two public meetings to address significant developments in the project. One meeting was a special session, while the other was a regular council meeting, both of which were open to the public and extensively advertised.

Reasons for Recent Changes

Brian Robertson explained that government agencies are required to accept the lowest reasonable bid for projects. Initially, the plan was to use a boring method to install new water lines. However, this method proved to be extremely challenging due to difficulties in locating some of Lapel’s utilities using outdated maps. After five months of negotiations and planning, a new approach was agreed upon. The project will now proceed with an “open cut” method, which is expected to better address the unique challenges of the town’s infrastructure.

Project Timeline

According to Robertson, the project is scheduled to restart on or before September 15, 2024. The major completion date for the new water lines, which must be installed and supplying customers, is set for March 31, 2025. The total completion date, which includes final touches, is targeted for April 30, 2025.

Ensuring Timely Progress

Brian Robertson has been assigned the task of conducting weekly meetings with both the engineering team and the contractor to ensure the project remains on schedule. A town utility employee will serve as the primary point of contact and will be on-site daily, reporting any issues directly to Robertson. He will then provide progress reports to the council during their regular monthly meetings.

Focus on Water Quality

Robertson has also been in touch with the water department to explore ways of taking water samples directly from the water meter. The goal is to ensure that the water quality being supplied is up to standard. The town is responsible for water quality up to the meter, while anything beyond that point falls under the property owner’s responsibility. Although there are acknowledged issues with the town’s aging water supply system, Robertson emphasized that the project aims to significantly improve the oldest sections of this system.

Moving Forward

Brian Robertson hopes that this update sheds light on the council’s efforts to enhance Lapel’s water system. He also expressed openness to sharing this information to keep the community well-informed.

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