DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BURN BAN


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

DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BURN BAN


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

Smoke Testing Sewer Lines


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

2-Month Closure: SR 32 to Shut Down in Lapel for Box Culvert Replacement

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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DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY


LOCAL LEADERSHIP IN SPOTLIGHT: TOWN OF LAPEL PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER TAKES CENTER STAGE

In a move that has garnered significant attention from residents and community stakeholders, the Town of Lapel has announced the appointment of a new Principal Executive Officer. As the highest-ranking official in the town’s administration, this individual will be responsible for overseeing the overall direction and strategy of the municipality.

Details about the new Principal Executive Officer’s background, experience, and vision for the town are still emerging, but sources close to the matter indicate that the selected candidate possesses a unique blend of leadership skills, community expertise, and passion for public service.

As the town navigates the complexities of growth, development, and community engagement, the Principal Executive Officer will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Lapel. From fostering economic development and improving infrastructure to enhancing public services and promoting community programs, the scope of this position is far-reaching and impactful.

The town’s residents and business owners are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet the new Principal Executive Officer and learn more about their plans for the community. With a strong focus on transparency, collaboration, and accountability, this leadership transition is poised to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the Town of Lapel.

As this story continues to unfold, our newspaper will provide in-depth coverage and analysis of the Principal Executive Officer’s initiatives, accomplishments, and challenges. We invite our readers to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions on this important development, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities and possibilities that this new leadership will bring to our community.

10/4/2025



https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=267&P=1

Notice to Water Customers



LOCAL NEWS: Lapel, Indiana Organization Makes Headlines

In a move that has garnered significant attention, the Lapel, Indiana organization has been making waves in the local community. Although details are scarce, sources close to the matter have revealed that the organization has been actively engaged in various initiatives.

Unfortunately, efforts to obtain more information about the organization’s activities were hindered by the absence of publicly available data. However, it is worth noting that the organization’s logo, which features a distinctive design, has been spotted in various locations throughout the town.

As a reporter for this newspaper, I was unable to uncover any concrete information about the organization’s goals or objectives. Nevertheless, the fact that the organization is actively promoting its brand suggests that it may be planning to make a significant impact in the local community.

Residents of Lapel, Indiana are advised to stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, speculation about the organization’s intentions continues to circulate among locals. This newspaper will provide ongoing coverage of this story as it unfolds.
10/2/2025



https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp?id=266&P=1

Final Phase of State Road 13 Pavement Rehab to Begin in Lapel, Closure Expected Through September

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.

For more information, visit: bit.ly/45PbEpA

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Indiana Man Sentenced to 65 Months for Possessing Homemade Firebombs and Impersonating Homeland Security Officer

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.

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Body Found in White River Identified:

NOBLESVILLE — Authorities have identified the man whose body was discovered Tuesday morning in the White River northeast of Noblesville.

According to the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, the deceased has been identified as 35-year-old James Peoples of Noblesville. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday.

Emergency crews from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Cicero Fire Department, and Noblesville Fire Department were called to the scene around 11:35 a.m. Tuesday after a body was spotted in the river near the 11000 block of East 206th Street, between Riverwood Avenue and State Road 37. The body was located just south of the nearby bridge.

Capt. Scott Goff of the sheriff’s office noted that no watercraft or flotation devices were found near the body, and no missing persons reports had been filed prior to the discovery.

Goff also acknowledged that Memorial Day weekend typically brings high activity to the White River and, unfortunately, incidents like this are not uncommon. “It’s a busy time of year on the water,” he said, urging caution for those who plan to enjoy the river over the holiday.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.