New Laws Effective Wednesday

Indiana Statehouse
Indiana Statehouse

Legislation that allows Indiana residents to legally own a sawed-off shotgun takes effect, today.

Senate Bill 433 is one of several changes to Indiana law made by the General Assembly earlier this year. The bill repeals a prohibition on owning a sawed-off shotgun so long as the weapon is developed by a licensed manufacturer.

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Society of Innovators Still Seeking Nominees

society of innovators logoThe Society of Innovators at Ivy Tech Community College is looking for northwest Indiana residents who are finding new solutions to old problems. Nominations are being accepted through Monday for innovators in the seven-county northwest Indiana region. Past honorees include BraunAbility founder Ralph Braun and the North Judson-based Kemin-Lambert Spearmint Team. Society of Innovators Managing Director John Davies says innovation is universal.

“Anyone in the world can be an innovator. If you’re a small business owner and you develop a better way to convert prospects into buyers, you’re an innovator.” Continue reading

Make Independence Day Celebrations Safe and Fun for Everyone

petpicAccording to the American Humane Society July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters because animals frightened from Fourth of July celebrations flee from their homes in fright and are found miles away, exhausted and disoriented. If your pet is typically upset by loud noises such as vacuums, doors slamming or thunder be sure to take the proper precautions during your Independence Day displays to ensure that your pets stay put and remain as calm as possible. Continue reading

Breaking out the Stars and Stripes? Be Sure You’re Doing it Right.

f1agBelieve it or not, there is a proper and an improper way to fly the flag. The U.S Flag Code became public law in 1942 and specifies the exact rules for use and display of the American Flag. As Independence Day approaches we’ll find ourselves in a sea of red, white and blue, if you’ll be among the patriots flying the flag this holiday be sure you know what to do. Continue reading

For Local Clerks, SCOTUS Marriage Decision Changes Little

Same-sex couples can now marry nationwide, but marriage license applications in Starke, Pulaski, and Marshall County will remain unchanged.

The Supreme Court declared in a 5-4 decision on Friday that same-sex couples have a right under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution to wed. According to the syllabus from the majority opinion, same-sex couples must now have their marriages from neighboring state governments recognized by the state in which they currently reside.

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PTSD Triggers Present During Independence Day Celebrations

 Fireworks detonated during holiday celebrations can have an effect on individuals afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to one Clinically Licensed Social Worker.

Richard Voorhees is affiliated with Pulaski Memorial Hospital. He says former and active military members who have been in combat situations are particularly susceptible to the noise on Independence Day.
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Fireworks Season Gets Under Way

 Independence Day is Saturday, but many Hoosiers are getting an early start on their celebrations. Consumer fireworks can legally be discharged June 29 – July 3 from 9 a.m. until two hours after sunset. That cutoff time is extended to midnight on the 4th. From July 5 – 9 they can again be set off until two hours after sunset. Local ordinances may be more restrictive, so check before lighting the fuse. Continue reading

Government Offices Closed So Employees Can Pay Respects

starke-county-courthouseStarke County government office will be closed for a few hours today so employees can pay their respects to a colleague. The commissioners have authorized the closure from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. so staff members can attend county sanitarian Chris Dalton’s funeral. He died last Thursday of a sudden heart attack. Visitation for Dalton is this morning from 9 until 11 a.m. at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox, followed by the funeral at 11. The courthouse and annex will reopen at 1 p.m.

Storing Wet Hay Increases Barn Fire Risk

HayFarmers are reminded to make sure their hay is adequately dry before putting it into the barn for storage, as wet hay increases the risk of a fire. Purdue Extension forage specialist Keith Johnson says the moisture content of hay for storage should be no higher than 20 percent. That’s because heat-tolerant microorganisms can develop in hay bales and raise their temperature. If it gets higher than 150 degrees, farmers should take apart the bales or stacks and let air circulate. Johnson says fire becomes very likely if the temperature hits 200 degrees. He adds this year’s wet conditions make the risk of fire even greater. Continue reading

Varying Gas Prices Across Indiana

 

As the month of June comes to a close, motorists should be aware that we are approaching one of the highest gas price months out of the year. Senior Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.com Patrick DeHaan said to expect July prices to be higher than the yearly average due to several factors including higher demand during summer months and various blends of summer gasoline that cost more to produce. Continue reading