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 →

Knox Man Charged with Child Molestation

 
 

A 20-year-old Knox man faces a child molestation charge stemming from an alleged relationship with a 12-year-old girl who recently gave birth to his child. Knox Police Officers arrested Angel R. Delapaz on Wednesday after an extensive investigation. They were notified by the Indiana Department of Child Services last December that the child had been sexually involved with an adult male and was pregnant. Continue reading →

Little Progress Made Over Grave Dispute

The former First Farmers Bank and Trust building on Lane Street in North Judson will soon be the town hall.

A Starke County family that purchased their grave sites 20 years ago at Highland Cemetery says they will continue to pursue what they believe is the only answer.

Marilyn Derrickson says that as her husband was measuring for headstone foundations earlier this year, they discovered there wasn’t enough room at the site. The family owns several plots, but is missing a space due to the fact that someone else is buried in one of them.
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Knox Water Department Replaces Obsolete Hydrants

The Knox Water Department recently replaced the hydrant at Delaware and Main Streets.
The Knox Water Department recently replaced the hydrant at Delaware and Main Streets.

Knox Water Department crews recently replaced a couple of fire hydrants that were part of the city’s original water system. Superintendent Todd Gardner says the new hydrants were installed on West Delaware Street at Pearl and Main Streets. The new hydrants have a six-inch flow capacity, compared to the four-inch of the previous ones. Water Superintendent Todd Gardner says the water flow capacity of the new ones has doubled as a result. Continue reading →

Incredible Causes will Benefit from Spirit of Pulaski County Proceeds

st0pThe annual Spirit of Pulaski County, formerly known as Germanfest, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 8 this year at the Train Depot in downtown Winamac. During the event, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a spirit ride and spirit walk in memory of Tina Kasten and all other domestic abuse victims. Kasten is a local woman whose husband was arrested for her murder back in May. Continue reading →