IDHS Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

The Indiana Department of Homeland has developed a few tips to ensure safety during Independence Day celebrations.

IDHS says fireworks can be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older. To ensure safety, however, it’s considered best to buy the items at licensed dealer locations. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says despite safety precautions, structure fires can certainly be started by their misuse.
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Declare Your Independence From Uncertainty and Accidents While Traveling this Holiday Weekend

The Indiana Department of Transportation has added travel times to seven dynamic roadside signs around the state just in time for the holiday weekend. The time estimates are based on information gathered from road sensors that measure a variety of factors, including average vehicle speed and traffic volumes. INDOT has developed algorithms to ensure the travel time information displayed is as accurate as possible. Continue reading

New Candidates File to Run for Office in Marshall County

A few more candidates have thrown their names into a possible list of candidates for political office.

According to the Marshall County Clerk’s office, two Democrats have filed to run in November’s General Municipal Election. The candidates are only allowed to do so if a vacancy exists, but were facing a deadline of July 6th at noon to put their names on the ballot.

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New Laws Effective Wednesday

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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Make Independence Day Celebrations Safe and Fun for Everyone

According 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.

Believe 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

Marshall County American Red Cross Hopes to Relocate Soon

The Marshall County American Red Cross Chapter hopes to have a new home in Argos within the next few months. Executive Director Sue Guilley tells MAX 98.3 FM News a family-owned business in downtown Argos has offered the nonprofit free commercial space. The agency is working through its national real estate division to finalize details, according to Guilley. She hopes they will be moved into the renovated building by late August. 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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