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

Authorities Crack Down on Drug Smuggling

A recent three-day saturation patrol on U.S. 31 by six police departments in north central Indiana resulted in 30 criminal arrests on 82 different drug-related charges. Last week’s unannounced patrols were dubbed “Operation Blue Wave.” Officials say the goal was to catch and arrest people who use Indiana’s roadways to transport and distribute illegal narcotics. Continue reading

Storing Wet Hay Increases Barn Fire Risk

Farmers 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.

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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

Marshall County Economic Development Continues Communication With Municipal Government

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation was making the rounds at City Council meetings this week.

The organization looks to both attract and retain companies in the Marshall County area. Executive Director Jerry Chavez appeared before the Plymouth Common Council and the Culver Town Council to review what his organization has been working to accomplish.
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Get Tested on National HIV Testing Day

Hoosiers are encouraged to know their HIV status. This is the 20th annual National HIV Testing Day. State health officials say the recent HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana underscores the need for testing in order to help yourself and others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six people are living with HIV and are not aware of it. As a result they are not getting the treatment they need to stay healthy and may unknowingly pass the virus along to others. HIV can spread when someone who is infected has sex or shares needles with someone who does not have the virus.

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