This Week's Facts:

-  Appeals on Wheels

-  Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home

-  Let's Go Outside

-  Document of the Month: Annual Report of the State Veterinarian

Appeals on Wheels

Hear ye! Hear ye! Now coming to a location near you! The Indiana Court of Appeals hears oral arguments all over the State with the Appeals on Wheels program. This is a chance to see the Court of Appeals in Action without having to go to court. The Indiana Court of Appeals is the second-highest court in Indiana and hears appeals from the State’s trial courts. The Court does not preside over trials and must accept all appeals sent to it, with the exception of:

• Cases in which the death penalty or life-without-parole is rendered (appealed directly to the Indiana Supreme Court)
• Cases in which statutes are declared unconstitutional by a trial court (automatically appealed to the Supreme Court)
• Attorney disciplinary cases, which also go to the Supreme Court
• Cases involving taxation, which go to the Indiana Tax Court

The court and appellate process doesn’t have to be scary or unknown. You can learn more about the Appeals court online or by visiting one of the traveling oral argument locations. Watch some of the oral arguments online as they happen or review older arguments.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home  

Many people would like their home to be more eco-friendly, but don’t have the money to install solar panels. If you fall into that category, never fear! The USA.gov blog has Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home. The tips fall into three categories: use ENERGY STAR appliances, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and recycle. Don’t worry about going home and throwing away all of your existing appliances, though; there are little things you can do. For example, you can purchase energy-efficient light bulbs for the most commonly-used lights in your house. Then, when your existing appliances are ready to be put to pasture, you can replace them with new, energy efficient ones. These will help the environment and save you some money.

With regards to eco-friendly cleaning products, you can look for those that are biodegradable and have low toxicity levels. You can even go the old-fashioned route, and use vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. And of course, recycle. In addition to curbside recycling, be sure to dispose of batteries, paint, and electronics in the proper way. For more information on how you can have an eco-friendly home, be sure to check out this page from the EPA.

Let's Go Outside

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a great feature for those looking for outdoor activities to do this summer. Let’s Go Outside! has information for kids, families, educators, and youth group leaders. You can not only read about the benefits of going outside, but it also gives you some neat ideas for what you can do outside. Be sure to check out the Book of Stuff, where kids can learn how to match animal tracks, create a leaf rubbing, or even go on a scavenger hunt. Families will enjoy learning about Conservation at Home, and youth group leaders can get tips on planning an event.

Be sure to also check out the National Wildlife Refuge Events page. You can see if there’s anything going on in your area, or even decide if you want to make that trip up to Michigan for Children’s Fishing Day on the 23rd. If your summer plans include the outdoors, you don’t want to miss this website!

Document of the Month: Annual Report of the State Veterinarian

“An Act to establish the office of State Veterinarian of Indiana, to provide for the appointment of the State Veterinarian of Indiana, to provide for the appointment of the State Veterinarian by the Governor, and to provide for the control and suppression of dangerous, contagious and infectious diseases among domestic animals, making an appropriation for all expenses of the same, and for the repeal of all laws or parts of laws conflicting therewith.” Acts, 1901 Ch. 64 Sec. 1.

This law not only established the Office of State Veterinarian, but also laws affecting animal health and sanitation for the State of Indiana. The Annual Reports offer a historical narrative of animal diseases and how animal sanitation was improved by the enactment of the Indiana livestock sanitary law. They include other interesting facts about Indiana animal husbandry, as well. For example, there were seven horses destroyed because of glanders in 1904. You can also find the various salaries and expenses of the State Veterinarian (his salary was $100.00 per month). The Annual Reports are in the State Library Collection, IPQ 614.9 no. 1 for the years 1901-1909.

CORRECTION
Last week’s edition incorrectly stated that the D-Day invasion was 58 years ago. In fact, it was 68 years ago.