Same-Sex Marriage is Legal Thursday

Several state laws take effect Aug. 1, but none will get more attention than the law legalizing same-sex marriage.

Hennepin County started accepting license requests June 6. On Thursday, couples can finally put those licenses to use—and many will spend the next few days putting the finishing touches on their wedding.

Do you know of a happy couple getting married who’d like to share their story? E-mail Patch Editor James Warden at James.Warden@Patch.com.

Other news you should know about in the week ahead:

• ResourceWest needs school supplies: While you’re thinking of school, why not consider giving to families who could use some help. ResourceWest is asking the community to donate school supplies. The organization will give supplies to nearly 1,300 kids from struggling families and plans to raise $20,000. Supplies can be brought to ResourceWest (915 Mainstreet, Hopkins). Monetary donations can also be made online or by calling Joyce at (952) 988-5349.
• Art Center concert tickets go on sale: Tickets for the 2013-14 Hopkins Center for the Arts season go on sale Thursday. The season kicks off Oct. 26 with Grammy and Country Music Association award winner Suzy Bogguss and The SteelDrivers.
• Volunteer for the Police Reserves: Hopkins is looking for some recruits for its reserve team. Reserve officers are volunteers who help the department with community events, animal control and more. They collectively donate about 5,000 hours worth of time each year.