The old saying about good things coming to those who wait is only partially true for Leslie Beard. She already had a good thing, she said; that was being hired not long after college as a customer service representative at WIN Energy REMC in 2000. But she was a marketing graduate, and that’s what she… Continue reading.

For most people, their electricity provider is just the company that keeps the lights on. But an electric cooperative’s relationship with its consumer-owners is different. Since the 1930s when Indiana’s electric cooperatives were formed, they’ve thrived because of the political engagement between their consumer-owners and local, state and federal governments.  Indiana’s electric cooperatives advocate for… Continue reading.

If your white Christmas goes dark from an electrical blackout, an electric generator can be a great resource for homeowners, especially if the storm and damage is severe and the outage is prolonged. But small portable generators pose risks homeowners need to guard against: carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or electric shock, and fire. Risk #1:… Continue reading.

The December holiday season is all about celebrating traditions. From the holy religious and cultural celebrations and commemorations to the folklore to the commercial “cornucopia … of unbridled avarice,” this time of year is special for most of us in many different ways. Like various cultures, every family seems to have its own way of… Continue reading.

I read somewhere that once you have three of the same kind of item, you have a collection. That philosophy — plus my love of after-Christmas bargain-hunting (including deeply discounted artificial trees) — lead me to collect Christmas trees. Each year, my husband and I put up AT LEAST seven trees (sometimes more if I’m… Continue reading.

Though our December social calendars are usually too packed to include yet another event, one invite that inevitably warrants a “count me in” RSVP is a holiday cookie exchange. I like to think of it as party on steroids (or should that be sprinkles?). Sure, it’s a fun social event, a time for friends to… Continue reading.

Serving great food and ensuring customers have a positive dining experience are hallmarks of a top-notch restaurant. But One Ten Craft Meatery in downtown Warsaw goes above and beyond through its mission of creating a strong community by investing in people. Owner Jason Brown notes, “If you develop people, your community is a better place.”… Continue reading.

Like most all Indiana counties that border the Ohio River, Dearborn County’s earliest history and economy has been based along that major waterway. The county’s two largest towns, Lawrenceburg, the county seat, and Aurora are the first Hoosier towns travelers heading down river from nearby Cincinnati come to. Aurora is home to Hillforest Victorian House… Continue reading.

By Darrell Marks Just as kids will ravenously rip into gift boxes later this month, many adults start the month rummaging through garages, attics and basements to dig out ye olde lights of holidays yore to once more commemorate the season.  Before you go searching for those old lights and electric decorations, you should be… Continue reading.

Batteries provide a portable, and usually safe, source of electricity. From batteries in our cell phones to industrial-sized backups, we rely on them every day. With Christmas just around the corner, parents will be stocking up on batteries for all the new toys their children will be unwrapping on Dec. 25. Although batteries seem harmless,… Continue reading.

Make safety a part of your holiday with these tips. Tackle one a day and    you’re well on your way to  a safe New Year! Day 1: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they start beeping. Day 2: Inspect all electrical items, decorations, and extension cords for… Continue reading.

Before unpacking your holiday lights and seasonal items, take a moment to read these eight safety tips to ensure that your Christmas is merry … not scary. Inspect your seasonal items Many of us have treasured holiday mementos that we bring out of storage and proudly display each year. The holidays are also a time… Continue reading.