Did you know that it took 117 years for “The Star-Spangled Banner” to become the United States national anthem? Before 1931, several patriotic songs were used at official functions without official designation. One of the first was “Hail Columbia” which was written for George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. Composed by German immigrant Philip Phile, lyrics were… Continue reading.

What do the terms semiquincentennial, bisesquicentennial, sestercentennial, and quarter millennium have in common? They are all very long words used to describe a very big anniversary. Why are there so many names for America’s 250th birthday? Mainly because it’s such a rare achievement that it lacks a simple, easy-to-pronounce English word for it. As a… Continue reading.

The spring and summer months are prime time for electric cooperative Annual Meetings and member appreciation events. Due to budget constraints or reduced interest, some co-ops have shifted to virtual meetings. However, many still offer in-person events. Annual Meetings are typically a place to exercise Cooperative Principle #2: Democratic Member Control. Unlike for-profit electric companies,… Continue reading.

BY NATALIE DERRICKSON Smoke, sunshine, and sweet tunes fill the air during one of the most awaited events of the summer: the Madison BBQ party.  A southern Indiana staple for over 20 years, the Madison BBQ Party celebrates everything great about summer during the third weekend of August. In its new era as the Madison… Continue reading.

BY NICOLE THOMAS Bordered by the Ohio River and Blue River, Crawford County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can camp at Patoka Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s largest campgrounds with more than 500 campsites. They can also hike to waterfalls at Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest or explore deep valleys and… Continue reading.

Earlier this year, Indiana’s electric cooperatives named the winners of the 29th annual Cooperative Student Art Contest. Luciana Harmon, a homeschool student from Jeffersonville, was honored as Artist of the Year. A first-place artist was also selected in each grade, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and received $100. Thirteen additional artists received honorable mention awards and… Continue reading.

Huntington Heritage Days June 10-14 Huntington | Downtown huntington-chamber.com Huntington Heritage Days is an action-packed festival featuring a carnival, hot-air balloon launches at Huntington North High School, two car shows, a kids’ zone, entertainment, a parade, and more. JeFFFest, an outdoor art festival on Sunday evening, features fun food, fab music, and fine art. Free… Continue reading.

Planning a vacation is exciting, but it can also raise concerns about leaving your home. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your home remains safe and secure while you’re away. Here are six tips to help keep your home safe while you enjoy some time off: Secure your doors and… Continue reading.

Wherever your travels may take you, be prepared when it comes to your health before and during travel with these tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Before you go Check your destination for country-specific health risks and safety concerns. You should also know your health status before you make travel… Continue reading.

In April, the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) held its annual Best of Indiana Journalism Awards. Indiana Connection was honored with three awards. We received second place in Best Magazine Features Writing for our November feature on Pets Healing Vets, and both first and third place in Best Magazine Personality… Continue reading.

Sometimes, you go into a store knowing what you need. Other times, it’s best to let your senses guide you to the goodness that will ultimately fill your cart, especially when you stop in at Wilson Farm Market in Arcadia. An astounding amount of products Take the leisurely route during your first visit — the… Continue reading.

BY NICOLE THOMAS Marion County is the most populous county in Indiana and the birthplace of several well-known figures, including author Kurt Vonnegut, television host David Letterman, and actor Brendan Fraser. Unlike many Midwestern cities built on a grid, Indianapolis has diagonal streets that spread out from Monument Circle. When the city was planned in… Continue reading.