“If these walls could only talk …,” the old saying goes. Well, in a lot of cities, small towns, and rural communities across Indiana, walls do talk. They tell proud stories of local history, traditions, faith, culture, and of a vibrant arts community bursting with expression — painted not in words but through large publicly… Continue reading.

Wonderful contrasts — between the past and future; between the defined bedrock of Earth and the deep blue-sky weightless vastness of space — are celebrated in Lawrence County. Situated in the heart of Indiana’s famed limestone belt, the county is known worldwide for the stone quarried from beneath its soil. Bedford, the county seat, is… Continue reading.

Fifteen years ago this month, the first version of one of my constant companions — my beloved iPhone — was born. And though now I can’t imagine life without my iPhone, I can certainly remember those years pre-smartphone when phones were used solely for verbal communication! Even though 19th and 20th century era phones couldn’t… Continue reading.

It’s a beautiful summer day. What should you do with your young ones? Head outdoors, take a walk and go on a scavenger hunt! Clip out this list of things to look for and a hunting you will go!

Teach your children how they can be good environmental stewards while having fun at the same time. Vintage clothing can be cool! Take the kids to resale/thrift shops and antique stores to find authentic distressed jeans and true vintage T-shirts to wear. Plus, they’ll actually be doing their part to recycle while putting together a… Continue reading.

Rainy days and Mondays getting you and your kids down this summer? Making sweet treats can be one of the most pleasant ways to spend a rainy indoor afternoon with your children. Baking with kids teaches them kitchen skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. You also can use the opportunity to… Continue reading.

Though going toy shopping for your children can be fun, the wide array of possibilities can also make the experience overwhelming.  So, to help you navigate the toy aisle wisely, here is a checklist to help you choose safe toys: Check the minimum age recommendation on the package. Buy a gift that suits a child’s… Continue reading.

If the fireworks show is in your yard this July 4, your kids’ safety should be the top priority. Most families celebrate by watching a local, professional show — supervised by firefighters. But if you’re starting the performance early with consumer fireworks, here are some tips:  Your fireworks might be legal, but that doesn’t mean… Continue reading.

One of my most memorable collegiate memories was the day more than 2,500 of my fellow Ball State Cardinals and I gathered on the university’s quadrangle to jump in the air at the same time — all in an effort to make the Guinness Book of World Records and appear in a Toyota commercial. I’m… Continue reading.

Randy Kleaving always heard one proverb when he was young: “No matter how good something is, when you’re done with it, you need to leave it better.” That’s something he says he’s always taken to heart: in his vocation as a farmer, and multiple avocations as volunteer firefighter, county commissioner, and director on his local,… Continue reading.

Don’t insert coins, paper clips or other small items into electric outlets. Stay away from anything that says “High Voltage.” Don’t fly kites anywhere near power lines. Lightning is electricity. Don’t play outside during an electrical storm.

Have time and technology made your wiring inadequate? One potential area for electrical hazards is an outdated wiring system. Is yours able to handle the load you demand of it? Here are some instances when immediate help is needed. Blowing of fuses when certain appliances are used together. If you can’t operate your appliances as… Continue reading.