Pressure washers are handy tools. They can clean up almost anything and make a house or deck look brand new. And electrically powered ones are among the only tools that mix water and electricity during use — an otherwise deadly combination.  Pressure washers can be safe to use if you read the manual carefully —… Continue reading.

Late summer and early fall often bring tornadoes and floods to our part of the country. It’s important to take precautions with your home’s electrical system. Debris from storms can easily ignite if they come into contact with downed power lines, especially when electrical wires are severed. Also, standing water and even appliances can become… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling Does your everyday life get in the way of your “best life?” I know I’m usually taking care of multiple demands, deadlines, appointments, and other responsibilities — you know, that day-to-day stuff — and not focusing on what’s really important. So, to help me realign my priorities, I’ve come up with a… Continue reading.

The hottest days of summer remind us that poor energy habits can make our house uncomfortable. It’s never too late to make a few changes around the house to help keep things cool. A bonus: You could lower your energy bill during air-conditioner season. Check for loose or leaky windowpanes. And notice if your home… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever You can never have enough confetti said Reggy Funfurhuggin, the purple party dude and official spokescharacter of the National Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting. And with that, fanfare blew and confetti flew as the Hall welcomed the class of 2020 — its four newest furry, fleece and foam-faced members. Located… Continue reading.

Why did you choose to accept a job at an electric cooperative?  I grew up in this area and knew it was a great place to work. It’s a great family-like culture; everyone is here to help and that makes it such a nice work environment. What’s a typical day like? The most common day… Continue reading.

Nothing garners attention on social media these days like cute critter photos. The photos you make and share of your dog or cat can be just as memorable as the photos you see in magazines or on Instagram. But rarely do they just “happen.” Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your… Continue reading.

The first American settlers in Marshall County arrived a year before the county’s formation in 1836. They came from primarily New England Puritan descent. Thus, Plymouth — after Plymouth, Massachusetts — was the name selected for the county seat. But two locations just south of Plymouth form notable chapters of the county’s history. On the… Continue reading.

Enjoy your favorite food without guilt! August’s calendar is chockful of special days celebrating a variety of tasty temptations. Make note of these Very Important Days because if it’s, say, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day you can’t just ignore it, right?

Get more use out of your backyard deck or patio by lighting it up after dark. You’ll find an array of low-voltage deck lighting fixtures that are as eye-catching during the light of day as they are at night.  Installing low-voltage deck lights can be a do-it-yourself job. But if you want an elaborate spread,… Continue reading.

Food spoils quicker during warm weather, so keep your leftovers wrapped up tight and refrigerated — but not for too long. If you notice any odors at all when you open the door of your refrigerator, chances are it’s coming from long-ago leftovers lurking in the back of the shelves. And who knows which of… Continue reading.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating water for use in your home accounts for 12 to 18 percent of your energy bill. Here’s how to lower that number: The simplest way to use less hot water is to take shorter showers.  Do take showers, though; you’ll use a lot more hot water filling… Continue reading.