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.

Though the first non-Native settlers in Adams County were from New England, encouraged by the new Erie Canal, it was the arrival of the first Amish/Mennonite settlers in 1840 and the German-Swiss immigrants that followed that left a lasting impact on the culture of the county, especially in its southern half.  Berne was settled in… Continue reading.

Like most everything else in 2020, the annual Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally held in late March or early April, the art contest judging was delayed to June because of the school closures and the closure of Indiana Connection’s office at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. IEC staff has… Continue reading.

They did their work nearly 90 years ago. But, the legacy of the men and women who petitioned, paid for and built the electric cooperative that serves your community lives on every time you turn on the lights, watch TV or charge your cell phone. This holiday season, give thanks for the pioneers who helped… Continue reading.

Deep-fried turkeys have had a bad reputation for years because most deep fryers were gas-powered and safe only for the outdoors. Enter electric deep fryers designed for use on kitchen countertops.  To fry your holiday bird, choose a high smoke-point oil such as peanut, canola or sunflower. Search the internet or ask friends for their… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever For an unprecedented third time, Evan has won the “Best of Show” in the latest Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest. Winning the 12th grade division also made Evan a seven-time consecutive grade winner — another unprecedented accomplishment in the calendar contest’s 23 years. The winning works from the contest, which… Continue reading.

As an imposing 6-foot-6, 340-pound burly bad guy professional wrestler, Carmine Azzato wasn’t the type of guy you’d want to bump into on a dark street corner. Azzato wore demonic face makeup, akin to Gene Simmons of the heavy metal rock band KISS, and wrestled under stage names like “Demolition Blast,” “Gravedigger” and “Molokai the… Continue reading.

A five mile stretch of Ind. 162 in Spencer County takes a traveler from the boyhood home of perhaps the greatest president in U.S. history to the “summer home” of one of the most beloved characters in the history of humankind. Both are closely tied to the national holidays we celebrate this month and next…. Continue reading.

Whether purchasing a fresh or frozen turkey for that Thanksgiving dinner, consumers can be confident they are buying a quality product according to the National Turkey Federation. The decision of which to purchase is based on personal preference in price and convenience. Oven-ready fresh and frozen birds are tucked into snug, air- and water-resistant plastic… Continue reading.

National Family Week is the same week as Thanksgiving so you have two good reasons to let your kids help prepare the Turkey Day feast. Of course, you’ll have to keep youngsters away from the hot stove and sharp knives. Still, there are lots of fun, safe ways to get everyone involved. Very young children… Continue reading.

Ever find yourself sweating over an open oven door, staring at your Thanksgiving turkey, basting and basting again, wondering if it’s cooked just right or why the skin won’t bake to a beautiful golden brown? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. Butterball’s Turkey Talk line — 800-BUTTERBALL… Continue reading.

Approximately 46 million turkeys will be eaten at Thanksgiving. The average weight of a turkey purchased for Thanksgiving is                        15 pounds. Many people report drowsiness after eating Thanksgiving dinner. While turkey often receives the blame, studies suggest that carbohydrate-rich meals may cause sleepiness by… Continue reading.