By Emily Schilling Ever since my Barbie moved into her homemade cardboard dream house years ago, I’ve dreamt of having my own tiny house.  Wouldn’t it be cool to be a real-life Alice in Wonderland, living large in a diminutive storybook abode? Furnishings would be sparse and intentional but, of course, super cute, and clutter… Continue reading.

Crusaders for a “tobacco-free generation”; for the homeless, hungry, handicapped and poor; for Jesus Christ; and for the community at large constituted a distinguished crop of students who are the latest to be selected for a Youth Power & Hope Award. Given by Indiana Electric Cooperatives and its magazine, Indiana Connection, since 2009, the Youth… Continue reading.

Who doesn’t love the opening of “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas”? Giant puffy snowflakes float from the sky; the Peanuts gang is out skating on a glistening frozen pond. But if you grew up in the lower three-quarters of Indiana, chances are you probably never experienced the exhilaration or beauty of skating all bundled up outdoors… Continue reading.

Story and Photos by Richard G. Biever  It’s another typical but blustery day in the fair northern Indiana city of Elkhart.  Citizens go about their routines fabricating recreational vehicles and musical instruments. Traffic rolls along the I-80/90 corridor carrying commerce and travelers from near and far.  Meanwhile, just off the toll road in an unassuming… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever Between a U.S. naval base occupying its northern third and a chunk of Hoosier National Forest occupying its southeastern quarter, there isn’t much of Martin County that’s Martin County. But what is left is filled with unique natural attractions and small towns that complement the base, which is known for developing… Continue reading.

Chances are good that you have an electronic item or two in your house that you didn’t have before the holidays. Are you doing all you can to protect that expensive equipment from damage during a power surge? A power surge in a home full of large home appliances and electronics isn’t unusual. According to… Continue reading.

Christmas cookie season is behind us, but don’t put away those baking sheets just yet: Making the sweet treats can be one of the most pleasant ways to pass a chilly, 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… Continue reading.

If you’ve resolved to travel more during 2020, get your house ready.  Traveling is more fun and relaxing when you don’t have to worry about whether your home is safe and secure. Here are five ways to prevent mishaps — and save some energy — during your absence.  Create the illusion that someone is home…. Continue reading.

Most New Year’s resolutions benefit us. If we quit smoking, lose weight or exercise more, for example, we get healthier and happier. This year, add a resolution that benefits others: Volunteer in your community. For starters, your electric cooperative could use your help. Did you know that the board of directors at your electric utility… Continue reading.

Going on a diet again this Jan. 1? Opening a savings account? Joining a gym?  Here’s another one — and it might be easier to keep for longer than two weeks: Do one thing a month that will make your home more energy efficient. Here are 12 easy ideas:  January: Get into the habit of… Continue reading.

’Tis the season to swear off of sugar and fat as you embark on your first diet of the new year. Make it easier on yourself by stocking your kitchen with an array of small appliances designed to cook food the healthy way. Here are seven to consider: Spiralizer. Press a zucchini through this gadget… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling One of my favorite Christmas traditions is spreading some holiday cheer to a lucky reader. In the past, I’ve given out ornaments, Christmas CDs, one of my favorite holiday movies and a gift basket of Christmas goodies. This year, I’d like to share something meaningful as well as practical: the gift of… Continue reading.