Take these four precautions if you’re giving Valentine’s Day balloons instead of candy this year.  Tether each balloon to a weight so it can’t float away. When you’re ready to dispose of the balloons, pop them so they can’t become airborne. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines if you’re walking outdoors with… Continue reading.

Eat at home. Save on gas – and reduce emissions – by cooking your Valentine’s Day meal together at home.  Shop locally. Buy locally grown food for your home-cooked meal. That supports your neighbors and ensures that your food hasn’t traveled to reach you — which takes extra energy. While local food may seem scarce… 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.