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.

Carrier and Bryant heat pumps recalled due to fire hazard Carrier has recalled six models of ductless outdoor heat pumps, three each under the Carrier and Bryant brands, due to a failing fan motor that can cause the units to overheat and pose a fire hazard. Carrier has received six reports of the heat pumps… Continue reading.

By B. Rosie Lerner  Though your aching back may not agree, heavy winter snows actually are good for your garden and landscape. Snow provides moisture as well as protection from cold and wind. Snow is an excellent insulator against low temperatures and excessive winds. The extent of protection depends on the depth of snow. In… Continue reading.

Electric space heaters and blankets are great ways to stay toasty warm when the temperature drops. But don’t forget about safety before you plug in these chill-chasers. During these winter months, when space heaters and electric blankets come out of hibernation, home fires increase.  “Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in… Continue reading.

Winter is here, and that means snow-covered and icy roads are the new norm. While keeping them clear and safe is the job of your local street maintenance crews or neighborhood associations, it’s up to you to do the same around your home. There are a few options to choose from for keeping your driveway… 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.

Larger-than-life yet all-too-human superheroes, it’s been said, have become one of the most successful and universally enjoyed entertainments in human history. No where is that clearer than when comic book/superhero enthusiasts gather. Here is a list of some of those gatherings, commonly called “comic cons” around Indiana this year. NWI Comic Con  | Feb. 15 … Continue reading.

Other Items to see at the Hall of Heroes Museum! Comic Books  65,000 superhero comic books: Includes complete runs of every title published between 1956 and present, and a large number from 1938-1955. It’s considered one of the largest comic book collections in the world. Visitors may ask to have specific issues pulled and are… Continue reading.

Tiny Kentland, Indiana (estimated population: 1,676), has a huge culinary attraction: an elegant, upscale restaurant that serves discerning diners from far and near. The Old Colonial Inn, located on Kentland’s downtown courthouse square, offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience of classic fare, excellent service and a perfect venue. Rep. Sharon Negele is an Old Colonial Inn… Continue reading.

Has your electric bill ever surprised you? If so, chances are it wasn’t because your charge was too low! The initial shock when your energy bill is higher than expected can lead to confusion.  With the holiday season behind us and winter’s chill in the air, here are a couple of variables that could impact… 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.