Think long-term There are actually two costs to mull over when you’re shopping for an appliance: The first covers the purchase price and the second is the cost of operating the item during its lifetime. Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to think about how often you will use the appliance and how long it… Continue reading.

Recalls help protect the public from products that may cause illness or injuries. A government agency or manufacturer will alert the public to take specific actions — some recalls ban the sale of an item and instruct you to throw away the product, while others ask for you to return the item for replacement or… Continue reading.

Electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives, and whether you’re shopping for a new TV set, personal computer or video gaming system, the last thing you want is to make a purchase that you end up regretting. Here are four things to remember when picking out your next gadget: Check out reviews… Continue reading.

By Stephanie Groves Ashley Curry is the production and design coordinator for Indiana Connection and is the newest member of the team. She’s a creative whiz who designs beautiful magazine layouts — and is also a ray of sunshine to be around. Here’s more about her:    My role at Indiana Connection is to design… Continue reading.

The day before our nation’s “four score and seventh birthday,” the momentous question whether the United States would survive intact to celebrate any future birthdays hinged on the outcome of the Civil War battle fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This month marks the 160th anniversary of that battle. Fought July 1-3, 1863, Gettysburg is perhaps the… Continue reading.

Jefferson County was one of Indiana’s first counties. It was formed in 1811 before Indiana was even a state. Its seat, Madison, was one of Indiana’s largest cities until after the Civil War. Like most of the counties along the state’s southern border, Jefferson was shaped geographically, culturally and economically by the Ohio River. Madison… Continue reading.

The Guatemalan villager stood just inside the door frame of the cabin she shares with her husband in Peña Roja, high in the mountains near Mexico. Asked what she thought about the momentous event about to occur — electricity in her home for the first time — she said rather matter-of-factly through an interpreter, “What… Continue reading.

When it comes to cats and dogs, pet lovers find all kinds of significance and meaning in dubbing our furry friends. But how do you choose the perfect one? Here are some tips that might help: Get to know your pet firstSome people have a name picked out before even picking up their new pet from… Continue reading.

By Stephanie Groves Lauren Carman, Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ communication manager, has been with IEC for over two years and is vital to the magazine; one reason is that she sets deadlines for the year to keep us on track. Here’s more about her:   In my role, I get to do a little bit of… Continue reading.

For many, summertime is synonymous with fireworks. It is safest and recommended to sit back, relax and leave the brilliant displays to the experts, but if you choose to light fireworks, remember these tips:

Now is the perfect time to make a few changes around the house to help keep you cool and lower your energy bill. Replace your air filters once a month during the summer. When air conditioner filters get dirty, they can get clogged, and the air can’t flow freely through them. This forces your air… Continue reading.

As the temperature rises, so does the opportunity to explore and enjoy your surroundings. Here are five ways to help protect you and your family as you work and play outside this summer.  Pools and electricity don’t mix Planning to take a dip in the pool? Electrical devices, such as stereos, should be kept at… Continue reading.