By Richard G. Biever If sampling a wide variety of chili from cooks all around the Midwest stokes a fire in your belly, then you’ll want to hop aboard the Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity Cook Off, Oct. 16. Billed as “the largest annual chili cook off east of the Mississippi,” the event has attracted… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever Spending a night or weekend in jail probably isn’t high on most people’s bucket lists … unless the stay’s at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville. The inn is literally the old Parke County pokey … hoosegow … the slammer … the calaboose … or “the Rock,” as TV’s Deputy Barney… Continue reading.

Most towns have a mural or two depicting aspects of the town’s history or famous residents. But Jasper County has turned itself into a giant art gallery for murals — painted on buildings throughout the county seat of Rensselaer.  Beginning with just one mural a half dozen years ago, Rensselaer now hosts an annual mural… Continue reading.

Operation at cost is part of the cooperative difference. Electric cooperatives aren’t like other utilities. You, as a consumer and a member, own a portion of the business. And one benefit of that membership involves the allocation of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits. Electric cooperatives operate at cost, collecting enough… Continue reading.

When the economy is uncertain, it’s good to know that your neighbors have your back. One of those good neighbors is your electric cooperative. Your electric co-op exists to provide you safe, reliable and affordable energy. Equally important is our mission to enrich your lives. Your electric utility is locally owned. In fact, you and… Continue reading.

The first successful U.S. cooperative was organized in 1752 when Benjamin Franklin formed the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire — the nation’s oldest continuing cooperative. Electric cooperatives began because it was not cost-effective for investor-owned utllities to string power lines into rural areas in the 1930s.  Indiana Electric Cooperatives,… Continue reading.

Co-ops deliver electricity, sell produce, provide loans, and arrange for housing, health care and more. But despite these differences, they all have one thing in common, especially during National Cooperative Month, — seven cooperative principles: Voluntary and open membership: Available to all who can reasonably use their services. Democratic member control: Each member has one… Continue reading.

You might be surprised by the number of co-ops around you. Co-ops have been formed to sell produce and electricity, offer financial and banking services, provide housing and health care, and so much more. So, where did the bright idea for co-ops come from? It’s a matter of principles (seven to be exact!). The modern… Continue reading.

Muzzleloaders and bumbershoots make Ripley County burst with the curious combo of clouds of black powder and showers of color this month. The county, in the southeast pocket of the state, has long been known for hosting the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in Friendship with its spring and fall competitions. The NMLRA was established… Continue reading.

Air leakage rating: The air leakage rating is a measure of how much air leaks through the crack between the window sash and frame. The rating reflects the leakage from a window exposed to a 25 mile per hour wind and is measured in cubic feet per minute per linear foot of sash crack. Annual… Continue reading.

Air leaks around the home can add 10 percent to your heating bill. Find the leaks in your house and plug them. Some places to look: Windows. On a windy day, light a stick of incense and hold it near the window. If the smoke travels horizontally, your window is leaking. Seal, caulk or weather… Continue reading.