If ever someone was destined for a career in the electric cooperative industry, it would have to be Blake Kleaving. The Perry County native is a third-generation co-op guy who’s already had multiple jobs, including college internships, with multiple electric cooperative organizations large and small. “Every step of the way,” he said, “it’s all been… Continue reading.

Robert Owen’s Utopian experiment in New Harmony, Indiana, may have lasted only a few short years. But through the coming months of 2021, his legacy in the historic and beautiful southwestern Indiana Wabash River town will be revisited in various in-person and virtual events celebrating his 250th birthday.   Owen was the Welsh-born industrialist and… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever This year marks a half century since the nonprofit organization Keep America Beautiful first aired an unforgettable and now iconic ad campaign. The ad depicted a Native American in full buckskin paddling a canoe through a modern world of polluted water, air and land. “Some people have a deep, abiding respect… Continue reading.

Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of each April. But one Indiana county holds a special place in its heart for a tree that towers daily over the county’s affairs — an attraction that has been around for over 150 years. That county is Decatur County. That tree is none other than “The… Continue reading.

By Paul Wesslund If you want to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, start by making your home more energy efficient. Below are three efficiency tips from energy expert Brian Sloboda of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Look around your home for no-cost ways to be efficient. Close the curtains in the summer and… Continue reading.

Head to your pantry or fridge for help with some common household chores. Clean and disinfect your computer keyboard by gently brushing on and between the keys with an old toothbrush that’s been soaked in a solution made with equal parts water and white vinegar. That same solution can remove water stains on glasses. Pour… Continue reading.

If you’re concerned about harmful chemicals in some cleaning products or are just curious about making your own all-natural alternatives to store-bought cleaners, try these simple recipes that are also good for the environment. Furniture Polish 1 cup mineral oil 1 t. lemon oil Combine. Store in a spray bottle. All Purpose Cleaner 1 part… Continue reading.

Trees add beauty and value to your home. They also attract melodic songbirds to your yard and can help save energy by shading your home in the summer.  If you plan to join in Arbor Day celebrations on April 30 by planting a tree this spring, here are some things to remember: Choose the right… Continue reading.

Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. And finding unusual things to buy from unusual places is especially enticing to a shopaholic like me. That’s why I was so excited to learn about the Unclaimed Baggage Store which, just like its no-nonsense name suggests, sells all kinds of items that were lost in transit or… Continue reading.

At least 2 billion people around the world have vision problems – but how do you know if and when your pet is struggling with its own eyesight? “Sometimes animals struggle with the same eye problems that people do. They’re just not as good at telling us when something is wrong,” said Dr. Wendy Townsend,… Continue reading.

A lot of tourist attractions claim to have “something for everyone.” While few actually live up to the billing, Wilstem Wildlife Park in Southern Indiana is an exception.  You like exotic animals from around the world? Wilstem has them. Animals from down under? Got those. You like native North American critters? Wilstem has them …… Continue reading.

By Pamela A. Keene  Whether you have a multiple-acre plot or a patio, you can grow your own vegetables. With a little bit of know-how and a sunny place, enjoying the bounty of your own labors can be fun, rewarding and tasty. “There are so many reasons to grow your own vegetables and the flavors… Continue reading.