Now that it’s April, it’s safe to say that spring is officially here. Many see spring as a time for renewal — and a good time to deep clean your house. As we move into a new season, it could be an opportunity to give back to others in your community. Thanksgiving and Christmas are… Continue reading.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. When spring thunderstorms occur, many areas can also experience flooding. Flash floods can develop quickly and with no warning. This can cause outages, disrupt transportation, and damage buildings. BEFORE A FLOOD AFTER A FLOOD STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM ARRIVES Follow these tips when… Continue reading.

Thunderstorms can pop up at any time, but having a plan in place and being aware can keep you and your family safe. KNOW YOUR RISK Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In Indiana, they can occur year-round and at any hour. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and… Continue reading.

By Natalie Derrickson The remnants of a late 1800s railway stamp the divide between past and present at the entrance to The Bag Factory, but what’s inside is anything but old-fashioned. Big dreams have been synonymous with The Bag Factory since its original purpose as the Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Co. Today, The Bag Factory is… Continue reading.

When Mike Sheets returned to his hometown in Newton County after playing college football, he would tell folks who asked about his career that he was a lineman — “but not for the Chicago Bears.” After following in his father’s shoes as an electrician, he joined Newton County REMC. He became a lineman, all right… Continue reading.

By Nicole Thomas Located between the Wabash River and the Illinois state border, Vermillion County was Indiana’s 50th official county. It is adjacent to Illinois’ own Vermilion County, making it one of 11 counties in the U.S. bordering a county with the same name in another state. Clinton, Indiana, is Vermillion County’s largest city. A… Continue reading.

Electric bikes are becoming more popular as people find new ways to exercise or reduce their carbon footprint. Read on to learn how they work and whether an e-bike suits your lifestyle. By Brian D. Smith Electric bicycles may seem like a 21st-century phenomenon, but in fact, the first e-bike patent was granted in the… Continue reading.

By Richard Biever “Don’t look back,” legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige used to advise. “Something might be gaining on you.” For most of us, that something is time. But in our headlong rush around life’s bases, a glance over the shoulder is sometimes appropriate. This is mine. This is my final issue as senior editor… Continue reading.

By Natalie Derrickson Catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse or pick up a new pastime while exploring Indiana’s observatories. The zone of totality slices through the Hoosier state on April 8. Get a front-row seat with a visit to one of Indiana’s observatories open to the public. Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium Indianapolis A… Continue reading.

Knowing the right time to plant vegetables and herbs can be tricky. The following is a timeline from the Purdue University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture to serve as a guide for when to plant.

Adding a vegetable garden is a great way to connect with nature, save a little money at the grocery store, and eat healthier. Here are some tips for adding a vegetable garden to your yard. SELECT A SITE When picking a spot for your future vegetables, choose a sunny spot, as most vegetables do best… Continue reading.

Like your house, your garden needs a good cleaning and some maintenance before the start of the new season. Here are some steps to get your garden and yard in top shape. CHECK YOUR TOOLS Go over your tools and make sure they are sharpened and oiled. Also, consider expanding or updating your garden tools…. Continue reading.