Most people celebrate July 4 by watching a local, professional fireworks show — supervised by firefighters. But if you’re starting the performance early with consumer fireworks, here are some tips:  Your fireworks might be legal, but that doesn’t mean they are safe. The National Council on Fireworks Safety and the U.S. Fire Administration report thousands… Continue reading.

BY BRIAN D. SMITH Fifty years ago this month, a man on the moon joined the man in the moon, pressing a human footprint onto the grainy gray lunar surface for the first time in history. Neil Armstrong’s July 20, 1969 milestone step (he was soon accompanied by fellow astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin) came 6½… Continue reading.

BY NICK ROGERS Spring Mill State Park boasts the usual activities, campsites and trails (eight to be exact, ranging from 1/3 to 2½ miles). But most parks don’t serve food using cornmeal made from an active, 202-year-old mill. And you’d be hard-pressed to find NASA spacecraft near nature elsewhere. On 1,358 acres about 3 miles… Continue reading.

BY TIMOTHY J. GIBB It is tick talk time. When I say “tick talk,” I am not referring to a timekeeping device, such as a watch or a clock. I am simply pointing out it is the best time to discuss ticks and their potential danger. Most people have had the disagreeable experience of finding… Continue reading.

No one will argue that Indiana weather can be unpredictable. A long-term drought could be overtaken by major flooding all in the course of days.  During the spring and summer, farmers are growing their crops and rainfall is needed to sustain proper crop growth and development. Because Indiana has different types of soil, irrigation equipment… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling My daughter says I’m a teenager stuck in a mom’s body. Why? I’m a boy band fan who once sat in the front row at a 1D concert. I read young adult fiction — and watch adaptations of those books when they’re made into movies. I’m obsessed with Hello Kitty. I know… Continue reading.

As the summer heat beats down, we want our homes and vehicles to keep us cool. But what happens when your car’s AC system isn’t working properly? For those willing to tackle a DIY project, there are some steps you can take to recharge your auto’s AC. First, purchase a charge kit for your car…. Continue reading.

BY NICK ROGERS Indianapolis may be Indiana’s hub, but the heart of our state’s history hugs the Ohio River just two hours south in Harrison County. Named for William Henry Harrison, who went on to serve as the ninth President of the United States, the county was founded in 1808. Eight years later, on what’s… Continue reading.

BY ZACH MOTSINGER Bigger must be better! This is a common misconception of many homeowners during the heating and air equipment buying process. Although it may sound attractive to size your system to its largest capacity, from an energy efficiency standpoint it is never a good idea to oversize your furnace or air-conditioning unit. Have… Continue reading.

Family-owned restaurants are a rarity in these days of chain eatery domination. But The Saratoga in downtown Terre Haute has been lovingly run by the Malooley family since 1942.  Back then, Joe Malooley purchased the restaurant from local attorney George Nasser. Nasser was the brother-in-law of Joe’s brother, Abe. When Abe returned home from serving… Continue reading.

Decatur County REMC held its annual meeting of the membership on June 14 at the Decatur County Fairgrounds. It was so fun to see so many of you. We had a great time visiting, eating Chick-fil-A and ice cream, being entertained by some wonderful piano music, and learning more about our cooperative.   In case… Continue reading.

BY BRIAN D. SMITH He’s old enough to get the senior discount at Arby’s. But 55-year-old Brian “The Human Fuse” Miser isn’t standing in line for roast beef. He’s on ABC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent,” preparing to be set ablaze and shot through the air from a giant crossbow as a panel of judges and a… Continue reading.