As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, here are some recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Visit www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls for full details of these recalls and for notices of many more. Choking hazard causes recall of children’s book “Find the Bear,” a soft fabric book by Manhattan… Continue reading.

By B. Rosie Lerner Q: I’m having an argument with my wife about a plant in our yard, and we hope you can help arbitrate. I’ve sent a photo of a plant that we found growing near some shrubs. Neither of us remember planting it. My wife thinks it’s pretty ground cover and that we… Continue reading.

Indoor Electrical Safety During the winter months, it’s easy for cords to get misplaced or collect some dust. Take the time to move extension cords out of high traffic areas of the home to avoid a tripping hazard and decide whether they are still useful to you.  Inspect cords, plugs and outlets to ensure everything… Continue reading.

By Brandon Juergens Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is always a good idea, but it can be expensive. That’s why so many people are now growing their own produce. It’s not only budget friendly, but we also feel good knowing where our food comes from, and how it was grown — most notably (and hopefully)… Continue reading.

In small cities and towns all around America, the town square is the heart of the community. It’s a gathering place for area residents and offers an opportunity for locally owned stores and restaurants to conveniently serve customers and thrive. Columbia City’s town square features the aptly named eatery, The Square. Located in a historic… Continue reading.

Two feast days this month make St. Joseph County a divine choice to feature. The first is March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day. The county on the Michigan border, of course, is home to the renowned University of Notre Dame, whose athletic teams are known as “The Fighting Irish.” The pugilistic leprechaun with raised dukes… Continue reading.

Disclaimer: The Energy column provides general information to help you manage your energy costs. Some electric cooperatives may not offer all the programs mentioned in this column. By Bob Geswein, guest columnist With spring comes a natural desire to remodel our homes or perhaps even build a new abode. Often during this time of year,… Continue reading.

A growing concern for years, especially for those in the world of agriculture, has been the marked decline of bee populations necessary for pollination of plants and crops. That concern was dialed upward last year with the addition of the rusty patch bumblebee to the list of endangered species. It is the first bee to… Continue reading.

By Brian D. Smith Call me Mr. Tomato Head. That’s the nickname I earned in a previous job after gathering ripe tomatoes from my backyard garden at the crack of dawn, hauling them to my downtown Indianapolis office, and tempting my co-workers with the offer, “Free to good homes!” And these were no run-of-the-mill ’maters,… Continue reading.

Do you know why the cooperative holds an annual meeting each year? It gives you the opportunity to vote for your board of directors, hear important financial information and, of course, pick up your free registration gift and energy credit! Noble REMC’s annual meeting and picnic is a community gathering where members can meet new… Continue reading.

Most people don’t get to celebrate their birthday and retirement within 24 hours of each other, but that’s just how Serviceman Dave Dunn planned it. Dunn celebrated his 56th birthday on Feb. 5 and retired the next day after more than 24 years with the cooperative. Starting as a journeyman lineman on Oct. 31, 1994,… Continue reading.

By Brian Hawk No, it’s not the latest technology at your favorite airport. It’s not the center of the wheel on a Smart car either. It is, however, the best way for you to manage your account at Noble REMC. The SmartHub app is loaded with options from something as easy as viewing and paying… Continue reading.