There are two ways to make a budget — spend less or earn more. Unfortunately for the Postal Service “earn more” is going by the way of e-mail, electronic bill pay, online advertising, texting and instant messaging. According to Great Lakes Communications Manager Victor Dubina, the Postal Service processed and delivered 213 billion pieces of [...]

Surrounded by corn and bean fields approximately 11 miles east of Rantoul, Ill. lies the quiet community of Penfield. Situated on the eastern edge of town is the former Penfield Grade School. It’s been more than two decades since students attended the school, but the school is still being used to provide a history lesson [...]

Dear Jim: Our house has its original single-pane ­windows, and we always feel chilly near them. I got quotes on ­having them replaced, but I can’t afford it now. What can I do in the meantime to improve the efficiency of the old windows?-Pete N.   Dear Pete: I’m not surprised to hear you feel [...]

Because heat pumps are the most efficient electric heating and cooling technology, they are an excellent choice if your home needs a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrade. While electric resistance heaters are about 100 percent efficient, meaning all the electricity that goes into it is used to generate heat, heat pumps can claim [...]

After maintaining a steady pace for a century, lighting technology has begun to leap forward, fueled by tightening energy efficiency standards and hefty incentives for ­manufacturers. And despite a bit of price shock on some lighting ­products, co-op members-especially large commercial and industrial accounts-are working with their local, not-for-profit, consumer-owned power providers to see if [...]

Different people have different ways of worshiping. Some share scripture, raise their hands, sing, pray, dance in praise, meditate. Some fellowship together over a meal, sometimes a potluck, sometimes the Lord’s Supper. Some go to a church building, a temple, a mosque, sit by a lake or in a tree-stand. And those who deliver the [...]

To get more ideas and accurate information on energy-saving ideas, go to www.togetherwesave.com. The Energy-Savings Home Tour gives members information on landscaping for efficiency, and interior and exterior home tips to save money on your electric bill.

By Cindy Ladage February is the time of year when utility bills seem to be the highest and as you gaze at your energy consumption you begin to think, how can I reduce my bill? The light bulb goes on and the word “energy audit” comes to mind. While this is something I always say [...]

The year 2012 is showing improvement in home sales over 2011, a positive for prospective home sellers. The first two months, according to records provided by the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR), indicate increased sales of 16.1 percent in January and 25.4 percent in February which included Leap Day. At the time of publication, sales [...]