A professional blower door test provides readings on air leaks into a home. Most people don’t turn to Gary Hurley until it’s too late. Hurley is energy services manager for Springfield City Water, Light and Power, and he oversees the utility’s home energy audit program. Hurley says CWLP has conducted about 110 energy audits so […]
Special Issues
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Successful home security
Stand-alone camera systems with video recording and remote monitoring are an alternative to security system-integrated video surveillance. PHOTO BY DIANNE CROWN For Michelle Tjelmeland, a good home security system is about personal safety. Various zones in her Springfield home are wired and monitored with door chimes, motion sensors, sirens and flashing lights set to signal […]
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Home and garden events calendar
Demonstration garden programSep 18, 5:30-6pm, Free program, “Creating a Prairie Garden Demo.” University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit, 2501 N. Eighth St., Illinois State Fairgrounds, Bldg. #30. 217-782-4617. Springfield Audubon SocietySep 18, 7pm, Arvin Pierce, ACBees Apiaries, talks about joys and challenges of keeping honeybees. View an observation hive with live bees. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, […]
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The outside is in
A curb appeal-boosting outdoor amenity that fell out of favor for years in new single-family home construction appears to be on the rebound. It’s the front porch, and it’s in greater demand today than it has been in years. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed in June of this year that nearly two-thirds of […]
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Create a warm and cozy space outdoors
More and more people are staying at home to entertain rather than heading out for a night on the town. The trend of staying at home has sparked many homeowners to invest in their backyards, with outdoor kitchens and patios. But, with the crisp fall air, homeowners have to look at how to extend the […]
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Not every home improvement pays off
It was a house of mirrors. But this was the kind you had to live in. “No matter which way you turned, you saw yourself reflected back. It seemed like the entire house was covered in mirrors. Every wall, the ceilings, even the kitchen was mirrored,” says Allyn Rawling, a real-estate agent with Coldwell Banker […]
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Take a walking tour of Rochester houses
Though not featured in the 1918 Orange Judd photo book, this handsome home at 605 East Main, like many others in the neighborhood, invites further exploration. PHOTO BY WILLIAM FURRY If you’ve long thought Rochester the last exit on the Lost Bridge Trail, the end of the line for your urban adventures on the fringes […]
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Explore southern Illinois on the Ohio River scenic byway
Reputedly once a hangout for gangs of river pirates, the large cavern along the Ohio River is the main attraction at Cave-in-Rock State Park in Hardin County. The park also has a restaurant, cabins, campsites, trails and scenic views. PHOTO BY BRENT BOHLEN Once upon a time in far, far southeastern Illinois there lived slaves, […]
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2014 Fall Calendar
AUGUST Pittsfield Fall FestivalAug 28-31, 6pm Thu-Fri, 9am Sat, Food vendors, crafts, carnival and many activities. Parade on Saturday. Free. 217-617-2656. Pike County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St., Pittsfield. Budweiser Illinois Blues FestivalAug 29-30, 1pm-12am Fri-Sat, Internationally-known blues artists on three stages. Bring a lawn chair. Admission. Ticket prices to be announced soon. RiverFront […]
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Lots of good music coming this fall
Donnie’s Homespun showcases the return of rockabilly-infused madman the Reverend Horton Heat Sept. 10. As reliable as the leaves donning their brilliantine colors and that familiar chill exiling the once seemingly interminable humidity, music is once again in the air as autumn gets underway. This fall finds sounds of nearly every stripe making their way […]
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The charms of St. Charles and Batavia
Mary Todd Lincoln’s bed at the Batavia Depot Museum. PHOTO BY CINDY LADAGE When thinking of heading north, often we think of Chicago. The suburbs get lost in the plans. A recent trip reminded me that there is a lot of beauty and history outside the urban sprawl. This fall, when the leaves are turning, […]
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Fall curtain call
The Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield finishes its run of The Mikado on Aug. 29, 30 and 31. PHOTO COURTESY HOOGLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS A good actor isn’t afraid to be emotionally naked in front of an audience. From the silver screen to Broadway, talented thespians figuratively bare themselves to the public. […]
