Rural Counseling Services

Farmers often struggle to seek help for themselves.  Many of us were taught to be independent and to “grin and bear it” when tough times come around.  Please do not let your pride stand in the way of getting what you need.  Approaching someone – be it spouse, parent, relative or friend – who needs…

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Summer Home Maintenance Tips

With Summer in full swing and the kids out of school, you may be looking forward to cookouts, children playing in the pool or yard, and gatherings of friends and family.  Make sure you and your guests stay safe and happy this Summer by taking steps to keep your home cool and protected from costly…

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Grilling Safety Tips

You’ve been waiting all winter to head outdoors and fire up the grill.  Got the burgers and brats?  Check.  Got the propane or charcoal?  Check.  How about the fire extinguisher?  If not, you’re not quite ready.  Barbecuing is fun, but it comes with hazards.  Consider these safety tips for grilling season to keep your home…

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Lawn Mowing Safety Tips

The Menace of the Mower Every Saturday morning as a child, I would wake to a list of chores my Mom had set out on the kitchen island for me and my sister to complete.  My parents had attached a monetary opportunity with each of the chores, the value growing as the task increased in…

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Don’t let your last text be your last words. Distracted driving can be caused by many different distractions while you are behind the wheel. Common driving distractions include mobile phones, radios, televisions, eating, and dangerous activities such as applying makeup or trying to remove your jacket. People who use cell phones while driving are 34%…

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How to Prevent Flood Damage

According to CNNMoney.com, “Every year, flooding causes more than $2 billion of property damage in the U.S.” and “In a high risk area, your home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire.”  The Insurance Information Institute (or III)…

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Snow Shoveling Tips, Tools and Techniques

Snow shoveling can be a laborious but inevitable winter chore.  Between the snow and ice storms in the colder regions of the U.S., the responsibility to clear your sidewalk, driveway, and various other paths are on the to-do list.  Snow shoveling may seem like a no-brainer, but many people don’t complete the task as effectively…

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Holiday Decoration Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses

The Holiday season is upon us, and it’s a great time for parties with family, friends and coworkers.  As the song goes, it’s time to “deck those halls and trim those trees.” But, you don’t have to be Clark Griswald and overdo your holiday decorations, which can not only be a little tacky, but it…

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13 Tips for a Safe Halloween

Halloween is just a few days away, and many consumers may not realize just how frightening this night could be for their safety, property or accounts. To help individuals, families and businesses enjoy the holiday and protect themselves against Halloween risks, here are 13 Trusted Choice®-endorsed safety tips: Don’t be a scary driver.  Driver sober, slowly…

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