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Sheriff Webster offers tips for a safe Halloween
[Oct. 22, 2007] Soon our streets will be scattered with little ghosts, goblins and witches trick-or-treating this Halloween. “Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun,” said Chatham County Sheriff Richard Webster.

Consumer Reports finds some stylish vacuums to be sub-par performers
[Sep. 26, 2007] While vacuum marketers continue to push allergen relief along with the usual cleaning, results from a new Consumer Reports test show that those promises mean less than they suggest. Months of rigorous testing on vacuums at all price levels also showed that some new names and designs didn’t cut it in Consumer Reports’ evaluations.

Consumer Reports reveals ten things you can do to save hundreds on energy costs
[Sep. 23, 2007] As the colder months quickly descend, consumers should take the time to ensure their home is as energy-efficient as possible. Consumer Reports’ October issue features a full report on what consumers can do now to save hundreds of dollars on their energy bill.

Consumer Reports reveals the ten most hyped kitchen products
[Jul. 31, 2007] Consumer Reports’ latest tests reveal that many of the most loudly hawked products (and often most expensive) delivered less than they promised and several were beaten by the old standards that cost far less.

Consumer Reports rates six Cascade detergents with enzymes tops
[Jul. 3, 2007] Six Cascade detergents topped the ratings of 22 detergents in Consumer Reports’ latest dishwasher detergent reviews: Cascade Complete (liquid); Cascade Complete With Bleach Hydroclean Action (liquid); Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs With the Power of Dawn (pac); Cascade Complete With Bleach Hydroclean Action (powder); Cascade 2 in 1 With Bleach Hydroclean Action (pac); and Cascade Powerful Cleaning Plus Shine Shield (powder).
Also: Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports' tips on how to sell your home in a down market
[Jun. 27, 2007] Unlike a couple of years ago, you’re likely not going to have an easy time selling your home. But there are some ways to make your home stand out in the very crowded marketplace, and you won't have to break the bank to do so. When the housing market was hot, many homeowners believed that pouring money into their homes would pay off big when they eventually sold. But remodeling and upgrading are generally mediocre investments—few projects pay for themselves.

Consumer Reports rates gas grills in latest tests
[May 20, 2007] Two midsized grills costing under $500 outperformed other grills that cost up to three times the price, according to Consumer Reports’ latest reviews of gas grills in the June issue.

Well disinfection
[May 2, 2007] Shock chlorination is a simple procedure for disinfecting wells. Use a solution made of calcium hypochlorite containing 65% to 70% available chlorine such as HTH granules. DO NOT household bleach as this is too weak. All new wells should be disinfected before use. Existing wells may not be safe sources of water for drinking or cooking if disease-causing bacteria have entered the water.

Makeover your garden room with five expert tips
[Apr. 24, 2007] Whether you are looking to create an outdoor retreat or just want a great place to entertain this summer, night and day backyard transformations can be a blooming success with tips from a pro any gardener can follow.

How to hire a landscaper
[Apr. 24, 2007] How do you hire a landscaper? Or a tree service? It’s probably not terribly different from hiring a painter or carpenter. You probably start by asking your friends and family. If that doesn’t work, you have to look a little further. Even if friends and family make good recommendations, your tastes and requirements may be individual. Your friends and family may have personalities that get along well with people with whom you are less comfortable. By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent

Consumer Reports finds that travel insurance is rarely needed
[Apr. 14, 2007] In most cases, travelers would do better saving their money for souvenirs, rather than wasting it on travel insurance, says the May issue of Consumer Reports. Travel insurance often merely duplicates coverage that people already have. CR recommends that travelers should think twice before purchasing products including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, personal effects or baggage coverage, emergency medical assistance, accidental death policies, and others.

Consumer Reports reveals Costco and Sam's Club offer better prices
[Apr. 10, 2007] Consumer Reports examined the nation's two biggest warehouse clubs - Sam's Club and Costco - to determine which one best deserves consumers' membership dollars. The result: The deals are great day in and day out from both, but there are differences that can guide people's choice if they haven't joined, or lead them to switch clubs.

Consumer Reports tests reveal that expensive wrinkle-free shirts aren't always better
[Feb. 26, 2007] Consumer Reports’ tested no-iron—or wrinkle-free—men’s shirts to see if they really could stay smooth after repeated washes and found three shirts costing $40 each that scored among the top five.

2007 Oyster awards: Consumer Reports adds inductees to their hard-to-open packaging hall of shame
[Feb. 24, 2007] Consumer Reports has bestowed its second annual Oyster Awards upon two worthy recipients-the Oral-B Sonic Complete Toothbrush Kit and the Bratz Sisterz doll. The full results of the Oyster Awards are reported in the March 2007 issue.