News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Opinion

August 30, 2010

Readers' Forum: Aug. 30, 2010

. — Dealing with effects of the hot summer

Duke Energy customers have used more energy this summer as temperatures have soared. For instance, in July our Indiana customers used 21 percent more power than the same month last year. Higher energy usage also means higher energy bills. We have some programs that can help customers manage their summer electric bills:

n Budget Billing — The free service is an easy way to manage bills by enabling customers to pay a consistent amount each month. It helps smooth out spikes in bills due to extreme temperatures.

n Online Services — We talk to thousands of customers each day who have general questions about their bills. Our online services program is a way for customers to compare their bills from month-to-month, see weather data affecting electric usage; gather energy saving tips and learn more about their personal energy use.

Finally, it is important for any customer who is having bill payment problems to contact us right away. We know that this summer’s bills could present challenges for our customers and good communication can be key to getting help. You can reach us at 1-800-521-2232. You can also go to duke-energy.com to learn more about any of our programs.

— Rick Burger

Area Manager

Duke Energy



Warm tribute to a ‘great man’

Virgil Marlow was born in Howesville and raised to be a man of great integrity, that had been passed down through traditions. He shared wisdom, great pride, respect and compassion with family, friends, neighbors and fellow farmers. He was proud to carry on the name of “Marlow” to be a name of honor. His word was as good as gold. His goal was to pass his ethics and values down to his children.

The biggest example Virgil shared to show wise investment for the future was after graduation he had saved up $500. He would say, “I could have went out and bought a brand new car, but instead I purchased forty acres,” which he still owns to this day.

Virgil graduated from Coalmont High School in 1948. Their class motto was “Small is the diploma, but mighty the effort to win it.” Virgil’s classmates called him “Wits.” His class motto was “Ambition is the light of tomorrow.” He was quoted to always be heard to say, “Prove It!” His ambition was to be a “gentleman.” His goal for his future was to become a “horse trader.” He was close, he became a farmer and a cattleman.

Virgil and his brother, Stanley, known as “Marlow Brothers Farm” farmed 1,600 acres. During the spring Virgil would plant, working day and night, beating the weather, and his rows had to be perfectly straight. During harvest season he would work day and night, beating the weather, along with checking the dryers on the corn bins every two or three hours. During the winter Virgil would attend Purdue University to learn the most updated techniques to be a better farmer along with preparing the farm equipment for the spring. Virgil also sold Pioneer Seed Corn during the winter and won several top salesman awards from Pioneer Seed Corn.

Virgil retired from farming at 50 and share-cropped the farm ground. He studied for his real estate license to become a real estate investor and developer.

Virgil would spend his weekends using the skills in excavating from his father, Lebert, to excavate lakes in areas others never saw possible.

Virgil sponsored several children with special health needs to the St. Louis Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children through his lifetime membership of the Terre Haute Shriners. He also served as president for a period of time.

It was a family tradition with Virgil, his father and brother to be members of the Terre Haute Oriental Band that participated in various parades in the surrounding communities.

Virgil and is wife, Leta, were always donating their time and food for large gatherings in time of need, with their large iron kettle of home-cooked beans and cornbread. They loved helping the community in anyway they could.

During the winter months they enjoyed staying in Sebring, Fla., on Lake Jackson for the last 15 years. Virgil worked hard every day because he loved working hard until his health would no longer allow him to at 78.

I would always give my dad a big hug and a kiss on the forehead and say, “I love you, Dad, I just want you to be proud of me.” He would always reply, “I am, I’m proud of all my children, Cy, Cyd, Shari and Ty.”

— Shari L. Marlow

Jasonville

Kind words for Durr’s Towing

My name is Glenn Brooks, a disabled veteran who was recently traveling through your area on I-70 returning home from Phoenix, Ariz., where I was attending vocational rehabilitation.

I had the misfortune of having the axle break on my trailer. But as luck would have it, I called Durr’s Towing and Recovery. Not only did they get me off the dangerous interstate and recover my trailer and its contents, but Bob and his crew helped me get home that night with a trailer of his. The next day, Bob went completely out of his way to call around to check on axles for me so it could be repaired.

I can still remember sitting in that office feeling that I was at the end of my rope, not knowing where to turn or what to do, but thanks to Bob and the crew of Durr’s Towing, I have a renewed faith in people. There are great people out there, you just have to look a little harder or be in the right place at the right time.

What a hidden gem you have in your community. You all should feel lucky. They did all this for a perfect stranger, granted, a paying customer, but nonetheless a grateful one.

— Glenn Brooks

Tiffin, Ohio

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