Effort to improve homes' energy efficiency gets under way

This winter will be the first for Tony and Lynn Knowles in their own home, and they're not sure what kind of power bills to expect.

They're not waiting until temperatures drop to find out. With help from a government weatherization program, the Rantoul family is making energy-efficiency improvements to save fuel – and money.

The Home Weatherization Program, coordinated by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, helps income-eligible households raise the energy efficiency of their homes. That might include weather-stripping, insulation for attics and walls, repairs for drafty windows and doors, or even a new fuel-efficient furnace.

Also on this date

• Jamar Smith admits alcoholism, hopes to turn life around
• Bear carcass found in Douglas County
• Murder sentencing interrupted by attacks from victims' relatives
• Law change could affect relationship of Carle clinic, hospital
• Food bank's challenge: Dine on $25 a week
• Group argues for release of Blagojevich subpoenas
• Public hearing on government-health-plan bill set Thursday
• Civilians, former military to gather for reunion at Chanute
• Deliveryman reports being robbed in Champaign
• Obituaries

» More