Indiana

Save money on lawn care with smart mowing habits, says Consumer Reports

Published

1 month ago

April 30, 2026

Save money on lawn care with smart mowing habits, says Consumer Reports

INDIANAPOLIS (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Looking to save money on lawn care this season? Consumer Reports says the key may be in how you mow and how you maintain your equipment. After cutting more than 500,000 square feet of grass in testing, CR’s experts say a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your lawn, and your budget, in shape.

Each year, Consumer Reports mower tester Dave Trezza heads to Florida during the winter months to get a head start on testing. There, on more than five acres of grass with hills, trees, and other obstacles, CR evaluates dozens of mowers and tractors for cutting performance, handling, mulching, and bagging.
One of the biggest takeaways from all that testing is that proper maintenance can save you money. Trezza says most mowers can deliver a good cut, but only if they’re well cared for. That means sharpening the blade at the start of the season and keeping the mower deck clean so it performs efficiently.

How you mow also matters. Consumer Reports recommends mulching your grass instead of bagging it whenever possible. Mulching returns nutrients back into the lawn, which can reduce the need for fertilizer and save money over time. A good mulching mower should leave an even cut without clumps of grass behind.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, Consumer Reports says to match the machine to your yard. For larger or sloped lawns, a self-propelled mower can make the job easier. Gas-powered models, like the Yardmax YG2760, can offer strong performance at a lower price point, cutting and mulching as well as more expensive options in CR’s tests.

For smaller yards or those looking to save even more, a battery-powered push mower can be a great choice. Consumer Reports found that models like the Ryobi RY401170VNM deliver an even cut and excellent mulching performance. Compared to gas mowers, battery-powered options also require less maintenance and run more quietly.

No matter which type of mower you use, Consumer Reports says cleaning it after each use is essential. Grass clippings can build up on the deck, leading to rust and reduced airflow, which can hurt performance over time.

With the right mower, proper maintenance, and a few smart mowing habits, you can keep your lawn looking great—without overspending.

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Indiana

Hobart police officer rescues family from house fire

Published

2 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Press Room

Hobart police officer rescues family from house fire

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Monday, June 1, 2026 3:34AM

NW Indiana police officer rescues family from house fire

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — A northwest Indiana family is safe thanks to the heroic actions of a Hobart police officer.

Adam Zormier rescued a woman and four children from a burning home.

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ABC7 talked to Zormier, who told us he was on patrol in Hobart on Sunday when he noticed heavy black smoke in the air.

He discovered it was coming from the windows and roof of a house in nearby Merrillville.

A Good Samaritan helped him knock on doors. When there was no answer, he forced his way in.

Zormier was treated for smoke inhalation. No one was seriously hurt.

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Indiana

Indiana EMT charged with sexually assaulting 14-year-old in the back of an ambulance during transport

Published

13 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Press Room

Indiana EMT charged with sexually assaulting 14-year-old in the back of an ambulance during transport

(WXIN/WTTV) — An EMT working for an Indiana ambulance service has been arrested after accusations that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old while transporting them to the hospital.

Ronald D. Elliott Jr., 37, was officially charged Wednesday with a slew of child sex crimes. Online jail records show Elliott, who lives in Dunreith, was arrested Thursday and booked into Delaware County Jail without bond.

Booking photo of Ronald Elliott Jr. (Delaware County Jail)

The arrest stems from accusations made by a 14-year-old who told police that Elliott sexually assaulted her in the back of an ambulance during a February transport from Muncie to Monroe County.

The alleged victim came forward on March 16 and told Indiana State Police investigators that an EMT had forced her into sexual contact while taking her to a medical facility in Bloomington.

The juvenile said that Elliott, who is listed as an EMT for Quest Ambulance Service, began showing her pictures and videos on his cell phone during the transport. The files reportedly included photos of Elliott’s genitals and videos of him engaged in sexual activities.

Elliott is then alleged to have groped the teenager under her clothes and exposed himself to her. The girl said this led to Elliott sexually assaulting her in the back of the ambulance while en route to Bloomington.

The 14-year-old said that, after the assault, Elliott provided her with his “Mr. Fogger” nicotine vape as well as his phone. The girl told officers she signed into her Instagram account on Elliott’s phone, and court documents state she failed to log off after leaving the ambulance.

It was through the girl’s Instagram account that Elliott allegedly found a second juvenile victim. Identified as Victim 2 in court documents, Elliott reportedly began messaging the 13-year-old girl on Instagram. Throughout his conversations, the 37-year-old EMT is alleged to have:

Called the juvenile a “young sl-t”
Lied about his age, claiming he was 18 years old
Sent a picture of himself only wearing a towel
Made “sexually suggestive” comments about “good naughty girls”
Told the 13-year-old girl she “looks cute”

During an interview with Elliott conducted on March 25, the EMT reportedly admitted to letting the 14-year-old use his phone and nicotine vape. However, he denied any sexual contact with the girl and said that any nude images she may have seen on his phone were an accident.

After uncovering “corroborating evidence” from both Elliott’s cell phone and the victim’s Instagram account, police requested that a warrant be filed for his arrest. Online court records show that the warrant was granted on Thursday.

Indiana State Police said that Elliott was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop. Delaware County Jail records show Elliott was booked around 2:30 p.m. Thursday. He now faces the following several Level 4 felony charges including child seduction, child solicitation, and sexual conduct with a minor.

No other information was included in the probable cause affidavit filed against Elliott.

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