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Hi Hamilton County, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Project Greenlight for safer work zones, a new digital forensics degree, and Maple Fest + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

New protections for road crews: INDOT has launched Project Greenlight to improve work zone safety, giving crews green Guardian Angel lights that make them 89% more visible. Pilots included Indianapolis, affecting Hamilton County drivers — see where pilots launched.

Agri-wellness initiative accelerates impact: Rehab Industries, parent of Rehab Medical, has acquired Indianapolis wellness brand and urban farm Bodi Buzz, aiming to grow more than 15,000 pounds of food this year and expand education — read the full story.

Careers combating cyber threats: Indiana University Indianapolis has launched a new digital forensics bachelor’s degree to train cybercrime investigators, with strong job growth expected. A timely option for Hamilton County students and employers nearby — explore careers and program details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Play pickleball to benefit REALTOR® Foundation
• Celebrate inclusive art with live performances
• Shop local at Westfield Winter Market
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tackle the Big Ugly: Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream serves hand-pattied, flame-grilled burgers from fresh, never-frozen beef on house-made buns, with hand-dipped shakes to match. Ideal for a Monon stroll that turns an ordinary weeknight into something brag-worthy with friends.

Skate night, sorted: Whether you’re dusting off quads or nailing crossovers, Roller Cave brings easygoing energy with thumping playlists, a smooth floor, and batting cages for a quick breather. Gather the crew for a midweek spin that feels nostalgic without trying too hard, then cruise home grinning.

History you can touch: Trade the couch for Conner Prairie, where living-history villages, hands-on play spaces, and cozy Winter on the Prairie scenes spark easy wonder. It’s an effortless pick for families or solo strolls, the kind of place you return to when curiosity needs a nudge.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Hamilton County for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🧺 Little Gardeners Tisket, Tasket, Let’s Make Baskets @ Westfield Washington Township | Thursday (3/5) at 2:00 PM – If the grands need a project that doesn’t involve screens, this hands-on Little Gardeners workshop turns recyclables into charming baskets. Think glue, giggles, and the satisfying smugness of upcycling. You supervise, they craft, everyone leaves with something cute, crooked, and proudly homemade.

🌱 Seed Starting Masterclass @ Wasson Fishers | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Get your garden going before the neighbors act smug about their tomatoes. Wasson in Fishers is hosting a free, expert-led indoor seed starting class with Master Gardener Michele Perrin, covering timing, tools, lighting, seed choices, and hardening off, plus 25% off seeds and supplies.

🕵 Elegant Evening: Clue! @ FORUM Events Center | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Forum Events Center turns into a Clue board as the school’s biggest fundraiser turns intrigue into scholarships and tech upgrades. Bring your best alibi, recruit your favorite sleuths, and let The Flying Toasters keep the evidence dancing, while your auction paddle does the mischief.

🛍 Handmade Vintage Spring Market @ Hamilton County Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Take a break from errands and wander the Llama Barn for a spring market with 50 local makers, unique finds, and zero corporate blah. It’s $5 to get in, kids are free, parking’s free, and your tote bag will finally earn its keep.

🍁 Maple Fest @ Urban Apples Cidery | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – If your syrup standards run high, Urban Apples is hosting a maple-soaked weekend worth the drive. Expect maple-inspired food and drinks, live music from Secret Foxes and Bach to Rock Carmel, plus an all-day Sunday brunch, cozy vibes, and zero judgment for seconds.

🐰 Pet Pictures with the Easter Bunny @ Crate Escapes | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Because your dog deserves awkward holiday photos too, swing by Crate Escapes for pics with the Easter Bunny. Humans stroll in free, pups are free for members or $15 with a day pass, and first-timers score a free future day pass. Ears up, dignity optional.

👜 Purse Bingo @ Delaware Township Community Center | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – Call it cardio for your dauber hand. IAP Purse Bingo is your chance to trade small talk for big wins, with fabulous prizes and handbags worth politely fighting over. Bring your lucky charm, your game face, and your friend who always spots patterns first.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 The Spitfire Grill @ The Switch Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 Elegant Evening: Clue! @ FORUM Events Center – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Music Bingo @ Alley’s Alehouse – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Musky Treasure Music Band @ Spencer Farm Winery – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Jerome Collins @ Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 The Free Radicals @ Urban Apples – 1:45 PM
• 3/9 Clarinet Clinic: Level Up! @ Paige’s Music – 6:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Hamilton County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 64°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 98%

Patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Later: Rain showers before 4am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 75°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 60%

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Scattered rain showers before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This rare 10-acre Noblesville retreat pairs a 2,851-square-foot, 4-bed, 2.5-bath main home with an 864-square-foot guest house offering 2 beds and 1 bath. Sunroom light, crown-molded living spaces, double-vanity baths, and a practical kitchen with backsplash and peninsula set the tone. Outside, there is a private pool, greenhouse, chicken coop, and shed, all minutes from town.

Take a peek inside →