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Rise and shine, Dubuque!
Before we get into today’s email… I’m excited to share that we quietly launched BaseLocal Business last week, and 400+ businesses have already signed up 🥹 If you own or manage a local business and want to see what the platform’s all about, you can sign up for free in less than five minutes (if you haven’t already).
We launched the platform to make it easier for the community to connect with local businesses in a meaningful way that benefits everyone… and so far it’s going great.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here and helping us make this newsletter better every day.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Experienced specialists join forces: UnityPoint Clinic Urology in Dubuque has partnered with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, bringing PCI urologists to 1500 Delhi St, and five physicians will join UnityPoint advanced practice provider Grace Adam — see who is joining the clinic.
Local push for period dignity: Candle Ready Cakes in Dubuque is collecting period products to help the Red Basket Project meet rising demand. Donations come with a free cupcake, cake pop, or cake ball — learn how you can help.
Officials weigh safety measures: After crashes tripled near Peosta, Iowa DOT plans to close two Highway 20 intersections in Dubuque County this spring, with speed limits under review as residents call the crossings dangerous — learn what’s being considered.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
From vision to hospitality reality: The Key Hotel, a new boutique spot in Dubuque, has officially opened after a collaboration between the city and the community. Leaders hope it brings more visitors. A public tour already took place at Q Casino and Resort earlier this month. Read the full story.
Find your next lid: From felt to straw, Longhorn Saddlery & Western Wear stocks Stetson, Resistol, American, and more, plus in-store shaping so your brim and crown look intentional, not accidental. Family-owned since 1968, it’s a smart local stop when your tired cap needs a glow-up.
Lash day, sorted: Whether you want a subtle flutter or full drama, Embrace Salon, Spa & Lash Boutique creates custom sets, from light to mega volume, or an easy lash lift. Certified stylists actually listen, so you can reclaim a few morning minutes and feel a little more put together.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
🧘 January Meditation and Music: Sound Healing @ Shalom Spirituality Center | Monday (1/19) at 6:30 PM – Trade the Monday churn for an hour of crystal singing bowls with Morgan Noel at Shalom, where the bowls hum and you do absolutely nothing. Wear comfy clothes, bring a blanket if you’re fancy. $15 with prepay, childcare available, walk-ins pay more.
🎨 Tea Time Paint Party! @ Captured on Canvas | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:00 PM – Tea Time Paint Party is brewing an in-studio paint-and-sip night, step-by-step instruction included, no talent necessary. Bring beer or wine, swap small talk for big brushstrokes, and finally hang something on the wall that isn’t a thermostat. Pre-register to snag a spot.
🏀 STEM Basketball Hoops @ Dubuque County Library – Asbury Branch | Thursday (1/22) at 4:30 PM – Let the kids burn off energy and sneak in some brainpower with a STEM build at the library where they design mini basketball hoops. Think less screen time, more tinkering, measuring, and triumphant swishes. You supervise, they engineer, no glitter, just physics.
🕯 Winter Candle Creators Night @ Goose & Giggles Play Cafe | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Light up winter the civilized way at a cozy candle-making night with Coco & Sage, a grazing table, and a complimentary wine or Carbliss. Pick your vessel, choose winter scents, even make two if you’re feeling fancy. 8 oz is $35, 12 oz is $40.
⛄ Bring it on Snowman @ Captured on Canvas | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Skip the slush and settle in for a paint-and-sip where you’ll bring a cheeky snowman to life, glass or cocoa in hand. No lift lines, just good company, paint-splattered laughs, and an easy credit rollover if life intervenes.
🎶 Nate the Great – The Musical @ The Grand Opera House | Friday (1/23) at 7:00 PM – Whether you read Nate the Great to your kids, or just appreciate a mystery solved before lunchtime, this zippy musical delivers. Art, friendship, creative thinking, and pancakes take center stage, with cats, a tangoing dog, and a blessedly one-hour, no-intermission runtime. Recommended 5+.
🏒 Sioux Falls Stampede at Dubuque Fighting Saints @ ImOn Arena | Friday (1/23) at 7:05 PM – The Fighting Saints are hitting the ice against Sioux Falls at ImOn Arena, and the barn will be buzzing. Your sanctioned chance to yell in public, eat nachos for dinner, and call it community spirit, with cold beer, brisk rink, and plenty of cowbell.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Dubuque report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 6°F – Low: -1°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 6. Wind chill values as low as -22. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -6. West wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 19°F – Low: 13°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as 0. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
This house is wild
Side by side ranch duplex in a highly desirable location, set up for easy single level living with separate entrances and thoughtful updates. Long, reliable rental history underscores how well this property has been cared for over the years. Practical layouts deliver separation and symmetry, and ongoing updates keep maintenance simple and daily flow easy.
One unit offers 2 to 3 bedrooms with a flexible bonus room, 1.5 baths, and a deck. The other features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a garage, and a deck. Twin outdoor spaces and the garage add function.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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