Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: 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.*

Small stations get a boost: USDA Rural Development approved more than $4 million to help Iowa gas stations expand renewable fuel pumps. Rainbo Oil got $589,648 for E15 and biodiesel upgrades at four Dubuque stations -- see what upgrades are planned.

Rural gems beyond the crowds: Discover three quiet Driftless Area spots near Dubuque, from a pioneer village near Elkader to a limestone cave by West Union, plus a little-known preserve for hikers -- explore these Iowa hidden gems.

City landmark set to shine: Dubuque City Council unanimously approved lighting for the historic clock tower earlier this month. The project is expected to be finished by Independence Day to mark the Declaration’s 250th anniversary -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Feel-good gift hunt: If your week needs a little pick-me-up, A Ripple Effect stocks fair trade finds and locally made treasures that actually do some good. Thoughtful, ethically sourced pieces with Dubuque charm... consider this your nudge to grab a just-because gift for someone, including yourself.

Patio, pints, repeat: Spirits Bar and Grill keeps it easy with a newly renovated patio, weekend live music, and the kind of pub menu that solves the “what do we eat” debate. When you need a simple meetup spot, this is the reliable local pick to pencil in this week.

A better wine night: Whether you’re meeting a friend after work or plotting a low-key date, Wicked Dame nails the neighborhood wine bar vibe with thoughtfully picked pours, legit handcrafted cocktails, and the kind of conversation-friendly lighting that makes everyone look 20 percent cooler. Bonus, cozy live-music nights pop up often.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🧘 Gentle Yin + Sound Healing @ The Well Yoga Dubuque | Wednesday (4/29) at 4:15 PM – Take a midweek breather on Wednesdays with Jen Roling’s 75-minute Gentle Yin + Sound Healing at The Well Yoga Dubuque. No pretzel poses, just long holds, cozy props, and bowls and chimes doing the serenading while you breathe, release, and actually relax. Beginner friendly.

🎨 May the Force Paint & Sip Party! @ Captured on Canvas | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Channel your inner Jedi at a paint and sip where the only thing forceful is the pour. No skills required, all supplies included, and bring creativity. Local beer and wine are for sale, snacks are welcome, and outside booze is not.

🎵 Vintage Torque Music Fest @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Craving guitars, grease, and a good cause? Hit Vintage Torque Fest for roots, Americana, rockabilly, and rides, with Anthony Gomes headlining; rain or shine, no presale nonsense, just pay at the gate, $20 a day or $35 for the weekend, benefiting kids with heart defects.

💃 Dubuque Dances with the Stars Season 15 @ Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Season 15 of Dubuque Dances with the Stars means neighbors swapping work boots for ballroom shoes at Mississippi Moon Bar. Expect real smiles, a few heroic twirls, and votes that fuel Olliewood Action Sports and the OAS Foundation, keeping local kids active, confident, and connected.

🍎 Farmers' Market Opening Weekend @ Iowa Street Between 13th and 11th Streets | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Opening weekend of the Dubuque Farmers’ Market is back downtown with fresh produce, flowers, pastries, handmade goods, and that Main Street hum we missed. Bring your tote, grab a coffee, hunt the first strawberries, then wander the shops, support small businesses, and gossip responsibly.

🌷 Annual Troop 51 Flower Sale @ St. Peter Lutheran Church | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Spring cleaning is cute, but your porch still needs color, so swing by Troop 51’s annual flower sale for locally grown Amish blooms. Support the Scouts, dodge big-box chaos, and make the neighbors think you have your life together.

🚀 Lego 'Star Wars' Build Event @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (5/2) – If your inner child still makes lightsaber noises in the cereal aisle, treat it to a free LEGO Star Wars mini-kit, buildable in-store or at home. Bring the kids or grandkids as cover, then claim victory, coffee, and bragging rights, and watch your step later.

Set on a cul-de-sac in the Twin Sister Sub near S. Grandview Ave, this custom 6,100-square-foot residence sits on a .53-acre corner lot with stone and metal insulation board exterior. It features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, two fireplaces, a pool and patio, light oak trim throughout, crown molding, 5-inch baseboards, a three-car garage, and a main-floor primary suite.