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Rise and shine, Hamilton County! In today’s planning-your-week edition: Garth Brooks concerts, a haunted ghost walk, and the Hamilton County 4-H Fair + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A rare cinematic event: Downtown Indy’s IMAX at the Indiana State Museum will launch The Odyssey’s opening weekend Friday, July 17, with IMAX 70mm screenings, photo ops, a Trojan Horse, and a discussion -- see what opening weekend offers.
Back-to-school dates ahead: Classes will start July 30 in Noblesville, August 5 in Hamilton Southeastern, August 12 in Carmel Clay, and August 17 in Westfield Washington across Hamilton County -- see the full schedule.
Big country concert news: Garth Brooks will play two shows in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 21 and 22, with both performances recorded for his new live album for fans across central Indiana -- get the ticket details.
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.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked — see your options.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Fresh fade, anyone? Skip the risky DIY clippers and let Magic Hat Barber Shop handle the cut, beard trim, or cleanup that makes Monday feel less Monday. Friendly barbers, clean lines, and that just-right confidence boost... perfect for Hamilton County life this week when you want to look dialed without overthinking it.
Lashes that actually behave: The Babe Cave turns everyday eyes into effortless, wake-up-and-go ones with lash extensions that hold up to workouts, pool days, and kid-chaos. And if you’ve been flirting with a career switch, their Indiana Department of Health approved lash training helps locals turn that obsession into a legit skill.
Speakeasy vibes nearby: The Broken Barrel keeps things cozy with low lights, leather chairs, and a bourbon list that reads like a happy novel. Settle in for a handcrafted cocktail that actually tastes crafted, then let the evening meander the way Friday nights in Carmel should.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Not every financial advisor has to put you first: It surprises a lot of folks, but "financial advisor" isn't a regulated promise. Only fiduciaries are legally bound to act in your best interest, while others can recommend products that earn them a commission. SmartAsset's free tool asks you a few questions and matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area, so you can compare them and decide for yourself. There's no cost to get matched and no obligation to hire anyone. *Find your match →
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 →
A blown engine can cost more than your car is worth: And it almost never warns you. One day it runs fine, the next you're staring at a $7,000 repair on a car you still rely on every morning. That's the kind of bill an extended warranty exists to absorb, the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that wreck a budget overnight. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. Enjoy a free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee on top. *See everything it covers → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Our favorite events this weekAll the best things to do this week. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
⚖ Better Balance & Safer Living @ Westfield Washington Public Library | Monday (7/13) at 6:00 PM – Monthly at the Township building, there is a free balance and fall prevention workshop with real physical therapists, no spandex required. Learn how your balance works, why falls are not a given, and simple habits to stay steady, confident, and independent.
🪡 Stitch your pet @ Crate Escapes (Westfield) | Wednesday (7/15) at 6:30 PM – Crate Escapes is hosting a beginner-friendly embroidery workshop where you finally immortalize your dog or cat in thread, no prior stitches or saintly patience required. Katie Brewer of Kt Kreations guides you step by step, supplies included, you just bring something to stitch on.
🎡 Hamilton County 4-H Fair @ Hamilton County Fairgrounds (Noblesville) | Thursday (7/16) at 9:00 AM – Nothing says Hamilton County summer like wandering the 4H Fair and ending up in the Llama Barn, where HCL is posted up and the fleece is strong. Expect curious snouts, kid-approved chaos, and quietly judgy llamas, plus demos and surprises as the schedule rolls out.
🎬 Movies at Midtown @ Midtown Plaza Carmel | Thursday (7/16) – If your couch has seen enough of you, trade it for the lawn at Midtown’s outdoor movie night. Family-friendly favorites on a big screen, blankets and lawn chairs, and that nostalgic under-the-stars vibe. Easy, low-key, and conveniently snackable with Midtown’s eats.
🏚 Westfield Haunted Underground Railroad Ghost Walk @ Westfield City Hall | Friday (7/17) at 8:30 PM – Trade your true crime podcast for goosebumps with a ghost walk through our quaint, dark downtown, where Underground Railroad spirits, helpful locals, and modern scoundrels still stir up stories. It wraps at a historic cemetery, reservations required, outside with a possible indoor stop.
🍔 Hot Grill Summer Market @ Carmel Food Truck Nights | Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 PM – Hot Grill Summer Market is basically a neighborhood cookout, but with 40-plus local vendors and fewer awkward small talk traps. Think food trucks, live music, lawn games, and cold drinks, plus hot grill energy and cool finds, all wrapped in peak Carmel summer.
💃 Noblesville Street Dance @ Noblesville Main Street Inc | Saturday (7/18) at 5:00 PM – Downtown turns into a dance floor for this free community celebration on the Historic Noblesville Square, a true summer staple. Expect live music, food smells wafting, and neighbors you know by face, if not name. Bring your best two-step, a lawn chair, and forgiving knees. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Hamilton County report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 66°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 66, with temperatures rising to around 68 overnight. Northeast wind 1 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 91°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 91. East northeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 71. South southeast wind 1 to 5 mph. This house is wildThis custom Hinkle Creek Estates showpiece sits on a private 2-acre cul-de-sac lot backing to wooded serenity. The resort-style outdoor setup includes a pool, 11-person hot tub, fire pit, basketball court, and a kitchen packed with a smoker, pizza oven, and gas grill. Inside, enjoy a main-level primary suite, a dramatic dual-sided fireplace, a theater, sauna, and 4-car garage.
Take a peek inside → |
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