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.*

Smarter yard care insights: At Spring Alive!, Blue Earth County Master Gardeners shared lawn advice as turf expert Jon Trappe urged adapting to conditions, focusing on mowing, fertilizer, weed control, and Minnesota growing seasons -- see adaptive lawn care tips.

Street access changes ahead: Construction on Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato is underway starting April 20 and will run through July 31, with phased closures including the Range Street intersection while sidewalks remain open -- see phase dates and closures.

Funding stabilizes essential health services: Mankato’s Open Door Health Center received a $50,000 emergency grant from the Medica Foundation, part of $2.4 million statewide to bolster access to care, behavioral health, and early childhood services -- learn how funds support services.

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.*

Fresh bowl energy: When you want something clean, filling, and not another sad desk salad, 507 Poke Bowl delivers with classics and creative combos like the Hotmama Tuna Bowl stacked with bright, crunchy toppings. Quick, tasty, zero fuss... add it to the regular Mankato rotation.

Farm-to-table that hits: Because some weeks call for food that actually tastes like ingredients, Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar turns local Midwest ingredients into reimagined American comfort with a rustic twist, all from scratch. Bonus points if you snag a cocktail or the weekly mimosa flight and make it a little celebration.

Your pho fix: When the noodle-soup mood hits, Wakai's Asian Fusion serves fragrant, soul-warming pho alongside a broad lineup of Thai and pan-Asian comfort dishes, perfect for mixed cravings in one stop. It’s weeknight-rotation material, especially when the weather does Minnesota things and you want something cozy.

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 →

🍕 Sunrise Kids Fundraiser @ Pizza Ranch | Wednesday (4/29) at 4:30 PM – If you've been waiting for a sign to justify stretchy pants, this is it. Pizza Ranch is hosting a Sunrise Kids fundraiser, so grab a plate, catch up with neighbors, and help send the kids to camp. Want to help fundraise? Sign up here: https://sunrisechurch-mn.subspla.sh/hvp7ssy

💉 American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Community Room at River Hills Mall | Thursday (4/30) at 12:00 PM – The Red Cross is setting up at River Hills Mall for a community blood drive, and yes, the cookies are still included. Roll up your sleeve, kick back for a few minutes, and leave a quiet hero, with bragging rights and a guilt-free pretzel.

🎈 Kids May Day @ Little Roots Flower Farm | Friday (5/1) at 2:00 PM – Let the kids make a May Day basket at Little Roots Flower Farm, complete with a pot they decorate, a plant to take home, and seeds they choose. It is rain or shine, because spring has commitment issues. Register at littlerootsflowerfarm.com, enjoy the dirt therapy.

🎨 Pinot & Paint @ Carnegie Art Center | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Pinot & Paint with teaching artist Geoffrey Tollefson is a laidback night of brushstrokes and a proper pour, no experience required. Finally, a class where coloring outside the lines earns you a refill. Bring a friend, a date, or fly gloriously solo.

🚶 Saturday Stride & Stroll @ River Valley Running | Saturday (5/2) at 8:15 AM – Saturday mornings call for a friendly lap around town, not a PR, so bring the stroller, the leash, and your least competitive spirit. This free, all-abilities 3-ish mile Stride & Stroll rolls every Saturday, rain or shine, with coffee, snacks, hot chocolate, and tea.

🕯 Make Your Own Mother's Day Candle @ C & S Supply | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Out of ideas that are not a last-minute grocery bouquet? Bring the kids, or your inner craft champ, and pour a custom candle, then color a gift bag, all for $9.99, perfect for Mother’s Day or Nurse’s Week. Easy, fun, and actually thoughtful.

📚 Free Comic Book Day @ Pulp Comics and Games | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Relive your spinner-rack days at Pulp Comics and Games, 731 S Front St, for Free Comic Book Day, where the comics are actually free, and the only workout is flipping pages. Superheroes, indie gems, and all-ages picks, while supplies last.

Designed in 1939 by Henry C. Gerlach, this Kasota stone Colonial Revival marries provenance and polish. Original hardwood and millwork frame a living room with white fireplace and bookshelves. An African Teak den shows coffered ceilings and French doors. A 2018 custom kitchen honors the era. On 1.15 in-town acres with orchard and gardens, plus Gerlach artwork for Harry Carney.