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.*

Modernizing local emergency services: Columbia City Council will hold a hearing May 4 on a northside Fire Station No. 5 at Ballenger Lane and Ria Street, replacing an aging station with structural issues -- get details on the hearing.

New chapter for mobile services: Daniel Boone Regional Library launched a $1 million capital campaign to replace aging bookmobiles. A ribbon-cutting at the Columbia Public Library took place April 20 -- get all the details.

Officials tackle congestion citywide: Columbia is retiming traffic signals as I-70 work slows travel, with crews adjusting city-run lights while MoDOT oversees others. Ramp closures at Highway 63 and Grindstone were expected last week -- see where adjustments are happening.

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.*

Campus-close fairways: Whether you’re dusting off clubs or chasing a personal best, Gustin Golf Course spans 127 prairie acres with 18 walkable holes, a solid range, a stocked pro shop, and PeachTree at Gustin for post-round refuel. Easy swings, close to campus and still squarely in town.

Sip something local: If the week needs a friendly reset, Logboat Brewing Company has fresh pours, a relaxed taproom, and space to catch up with friends. Sample something seasonal, linger outside when the weather cooperates, and let your evening upgrade itself.

Shuffle your week: Columbia friends, if your deck needs fresh sleeves or your binder wants something shiny, The Hideout is a chill spot to browse packs and accessories, talk pulls with friendly folks, and leave feeling just a little more lucky for your next kitchen table 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 →

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 →

⭐ Star Wars Retro Crafts @ Columbia Public Library | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – Relive your pre-streaming glory with Star Wars friendship bracelets, Shrinky Dinks, Perler beads, and buttons, plus retro snacks that taste like childhood. Teens and adults, costumes encouraged, registration not required, but space is limited, so arrive early and pretend you lined up for opening night.

🧠 We Rise Together: Trivia Night @ Bur Oak Brewing Company | Thursday (4/30) at 6:30 PM – VAC's fundraiser Trivia Night is taking over Bur Oak Brewing with 10 rounds and a table-decorating contest. Bring a team of eight, grab a table from $350 with dinner and drinks, flex factoids, and back Columbia neighbors facing housing instability at vacmo.org/trivia, tables fill fast.

🛍 Spring Sidewalk Sale @ Fringe Western Wear | Friday (5/1) at 10:00 AM – Take a break and swing by Fringe's spring sidewalk sale this weekend, where prices are softer than your well-worn flannel. Wrangler, Ariat, Carhartt, and more, with thousands of boots for men, women, and kids, plus hats and apparel at 20 to 70% off.

📚 BookDrive Pop Up @ Serendipity Salon and Gallery by Elizabeth Jordheim | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – This First Friday pop up at Serendipity Salon & Gallery pairs fresh cuts, fresh art, and BookDrive's tight little stack of thoughtfully chosen books. Swing through, browse the shelves and the walls, support local creators, and pretend you needed one more novel on the nightstand.

🌱 Free Mulch Day @ Old Everett’s site (former Everett’s Restaurant & Lounge) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Free Mulch Day is back, and your yard will thank you. Head to the old Everett’s north of 1413 Rangeline, follow signs at south end of I-70 dogbone, and they'll load your truck or trailer. No bags, unlimited loads while supplies last, no membership required.

🌿 Wild Nature Day @ It's Our Wild Nature | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Nothing beats spotting owls at the 7th annual Columbia Wild Nature Day, tucked in that Bluffdale cul-de-sac off Old Hwy 63. Expect bird watching, guided walks, and quiet for all ages, not apps. Wear long pants, shoes, and socks, and bring bug spray and water.

🚲 Bike, Walk, Wheel to the Farmers Market @ MU Health Care Pavilion at Columbia's Agriculture Park | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Grab a helmet and roll to Columbia Farmers Market to kick off Bike, Walk, and Wheel Week. Join Local Motion’s easygoing bike bus, pedal-blend a smoothie, and snag tees, stickers, and vibes. Confident riders welcome, safety in numbers, consider it leg day with produce.

Pon Chinn-designed showpiece with a glass atrium and a 20-foot stone chimney. Sunlit interiors feature white oak floors, Mark Hall cabinetry, and a chef’s kitchen with Thermador and Sub-Zero. The primary suite adds a Mozzano Victoria Albert soaking tub and coffee bar. The lower level offers a wet bar, wine cellar, and flex space on a lot across from CCMO.