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.*

Early response under local rules: City of Goldsboro called for voluntary water conservation April 20 as drought lowered river levels to 51.8 feet, near the seven day 51.5 foot trigger, urging residents to reduce use -- see why action came early.

Push for broader downtown fixes: La Grange leaders approved a donation plan for a deteriorating downtown building to spur revitalization. The prominent corner property was donated to the town valued near $30,000 earlier this month -- read the full story.

Recognition for rising talent: Wayne Community College’s Caleb Mitchell and student Diamond Simmons received North Carolina Association of International Educators honors, the 2026 Professional Newcomer and Outstanding Student awards at NC State’s conference -- learn more about the winners.

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.*

Because weeknights need flavor: When you want an upgrade from your usual pour, Church Spirits & Cocktails mixes spirit-forward, speakeasy inspired classics alongside seasonal sips that taste like someone actually thought about them first. Settle in with a friend, trade stories, and let the conversation run longer than your to do list.

Fajita night upgrade: Meet Mezcalito Goldsboro, the local spot where lively music, friendly vibes, and colorful plates team up to rescue any Tuesday. Think sizzling fajitas, ceviche, and shareable molcajetes, the kind of spread that makes you text the group chat for backup.

Movie night, sorted: Skip the drive to bigger cities. UEC Theatres Goldsboro keeps fresh releases close to home, offering a no-fuss big-screen reset whenever you need it. Perfect for spontaneous plans, low-key dates, or solo popcorn therapy without crossing county lines.

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 →

🌿 First Friday Opening Reception: Native Flora and Fauna @ Arts Council of Wayne County | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 AM – Whether your idea of nightlife is plant IDs or a glass of red, this First Friday opening brings six local artists celebrating the native flora and fauna we trip over on our hikes. Expect thoughtful work, neighborly chatter, and a nice excuse to linger downtown.

🍎 Farmers Market Season @ Farm Credit Farmers Market | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Farmers market season is back, and so are the heirlooms, honey, and irresistible loaves you swear you don't need. Stroll, sample, and stock up from local growers and makers, while catching up with neighbors. Bring a sturdy tote, a flexible menu, and your produce puns.

🛍 Annual Youth Yard Sale @ The Lord's Vineyard | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Head over to The Lords Vineyard on Salem Church Rd for the Annual Youth Yard Sale, where treasure hunters prosper and the kids benefit. Expect tables of everything you never knew you needed, plus breakfast that makes rummaging civilized. Bring cash, a tote, and patience.

🥕 Farmers Market Season @ Farm Credit Farmers Market | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Grab your tote bag, farmers market season is back. Fresh, local produce and goods while supporting local farmers and makers, plus the joy of bumping into three neighbors before coffee. Stock up, linger a little, pretend you meant to buy that extra sourdough.

🧘 Yoga and Mimosas @ Arts Council of Wayne County | Saturday (5/2) at 12:30 PM – If you like your downward dog with a side of bubbly, head to the Arts Council for yoga and mimosas, plus massages before and after class. It happens first Saturdays, so you can call it culture, wellness, and social hour, all at once.

🧘 Introduction to Mat Pilates @ Emerge Med Spa & Salon (Pikeville) | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – If your back has been narrating your life in creaks and sighs, this beginner mat Pilates class is the reset you promised yourself. Low impact, core focused, and posture saving, with just four spots left, $15, and zero judgment. Message to snag one.

Custom 2017 brick in Walnut Hill, offering 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, 2,368 square feet, and no HOA. An open layout spotlights a large quartz island and a stainless kitchen. The split-plan primary adds quartz counters and dual sinks. Set on 0.9 acres with black iron fencing, screened porch, patio, and proximity to Walnut Creek Country Club.