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Hey Nebraska, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Community fishing and biologist chat, an archaeology fair, and a community forestry grant + lots of fun things to do for free.
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.
Green canopy improvements ahead: Kimball secured a $160,000 community forestry grant to remove dead and diseased trees, plant replacements, and train a student intern. Work will roll out during the 2026 grant period -- read the full story.
Eagles unveil upcoming slate: Chadron State volleyball released its 2026 schedule, featuring eight home matches at the Chicoine Center and homecoming Oct. 30-31. Season opens at South Dakota classics. Court Sport pass is available -- see the full schedule.
Spotlight for local destinations: Visit Nebraska opened applications Monday for 2027 Nebraska Passport stops. Panhandle attractions can apply to be featured, with selections favoring diverse locations and unique experiences. Deadline is October 31, 2026 -- see how to apply.
The bill all retirees 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.*
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*. 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 $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Backyard upgrade alert: From bounce houses and combos to waterslides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, and Gellyball, Planet Bounce Mobile brings the party to you around the Nebraska Panhandle, delivery and setup handled. Largest selection in the area, plus party invites with your booking, so you can focus on cake and chaos control.
Hunt for home gold: From antique and mid-century furniture to retro and contemporary accents, Tossed & Found in Downtown Scottsbluff stages ever-changing vignettes that make mixing old and new a no-brainer. Pop in for inspo, snag that one-of-a-kind piece, or consign your own treasures so they find the perfect next home.
Good hair days pending: If your split ends are staging a mutiny, Indulgence is the local beauty salon that brings hair back to life with attentive stylists and a calm, no-drama vibe. Give yourself an hour this week, walk out feeling polished and totally you.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
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 →
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 →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
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 Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📚 Bookmobile @ Sidney Public Library | Wednesday (8/5) at 9:00 AM – Library on wheels makes its morning rounds, with quick stops at Gurley Post Office 9:00 to 9:30, Dalton Post Office 9:40 to 10:10, and Western Heritage 10:30 to 11:00. Think ice cream truck for grown-ups, minus the jingle, plus that new-book smell, and zero guilt.
🥫 Table of Grace Food Pantry @ Sidney Table of Grace Food Pantry | Thursday (8/6) at 11:00 AM – Food pantry at 1106 Toledo, neighbors helping neighbors, seniors 60+ get the early slot, everyone else follows. Bring ID for everyone in the house, plus a recent bill, lease, or letter, and meet the income guidelines based on household size. Simple, no fuss, good folks.
🎬 Hoppers @ Gering Plaza | Friday (8/7) at 8:30 PM – Free movies under the evening sky at Gering Civic Plaza, with lawn chairs, blankets, and the kind of screen time everyone can agree on. Gering and Gering Public Schools pair family-friendly flicks with camp themes, making summer nights feel neighborly, simple, and blissfully ticket-free.
🚗 3rd Annual Sugar Valley Showcase Car Show @ Transwest Ford (Scottsbluff) | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – The third annual Sugar Valley showcase is rolling into Transwest Ford with food trucks, a DJ, awards, and small-town pride we do not brag about. Free to the public, zero to enter your ride, all makes and models welcome, benefiting our local food bank.
🏺 Archeology Fair @ Legacy of the Plains Museum (Gering) | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Dig into our past without wrecking your knees. This hands-on Archaeology Fair offers demos from instructors, a chance to tell a shard from a shovel, and it is free, thanks to the Meadowlark Hearth Living Environment Foundation, Legacy of the Plains Museum, and Humanities Nebraska.
🥕 18th Street Farmer's Market @ 18th Street Plaza (Scottsbluff) | Saturday (9/12) at 8:00 AM – 18th Street Farmers Market is serving up peak-season produce, handmade goods, and treats from folks who live here. Think tomatoes that taste like summer, neighborly gossip, artisanal jam, and the quiet pride of finally putting those tote bags to work.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Nebraska Panhandle report Weather forecastToday — High: 79°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 7%
Patchy smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Patchy smoke before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 81°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 45%
A chance of rain showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. This house is wildThis spacious 5BR/2BA home on the edge of Scottsbluff pairs easy comfort with standout character. A two-sided wood-burning fireplace warms both the living and dining areas, while hardwood floors and an enclosed sunroom add charm and function. The basement brings a second fireplace, fresh carpet, and future bathroom potential, all with Scotts Bluff National Monument views.
Take a peek inside → |
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