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Hi Lancaster, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Ice cream for breakfast, John Legend and Alton Brown on stage, an Underground Railroad reenactment, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Worker representation expands locally: Inventory control specialists at Acme Lancaster Distribution Center in East Cocalico voted to join Teamsters Local 771. Bargaining begins today, with a session February 16 amid wage and healthcare concerns — see what’s next in bargaining.
Museums, theaters, and pretzels: Looking for a day trip close to home? A new 2026 list highlights Pennsylvania’s best downtowns, featuring Lititz in Lancaster County, historic Gettysburg, and artsy Jim Thorpe — get all the details.
Marquee nights around Lancaster: Big shows are headed this spring and summer, from John Legend at Hershey Theatre to an evening with Alton Brown at American Music Theatre, plus Crowder and Tori Amos — check out the full lineup.
Bankruptcy reshapes regional brewpubs: A federal court approved the acquisition of Iron Hill’s trademark and intellectual property and five lease transfers after its September closure, and the Lancaster location is in new tenants’ hands — see which locations changed hands.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
What proposers must know: The City of Lancaster is accepting proposals to manage construction for the Susquehanna Large Diameter Transmission Main Project. Proposals are due tomorrow, February 6, 2026. The city will pick the lowest responsible proposer based on quality, past performance, compatibility, and capacity. Documents are free online. Review requirements and selection criteria.
Proposed changes to local rules: Ephrata Borough Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 9 at 6 pm in the Council Chambers to consider adopting Ordinance 1603. The proposal updates zoning rules for medical marijuana dispensaries, smoke and tobacco shops, and the operation of short-term rentals. Get the hearing details.
Rolls worth a detour: Lancaster staple Blue Pacific Sushi, Bar and Grill has been rolling since 2001, serving fresh nigiri, inventive rolls, and a fully stocked bar when your midweek needs wasabi therapy. Keep it classic or go funky, and expect your chopsticks to stay busy.
Treasure hunt, plus kittens: Browse racks and quirky shelves at The Thrifty Kitty Thrift Boutique, where every find funds local animal care. It’s that rare errand that clears your closet, sharpens your style, and lets you feel like a quiet hero to tiny whiskered neighbors.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏛 February First Friday @ Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum | Friday (2/6) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to stop by the Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum, First Friday is your nudge. Five bucks gets you after-hours wandering, warm drinks, snacks, and the story of Lancaster medicine from leeches to breakthroughs. Bring a friend, curiosity encouraged, squeamishness optional.
🔥 Introduction to Flameworking: Fairy Wand Plant Stakes @ Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen | Friday (2/6) at 5:30 PM – Trade doomscrolling for a beginner flameworking class with Phil Hackman, where you’ll melt glow-in-the-dark, opaque, and transparent glass into whimsical fairy-wand plant stakes. No experience needed, accessible tools provided, and you’ll leave with multiple pieces that actually look intentional. Sign up online.
🎵 Sangjaru @ Ware Center for the Arts | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Think your playlist has range? Sangjaru blends centuries-old Korean grooves with gypsy swing, funk, rock, and improvisation, and it actually works. It’s the good kind of fusion, like bibimbap for your ears, and it’s a free, open-to-everyone show.
🍦 11th Annual National Ice Cream for Breakfast @ Splits & Giggles Cafe | Saturday (2/7) at 8:00 AM – Think you’re too grown-up for ice cream before noon? This very official annual loophole serves hand-crafted sundaes on Thoms Bread waffles, with vegan waffles too, plus coffee, hot chocolate, and a heated patio. Order a DIY kit ahead, or swing by the take-out window.
🐕 Puppies with a Purpose: Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program @ Lancaster Public Library | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – The library is hosting a crash course in raising future guide dogs, complete with actual puppies and straight answers. Learn what that first-year foster gig really looks like, and see if your family, empty nest, or multi-pet circus is ready to help.
🎨 Feb 7th Side Quest Art Market @ Meduseld Meadery | Saturday (2/7) at 3:00 PM – Skip the grind and take a side quest to a local art market packed with makers, small businesses, and one-of-a-kind finds. Expect handcrafted goods, friendly faces, and that smug, well-earned I-supported-local glow, plus conversations with the people who actually made your new favorite thing.
🕊 Underground Railroad Interactive Reenactment @ Bethel AME Church Cultural Center | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Take a break from the usual brunch and step into an Underground Railroad interactive reenactment. You will move, decide, and learn, guided by powerful stories and real voices. It is humbling, eye opening, and the kind of quality time this town actually does right.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Lancaster report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 27°F – Low: 6°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Northwest wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 30°F – Low: 10°F – Precip: 65%
Snow likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Snow likely before 1am, then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 10. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
This house is wild
Built in 1950 in Blossom Hill, this versatile property features a 4-bed, 2-bath main house with two bedrooms and a full bath on each level. A finished basement adds laundry and recreation space. An in-law suite includes kitchen, bath, garage, and entrance. Fenced yard, pool, and breezeway with a pull-down door, plus a 2-car garage.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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