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.*

From soil to supper: In Vantage, The Ranch showcases Royal Family Farms’ regenerative approach, including worm-powered water recycling. The menu features a classic smashburger, a Ranch double, and gooey Tillamook grilled cheese -- learn how it all connects.

Summer travel impacts ahead: Overnight repaving on I-90 from the east side of Vantage Bridge to George is underway through mid-August, with slower speeds as WSDOT continues the second phase of last year’s work -- get all the details.

Handler chosen for high-stakes calls: Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed Deputy Doc, a Belgian Malinois, after a snowstorm delayed travel. Deputy James Shumate and Doc will train for weeks before deploying as a team -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

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.*

Glow-in-the-dark putts: Whether it’s a backyard birthday, office shindig, or spontaneous pop-up, Brightside Mini Golf brings a portable course for daytime play or LED glow, transforming any patch of turf into friendly competition. It lights up blocks, parties, and team hangs with easy, all-ages fun.

All-in-one local fix: Jerrol's is that Ellensburg classic for CWU gear, arts and craft supplies, books, RC kits, and the random gourmet snack you didn’t know you needed. Order for pickup or shipping and call it a win this week, whether it’s school, work, or rainy-day projects.

Basalt season, anyone? Vantage is prime right now and The Climbing School is running sport, trad, and multipitch courses with AMGA Certified Rock Guides. Spend a day this week leveling up your outdoor skills when the West Side is soggy, then bring those wins back to your weekend projects.

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 →

📿 Beading Beauties — Monthly Beadwork Circle @ Kittitas County Historical Museum (Ellensburg) | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for beads and company at a monthly circle honoring Columbia Plateau traditions, hosted by the museum and Ellensburg School District’s Ichiskíin Language and Native American Culture Program. All skill levels welcome, stories included. Bring your supplies, enjoy refreshments, and meet every fourth Monday.

✨ Reiki @ Peers Rising (Ellensburg) | Tuesday (4/28) at 1:00 PM – Fourth Tuesday at Peers Rising means free Reiki in Ellensburg, overworked shoulders welcome. Book a 20-minute reset with Laura White, breathe, and pretend your to-do list is someone else’s problem. Spots are scarce, so call, message, or swing by before calm gets booked solid.

☕ Memory Cafe @ UKC Senior Center (Cle Elum) | Wednesday (4/29) at 1:15 PM – If Wednesdays could use a gentler pace, the Memory Cafe is a weekly social spot for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, plus family, friends, and caregivers. Hosted by a Dementia Friend, it is safe, welcoming, and low-stress, with conversation, kindness, and no pop quizzes.

🎲 Family Play Night @ Valley Play Museum (Ellensburg) | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Last Thursday evenings at Valley Play Museum mean one thing, sanctioned chaos you do not have to clean up. Bring the whole crew for hands-on exhibits, kid energy, and a 5:30 to 7:30 PM window that counts as quality time, not screen time.

🧹 Community Cleanup #1 @ Dru Bru - Cle Elum | Friday (5/1) at 9:00 AM – Whether you like tidy roadsides or just want an excuse to rock a neon vest, we’re sprucing up SR-903 in Cle Elum as part of the summer cleanup series. Fresh air, neighborly chatter, and the satisfying clink of a full trash bag.

🖼 First Friday Art Walk @ Ellensburg Downtown Association | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Ellensburg's First Friday Art Walk turns downtown into an easygoing gallery hop, with work in classic galleries, cozy shops, and sneaky little nooks. Stroll, chat up real artists, honor our creative neighbors, and confidently nod at mixed media like you meant to.

♻ 2nd Annual Recycling Event @ Ellensburg City Hall | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Clean out the garage and swing by City Hall for Ellensburg’s recycling roundup. Drop off cans, cardboard, plastic, small batteries, paper for Shred-It, and donate bikes or professional clothing, learn curbside tips and where the odd stuff goes, but leave glass at home, naturally.

This 8,300-square-foot, 2024-built retreat is one of only three of its scale in Suncadia, purpose designed for 22-plus guests. Two full kitchens, a heated pool, hot tub, movie theater, and a built-in arcade headline the amenities. Luxury finishes, multiple BBQs and fire pits, an outdoor kitchen, and trail access just steps away complete the scene.