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.*

Local traffic changes ahead: Manitowoc drivers, County Trunk Highway R between Schley Road and Zander Road is closed today for a culvert replacement until 4 p.m. Seasonal weight limits were lifted on two highways -- see which routes are affected.

Professional cleaning for businesses: A new option for spotless offices has arrived in Manitowoc County. Lakeshore Commercial Cleaning recently opened, offering floor care, trash pickup, and more for local businesses -- see what they offer.

Partnership aims for community benefits: Manitowoc officials are considering buying Madison Elementary School property for $1, a move they say supports taxpayer-friendly planning. A special school board meeting is planned for April 28, pending approval -- get all the details.

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.*

Your week, leveled up: Need a low-stakes plan that isn’t the couch? Manitowoc County Expo Center is home to the Manitowoc County Fair and a rotating mix of horse shows, motorcycle shows, RV rallies and more, so peeking at their events calendar could uncover the perfect mini-escape.

Neighborhood hangout alert: Downtown’s eclectic favorite, Shoot the Bull pairs easygoing craft cocktails with a surprisingly deep stash of dart gear, two dartboards and a foosball table. Slide in for a catch-up with friends, park by the TVs for the game, or practice your bullseyes and call it “training.”

Dive into local history: Climb aboard the restored World War II USS Cobia, poke around hands-on exhibits about Manitowoc’s shipbuilding past, then catch a laid-back river boat ride for fresh views of home. Wisconsin Maritime Museum keeps the lakefront vibes and hometown pride strong, perfect for a quick reset this week.

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 →

✂ Cricut Badging Session @ Manitowoc Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – If your spice jars, school projects, and gift tags could use an upgrade, pop into the library’s Idea Box for a Cricut Maker badging session. Staff will show how it cuts and scores, answer questions, and get you badged to use it, no PhD required.

🕯 April Showers Aromatherapy Ritual @ The Woodlands Day Spa & Retreat | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Because your shower caddy deserves a promotion, this two-hour aromatherapy ritual outfits you in plush robes, pours a glass of something nice, and teaches you to make custom shower steamers. Hit the steam room, salt cave, and infrared sauna. Leave grounded, glowing, and unbothered.

🥕 Manitowoc Farmers Market Opening Day @ Quay Street Parking Lot | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Nothing beats market opening day on the riverfront, a leisurely lap of fresh produce, great coffee, food trucks, and crafty finds. Hit the info booth for a new tote from the sponsors, and if you’re early, stuff it with Visit Manitowoc swag.

📚 Wood and Flora Author and Vendor Fair @ The Venue at Union Square | Saturday (5/2) at 8:30 AM – Slide over to The Nook Collective for a bookish fair where local authors and makers tempt you with romantasy-inspired flower crowns, bookmarks, fantasy jewelry, tabletop gaming accessories, and more. It’s equal parts literary escape and retail therapy, with zero judgment for sniffing books.

🐄 Family Day @ Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Round up the crew for Family Day at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc, where the kids ogle tractors and you finally learn where your cheese curds start. WiFCC is hosting, registration is on Eventbrite, and the exhibits are hands-on, educational, and actually fun.

🎨 Great Art on a Great Lake @ The Inn on Maritime Bay, an Ascend Collection Hotel | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Local talent is lining the lakeshore with 20-plus artists showing off drawing, fiber, painting, watercolor, and more. It’s the kind of art afternoon where the breeze does the curating, you do the strolling, and your walls finally get some personality.

🏇 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Party @ The Wharf Manitowoc | Saturday (5/2) at 1:30 PM – The Wharf's 5th Derby bash returns with 5 Card Studs crooning A.M. gold, bottomless Mint Juleps, and enough screens to make Churchill Downs jealous. Expect lawn "horse races," best hat and bow tie contests, and a Champagne fountain. Free, fun, and over the top.

Modern farmhouse style meets country charm on 2 quiet acres at the edge of town. Soaring ceilings top a cozy loft library and an open kitchen and dining area. The main level has a private primary suite and laundry. Upstairs brings three bedrooms and a bonus living area with wet bar. A wraparound deck suits sunrise coffee and sunset unwinding.