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.*

Green light despite objections: Elkhart County commissioners voted April 19 to approve Riverbend Townhomes, a 12-building, 112-unit development on County Road 16, amid engineering and traffic concerns from nearby residents -- get all the details.

New eatery builds workforce: Bubba's 33 is hiring now in Elkhart for 200 jobs before June opening. Openings include cooks, pizza makers, hosts, servers, and an office manager, with backlot hiring at Texas Roadhouse -- see how and where to apply.

Local gems earn top honors: Elkhart County’s Pumpkinvine Nature Trail was named Best Recreational Trail in USA Today’s 10Best readers’ vote, with other local attractions making top 10 lists. Middlebury finished sixth in the Midwest -- 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.*

Playtime upgrade, anyone? Need a quick win with the kiddos this week? aGreatLife has bright, brainy toys and kite-ready fun that turn “I’m bored” into backyard adventures and quiet-time puzzles, with that local Elkhart touch that makes supporting them feel good and playtime even better.

Treat yourself tonight: Essence Restaurant + Bar keeps things fresh with chef-y plates like dry‑aged sea bass and a killer ribeye, plus cocktails from their 30‑day Essence Barrel Project. Perfect for when you want downtown Elkhart to feel a little extra… in the best way.

Mini escape, big glow: Between Aveda and Davines color, Great Lengths extensions, and a surprisingly heavenly chair massage with aromatherapy, FIX Salon Spa turns a simple trim into real self-care. If you crave a low-drama refresh, you’ll float out lighter... like you finally outran the to-do list.

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 →

🐕 Big Dog Adoption Special @ Humane Society of Elkhart County (Bristol) | Monday (4/27) at 9:00 AM – Humane Society of Elkhart County is waiving fees on dogs over 40 pounds, and they go home with a leash, collar, harness, food, and six months of heartworm meds. First-come, no holds, meet your new foot-warmer, and leave together that day.

🐦 Bird Walks @ Wellfield Botanic Gardens | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:00 AM – Swap errands for a bird walk at Wellfield, where Audubon pro Mary Kauffmann-Kennel helps you ID the chatter. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes, all ages with parents, rain or shine, free with admission. Bring binoculars, sensible shoes, and a little patience.

🎉 Dia del Niño: Loteria Bibliotecaria @ Goshen Public Library | Thursday (4/30) at 6:30 PM – Kids get the spotlight for Día del Niño at the library, with a special Lotería Bibliotecaria, prizes, and plenty of bragging rights. Think Mexican bingo with bookish flair, fewer shushing librarians, and more family bonding. Bring your lucky frijol, or borrow one.

🧘 Yoga in the Gallery @ Midwest Museum of American Art | Friday (5/1) at 9:15 AM – Nothing beats stretching in a quiet gallery before the crowds. All levels are welcome for this $10 museum yoga on select Friday and Saturday mornings, movement as art, present-moment vibes included. Bring your mat, or gamble on the spares, with Jenny Nolan guiding the flow.

🥕 Farmers Market @ Kardzhali Park | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Meet me at Kardzhali Park for the downtown farmers market, the weekly excuse to buy tomatoes you swear you’ll actually cook. Local growers, bakers, makers, and a little live music, plus strong coffee, friendly faces, and that small-town bustle we pretend not to love.

💃 Line Dancing Workshop & Dance Party @ American Legion Post 210 (Middlebury) | Saturday (5/2) at 3:00 PM – Saturday calls for two-steppin' at the American Legion in Middlebury, where the Michiana Country Kickers ease newbies in and sharpen seasoned boots with a beginner-plus workshop, then an open line and partner dance. Cheap cover, friendly crowd, full bar, and room to laugh off missteps.

🌯 Chipotle Fundraiser @ Chipotle Mexican Grill | Saturday (5/2) at 5:00 PM – Chipotle is fueling a one-night Ubuntu Softball fundraiser, kicking back 25% of online pickup or in-store orders when you use the code, flash the flyer, or tell the cashier. Skip cooking. Call it dinner, community service, and a path to sharper uniforms, helmets, or bags.

An all-brick and stone estate pairs dramatic scale with luxe amenities. A sweeping cherry staircase climbs beneath 20-foot ceilings, and a coffered great room frames a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen delivers dual islands, Wolf and Sub-Zero, and a butler’s pantry. Extras include a theater, wine room, steam and sauna, a saltwater pool with hot tub, and a five-car attached garage.