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.*

Community tails set to wag: Negaunee City Council approved a land use agreement with Iron Town Dog Park, paving the way for a 1.3-acre off-leash space. Construction is expected to begin this summer -- get all the details.

Global acts, early morning sets: Applications are open for Marquette’s 2026 Music on Third, which will bring live performances to North Third Street in downtown Marquette. Musicians must apply by May 22 to be considered -- see how and when to apply.

Major corridor improvements ahead: MDOT's $6.2 million project to rebuild over three miles of M-35 in Marquette County starts today, adding wider shoulders and a roundabout at M-35 and County Road 492 -- get all the project 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.*

Boots finally dialed in: If your heels still slip by February, swing by Big Sno Outfitters for custom boot fitting, high‑performance ski rentals, and tunes that actually make the snow feel faster. They stock Dynastar skis, Lange boots, plus Burton and Arbor boards, all from folks who know Big Snow Country.

Gift emergency, solved: Leather & Gift Shop is a reliable U.P. go-to for cozy layers, 906 pride gear, local treats, seasonal decor, and even custom leather work. Pop in this week when birthdays sneak up, they’ll help you find a winner and wrap it so you look like you planned it all along.

Local nightcap upgrade: Powder Keg Saloon brought the old Powdermill Inn bar back to life and it nails the cozy, small-town hangout energy. Easy drinks, good pizza, and events that actually draw neighbors out in February. Pencil it in for a low-key night when you need a friendly crowd.

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 →

👩 Honor a Woman @ Northern Center (Marquette) | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – Bring the leading lady in your life to an evening that means something. Guest speaker Stephanie Graef from the UP Human Trafficking Task Force brings real insight, while emcees Elizabeth Petersen and Jennifer Perez keep it lively. Light dinner, dessert, and dangerously tempting basket raffles.

🏺 Pottery Wheel Workshop @ HOTplate Pottery & Clayworks (Marquette) | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Done with your sourdough era? Trade dough for clay in a small, laid-back wheel class where an expert guides you, you keep one piece, glazing and firing included, and someone else cleans up. Bring a teen 12+, or come for some grown-up zen.

🧱 Bay-Con Lego Display @ Bay De Noc Community College (Escanaba) | Friday (5/1) at 3:00 PM – This Lego display at Bay-Con lets you gawk at tiny cities, starships, and unreasonably clever builds, then channel your inner architect. Day one is the warm-up, day two brings the big build with play brick, all for five bucks per day, kids optional.

🦆 Copper Country Ducks Unlimited Banquet @ Michigan Tech Memorial Union (Houghton) | Friday (5/1) at 5:30 PM – Feel like doing some good while eating better? The Copper Country Ducks Unlimited Banquet mixes conservation with camaraderie, hearty plates, raffles, and the kind of stories you only hear at the table. Bring your checkbook, your appetite, and your appreciation for wetlands, not wingtips.

🔄 Bike and Kayak Swap @ Lakeview Arena (Marquette) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Clear your garage at the Bike and Kayak Swap, where you drop off bikes, kayaks, and gear, and they sell it for you. They take 10 to 20 percent, all profits support Nordic programs, and you skip driveway haggling. Details and seller form at superiorlandskiclub.com.

☕ Coffee Brewing Demonstration @ Up North Roast (Escanaba) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Up North Roast is hosting a free, hands-on coffee demo with roaster-owner Jake Cass, who will actually fix your home brew game. Drop in to sample French press, pour over, or AeroPress, ask your burning questions, and sip what you make, on the house.

🍵 Hope Springs Eternal Spring Tea @ Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church (Houghton) | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – This ladies’ spring tea at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church serves actual teacups, conversation, and a little encouragement, not hustle. Free to attend, just RSVP so the hostesses can count cups. Bring your mom, your neighbor, and that friend who loves lemon bars.

This modern ranch on 4.88 acres in Breitung Township sits across from Lake Antoine. 3-bed, 2.5-bath, 2,200-sq-ft layout shines with 2020-updated kitchen and baths, high-end appliances, and an island drink fridge. Highlights include built-ins, surround sound with outdoor speakers, composite decks, a Generac generator, apple trees, a heated in-floor shop with loft, a playhouse, and ATV and snowmobile trail access.