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.*

Safeguarding local airwaves: Dave Chappelle spent $15 million to keep Yellow Springs’ WYSO in town, renovating a 19th century schoolhouse that opened earlier this month and now serves 65,000 listeners -- get all the details.

Boost for community renewal: Montgomery, Miami and Clark counties will each receive $230,000 to tear down unsafe buildings and prepare sites for redevelopment, with site lists due to the state by May 1, 2026 -- see funding and timeline details.

New chapter in animal care: Springfield will get a new pet urgent care by late spring, offering accessible, lower-cost help for small animals. The clinic is hiring veterinarians and could see exotic or pocket pets -- 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.*

Kid energy, contained: When the wiggles hit and the forecast laughs at your park plans, Building Block Play Studio is your sanity-saving indoor playground with thoughtful play zones for littles and comfy perches for you. Drop in for open play or plan a birthday bash, then reclaim nap time victory.

Dinner with a soundtrack: Skip the same-old takeout and try Hi★Hat Social, where Asian-inspired plates meet classic cocktails and a legit vinyl collection. It feels like downtown’s living room... you come for yakitori and sushi, you stay to sip, chat, and discover what’s spinning.

Historic brunch retreat: At Simon Kenton Inn, brunch moves at an easy pace amid lovely grounds and an elegant dining room, with a full bar keeping coffee, mimosas, and spirits flowing. When the weekend needs a reset, this Springfield classic invites you to linger, laugh, and savor.

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 →

🐦 Warbler Wander @ George Rogers Clark Park | Friday (5/1) at 8:00 AM – Spring migrants and locals are showing off, and this guided walk with veteran birders Doug Overacker and Julie Carlson helps you spot them. Tune your ear, dust off the binoculars, and learn a few tricks from folks who can ID a warbler before coffee.

🏷 Garage Sale Fundraiser @ Maiden Lane Garage | Friday (5/1) at 8:00 AM – That mystery-cord drawer has a purpose, because Maiden Lane's garage sale is funding a South Dakota missions trip. Donate your keep-it-no-longer treasures, help receive or sell, or come bargain-hunt for a cause, say a prayer for the crew, and leave with lighter closets, fuller hearts.

🎨 First Friday Cinco de Mayo Paint Party @ Sip & Dipity | Friday (5/1) at 6:30 PM – If your home bar needs an upgrade without another online binge, head downtown for a First Friday, Cinco de Mayo paint party and decorate two glasses for $25, supplies and instruction included. Bring your amigas, claim your spots, and toast your handiwork.

🌸 Spring Fields & Flowers Craft Show @ Clark County Fairgrounds | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Head to the Clark County Fairgrounds for 80-plus booths of artisans, flowers, sweets, and food trucks, spring in a stroll. A Young Entrepreneurs Market where kids will upsell you. It’s indoors and heated because Ohio spring is moody, $3 cash, and bring a shelter donation.

🌱 Plant Sale @ Snyder Park Gardens & Arboretum | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Bring a wagon and pretend you'll behave at a plant sale loaded with perennials, annuals, natives, veggies, shrubs, and trees. Shop the barn for garden art, accessories, and books, with proceeds benefiting Snyder Park Gardens & Arboretum and the Master Gardener Volunteers of Clark County.

🌿 Kitchen Gardening Part 1 @ Heartbeat Gardens | Saturday (5/2) at 11:30 AM – Grab your sun hat, and swing by the new demonstration kitchen garden for Part 1 of a hands-on course. Learn to start your own backyard pantry in the dirt, with tips on soil, seeds, and starter plants. Fewer sad store tomatoes, more smug homegrown salads.

🏛 Revolutionary War Symposium & Tour @ Heritage Center of Clark County | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – Two days, two ways to engage with history as we gear up for America 250, no tri-corner hat required. First, a symposium at the Heritage Center with breakfast, coffee, and light lunch, then a battlefield tour at George Rogers Clark Park, plus the plant sale.

This 5-bed, 4-bath colonial by Huddleston Builders offers over 3,200 finished square feet and a 3-car garage, set on 19 acres in Northwest Local Schools. Contemporary craftsmanship meets classic lines, with a first-floor in-law suite with walk-in shower and laundry. Outside, 17 tillable acres frame a 32x50 heritage garage with loft, a barn, chicken coop, and a partially fenced pasture.