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.*

Inside local recreation leadership: Rapid City appointed Matt Brandhagen as Recreation Director, succeeding retired Doug Lowe. He expanded bocce and pickleball and led community events. The division oversees aquatics, pools, and Executive Golf Club -- read the full story.

Scenic South Dakota nature walks: Three spring hikes around Black Hills spotlight prairie blooms, wildlife watching and waterfalls, from Badlands’ Medicine Root and Castle Trail to Prairie Trail and Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon -- get all the details.

Intercity agreement outlines costs: Rapid City's Public Works Committee recommended a project with Box Elder to install a traffic signal at North Elk Vale Road and East Mall Drive, pending Box Elder council approval -- see what's in the agreement.

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.*

Trail-ready essentials: From harnesses and cams to cozy layers and the camp gadgets you didn’t know you needed, Granite Sports outfits Hill City locals with real-world advice from people who actually climb, hike, and fish. Ideal for a Black Hills wander, upgrades come easy and that pack stays dialed without overthinking.

Your next brunch move: Whether you’re into eggs Benedict or curious about the Really French Toast, Tally's Silver Spoon serves cozy, chef-y comfort that turns weekday catch-ups into a little event. Booths invite lingering, coffee keeps pace, and this longtime fine diner handles the magic.

Closet refresh, minus guilt: Whether your wardrobe needs a spring clear-out or a little dopamine fix, Wear It Again Sam keeps racks rotating with on-trend clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories for all ages. Trade in pieces you’re ready to release, then walk out lighter, sharper, and ready for your next favorite find.

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 →

🍲 Soup and Pie Lunch @ Meade County Senior Citizens Center (Sturgis) | Thursday (4/30) at 11:30 AM – Nothing beats a soup and pie lunch at the Senior Center on Harley-Davidson Way, open to all and roughly eight bucks. Choose your soup, add a half sandwich, pick from two kinds of pie, settle in like 1998, when lunch was simple, warm, and unhurried.

🎨 Sip & Paint Night @ The Custer Beacon | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Feel like trading small talk for brushstrokes? Sip & Paint Night is back at The Custer Beacon with The Cruisin' Canvas and ARTertainer Tami Showers guiding a Whimsical Spring Tree, with wine, laughs, and zero pressure for your inner Bob Ross. Tickets via the Beacon.

🧘 Yoga + Oliveda Glow Facial Night @ Repose Mind and Body (Rapid City) | Thursday (4/30) at 7:00 PM – Unwind with gentle yoga, deep breathing, and a luminous Oliveda glow facial, all in one tidy evening. Two birds, one yoga mat, and no awkward mirrors. Your back, your breath, and your face will thank you, and spots are limited, so snag yours on Eventbrite.

🎈 Annual Community Block Party @ Spearfish United Methodist Church | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Free community block party at Spearfish UMC, rain or shine indoors, with hot dogs and chips, cookie decorating, sensory stations, a bouncy castle, crafts, and carnival games. Think church-basement charm, zero mystery casserole, just friendly faces, fun, and a peek at summer VBS and camps.

🇲 Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Bingo @ American Legion Post 71 (Hot Springs) | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – If your idea of Cinco de Mayo is tacos, tequila, and competition, bring the crew. All-you-can-eat taco bar is $10, margarita flights are $10, then Family Bingo with $10 packs and a $1 blackout, because bragging rights need structure.

🏷 2026 Spring Community Yard Sale @ Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Spring cleaning just got real with Sturgis’ citywide yard sale, one glorious Saturday of treasure hunting, neighbor gossip, and finally admitting that treadmill is a coat rack. Hosting? Register by Wednesday to land on the official map, $20 that supports parades, picnics, and good stuff.

🌱 1st Anniversary Plant Sale & Raffle @ Aqua & Acre Market (Rapid City) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you have a jungle on the porch or a single succulent, this first anniversary plant sale and raffle is worth a stop. Every purchase fuels their farm-to-school project, and first 25 folks snag an extra raffle ticket. Shop local, feed kids, go home happy.

Set on 2.52 acres in a prime Rapid City locale, this 6-bed, 4.5-bath luxury estate spans 7,300+ sq ft with panoramic views. Highlights include an indoor basketball court, a dedicated gym, and a chef’s kitchen with premium appliances and custom cabinetry. Main-floor lockers and laundry add convenience. A finished 4-car garage offers hot and cold water.