Hello Manitowoc! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Overnight lake crossing, peak strawberry picking, and family pool party + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Lake Michigan getaway: The S.S. Badger offers overnight crossings between Ludington and Manitowoc now through September 1, with 20% off, $89 adult tickets, $44 child fares, and $61 staterooms -- get the full details.
Peak berry season begins: Strawberry picking is underway at Greiling Garden Strawberries in Manitowoc County, with the farm opening only on days fields are ready, so check with the grower before heading out -- read the full story.
Get outdoors this season: Summer’s here in Manitowoc County. A new guide highlights local hiking and biking trails to explore this summer, offering inspiration for weekend outings and after work rides close to home -- read the full trail list.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees 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.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Weekend yard glow up: When your planters deserve more than guesswork, Hartman's Towne & Country Greenhouse has locally grown annuals and perennials plus a team with serious horticulture chops. They’ll design custom containers, steer you to the right plants, offer delivery around Manitowoc County, and the gift shop packs local artisanal finds.
Take a breath, Manitowoc: Lower Henry Schuette Park is that easy, low-fuss reset right in town, where a shady stroll and a quiet minute to breathe can make the week unclench a little. Minimal effort, maximum exhale, so put it on the 'this week' list.
Three floors of fun: Got restless kids or a competitive streak? Strand Adventures turns a renovated downtown theater into a three-level playground with a towering jungle gym, themed climbing walls, laser tag upstairs, a ninja gym, bounce houses and an old-school arcade. Easy, local way to burn energy and rack up smiles this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎤 Tom Pease @ Lester Public Library (Two Rivers) | Wednesday (6/24) at 2:00 PM – If you want the kids to burn energy the old-fashioned way, meet me on the library lawn for Tom Pease’s high-energy shenanigans. There will be singing, dancing, clapping, and big laughs, belly buttons required. Bring chairs and blankets, but sitting is unlikely.
🏟 70's Night @ Walsh Field (Two Rivers) | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:30 PM – Nothing beats baseball with a Bee Gees soundtrack, so dust off the bell bottoms and pretend polyester breathes. It is 70s Night at the ballpark versus the Casco A's, with disco anthems, boogie breaks, and throwback flair to make your platform shoes feel relevant again.
🏊 Family Pool Party @ Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center | Friday (6/26) – Whether your cannonball days are behind you or you still have one left, Manitowoc Family Aquatic Center is breaking out pool toys, games, and easy fun. After the splash, settle in for a family movie in the park, blankets, giggles, and sleepy car rides home.
🚒 Touch-A-Firetruck @ Quay Street Parking Lot | Saturday (6/27) at 8:00 AM – Think the market has seen it all? Our firefighters roll in with the big red crowd-pleaser, so kids can climb the truck, meet local heroes, and pick up safety tips, while you grab peaches, coffee, and a few wholesome photos for the grandparents.
🏖 2026 Beach Bash Run/Walk @ Neshotah Park & Beach (Two Rivers) | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Feel like stretching the legs without reliving your high school track meet? The Beach Bash Run/Walk at Neshotah Beach traces the Lake Michigan shoreline with 2 miles and 5K options, strollers and leashes welcome, no timing chips, just breeze, sand, and youth sports funding.
🐰 Educational Day #4 - Rabbit & Poultry Showmanship @ Manitowoc County Fair | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Brushing up on small animal showmanship, rabbit and poultry edition. Expect hands-on tips, calm handling, and the kind of polish that makes county fair judges nod like wise owls. Bring one project animal to practice with, just one, not the whole hutch or flock.
🧘 Pop-Up Class: Family Yoga @ Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA | Saturday (6/27) at 9:30 AM – Family yoga that keeps kids engaged with stories, games, and goofy poses, while you sneak in some balance and breathing. For ages 2 to 10 with grownups, led by a certified children's instructor; yes, bring one mat per person, or borrow.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Manitowoc report Weather forecastToday — High: 69°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 83%
Showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 69, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. South wind 6 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of rain showers and patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tomorrow — High: 70°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 22%
A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home keeps things easy with multiple living areas and updates at every turn. The remodeled kitchen shines with custom cabinetry and a large center island, while the lower level adds a cozy family room with gas fireplace, heated bathroom floors, workshop space, and plenty of storage. Outside, a stamped concrete patio and spacious backyard round it out.
Take a peek inside → |
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