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.*

Uplifting updates and opportunities: A new American Lung Association State of the Air report gives the Charleston-Huntington metro all As. Plus, a West Virginia folklorist is honored and the Appalachian Regional Commission is accepting applications -- read the full story.

City seeking new representative: Huntington City Council will fill Ally Layman’s at-large seat as she prepares to step down for a residency change. Applications were accepted April 22 and will be accepted May 5 -- see requirements and key dates.

Shaping local transportation choices: KYTC is asking drivers to take a survey on possible road changes in Ashland, covering safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian needs, open through May 4 with no plans set -- see how to weigh in.

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.*

Brisket worth the detour: Craving real smoke? Bizzle's BBQ turns out tender brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends with house sauces that actually taste like something. The menu stays simple, the flavors go big, making weeknight dinner feel like research instead of work.

Fresh color, zero fuss: From lived-in blonding and balayage to haircuts that behave on Monday, Chrysten Lee Salon keeps your look dialed, no drama. Their team also handles nails and quick facial waxing, plus Awapuhi treatments your winter hair craves.

Back-to-basics hot dog bliss: Since 1939, Midway West Drive-In has nailed the WV classic with homemade tomato-based sauce slow-cooked with beef and onion, plus slaw if you’re doing it right. Grab a burger pattied fresh daily and a thick milkshake, then enjoy that no-fuss drive-in comfort.

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 →

🏥 Oral Cancer Screenings @ Marshall University Medical Center Atrium | Wednesday (4/29) at 9:00 AM – Free oral cancer screenings at Marshall University Medical Center Atrium, an adult errand that is worth it. Quick, painless, and cheaper than pretending your last cleaning covered it. Appointments encouraged, bring a friend, and do future you a favor, Huntington.

✂ Beginner Crafter Gathering @ The Blue Ewe | Thursday (4/30) at 4:00 PM – Whether you just learned to purl or still call it “yarn math,” this drop-in Meet & Make is for anyone knitting or crocheting two years or less. Think adult study hall with friendly help, zero judgment, and all fibercrafts welcome. Thursdays, come and go.

🎗 Relay For Life of Tri Counties @ Ritter Park | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Take a lap for something that actually matters. Relay For Life is the big one, a Tri Counties walk where teams raise cash, honor survivors, and remember loved ones. Register, bring your comfy shoes, and yes, your step counter, then call it cardio with heart.

🌷 Spring Festival @ Heritage Farm Museum & Village | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from errands and head to Heritage Farm’s Spring Festival for wagon rides, artisans at work, campfire cooking, glass blowing, warm bread, and Stoney Point String Band. Tour the museum setup, peek in the one-room schoolhouse, and remember recess meant bells, not notifications.

🎨 May First Saturday Art Market @ West Edge Factory | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – First Saturday at West Edge means Appalachian makers selling handmade work, student musicians, and farm-to-table bites from The Wild Ramp. Add a brushstroke to the WV Mine Wars mural, then let GHPRD handle the kid energy with games, crafts, and the big parachute, all free.

🎭 May Day Family Play @ Westmoreland Park | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Need the kids to burn off that spring bounce? Hit Westmoreland Park for GHPRD’s free May Day Family Play, with the Recreation Wagon, yard games, crafts, and a parachute, then wander First Saturday Market across the street, earn fresh-air points, and call it quality time.

🏇 Derby Day @ Sip Downtown Brasserie | Saturday (5/2) at 4:00 PM – Break out the big hat you pretend is practical, it is Derby Day done local. Live music from Jason Mays, cheeky contests for Most Elegant, Most Creative, and ultimate bragging rights, plus an afternoon of lingering, people-watching, and toasting like you mean it.

Nearly 4,000 square feet, this 4-bed, 2 full, 2 half bath home features a cathedral-ceiling living room and a quartz-clad kitchen flowing to a fireplace-warmed gathering room. The primary suite adds a sitting room and spa bath. Extras include a basement game room with wet bar plumbing, garage-door storage, a deck, a 2-car garage, and a VIP Home Warranty.