Well, I got her off and miraculously found the object:

This is the tread left at about 3500 miles on the clock:

Local shop here quotes on their website, $25 to replace tube alone if you buy from them. Bike Bandit tube price is about 35 bones, so I am thinking the local shop might be a little higher, maybe 70-80 total?
A new tire is at least $130. If I do get a tire what are some good ones? I only found two that are the right size on Bike bandit, but they say they are for tubeless tires...