The Riley County Commission discussed preparations for Kicker Country Stampede and the state of Tuttle Creek Lake on Monday morning. 
Brian McNulty, Operations Manager of Tuttle Creek Lake for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, gave the Commission a brief summary of events that led to the current elevation of the lake, then spoke about what the Lake will look like for Stampede.
According to McNulty, the current water input of Tuttle Creek Lake finally dropped below 20,000 cfs at the end of last week, and current output at the Tubes is just over 21,000 cfs. The lake is currently only at 40% capacity, after dropping down 2.5 feet from last week. It’s currently at 34, 037 acres from the normal 10,900 acres due to the constant inflow of water from Nebraska and heavy rains all June.
“Because the lake is only at 40% (capacity) we have some flexibility,” McNulty said. “We’re going to wait a week to increase our output. This will allow Perry Lake and Milford Lake to empty out first, and we’ll increase our output following Stampede.”
Larry Couchman, Director of Riley County Emergency and EMS Services, also spoke during the Commission meeting. According to Couchman, this will be the highest water output they have had over the last 20 years of Stampede festivals.
“I want to caution everyone, please, please stay out of the water!” Couchman said. “The likely hood of a successful rescue will be decreased by the elevated water levels and the current outflow. Water will be pushing into the camp ground and parking near the pond level.”
Couchman gave some other precautions to follow when celebrating at Stampede.
“The first couple of days will be very hot and humid,” Couchman said. Other than the obvious, drink water to remain hydrated, wear hats and suns screen and to spend some time in the shade, Couchman also said that it was very important to wear shoes.
With so much foot traffic in the area, the mud can be pulled up and there is lime stone rock underneath that can cut your feet if you are not aware of it. He also advised to stay away from ‘mud slides’ at Stampede, because historically there are lot of eye injuries from mud and debris hitting people in the face.
Riley County EMS will be the lead agency during Stampede, and there will be two medical tents. The first will be the main first aid tent and the on location ‘hospital’. The second first aid tent will be ran by Blue Township and Manhattan Fire Departments. When out in the heat for several days in a row, an unhealthy diet, dehydration and medical conditions like allergies can affect you, so make sure to know where these tents are when you are celebrating at Stampede.
“Use Common sense,” Couchman said. “It’s a great festival, a great location, just use common sense.”
Story by Michael Pagels, littleapplepost.com.