There’s been a DJ block party, a performance by rock band Quiet Riot, a Gospel Extravaganza and country music night featuring Tate Stevens – what’s left?
Monday night features local artists.
Here’s the schedule:
6:00 pm – Brass Knuckle Boulevard (main stage)
7:05 pm- Jade and Glory (band shell)
7:30 pm- Waffle Stomp (main stage)
8:35 pm – Jade and Glory (band shell)
9:00 pm – Season’s After (main stage)
Tuesday, July 4th is a patriotic themed day beginning with the Freedom Run at 7:00 am followed by the annual parade at 10:00 am. This year’s parade theme is 100 years and Danger Strong in tribute and celebration to the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley which celebrated 100 years as a Division this year. Following the parade is a Veteran’s ceremony just after noon. The night ends with the Fireworks extravaganza.
July 3, 2017 – At $2.23, today’s average national gas price is the cheapest the country has seen all year, according to AAA. On the week, gas prices fell in 46 states.
According to AAA Kansas, with the record-breaking Independence Day holiday travel weekend underway, average gas prices in Kansas continue their steady decline this summer. This week’s statewide average of $2.05 per gallon is two cents lower than last week at this time.
Motorists in 94 Kansas communities are now enjoying average prices of $2 per gallon or less, AAA Kansas notes. Kansas’ average gas price registers 11th lowest in the nation.
Of the 10 regularly reported Kansas cities (see chart below), eight saw price decreases in the past week, while prices in Hays rose by two cents per gallon and Manhattan remained flat. Pittsburg experienced the largest price decrease, falling four cents to $1.99. Wichita fell two cents in the past week to $1.96 and comes in as the 16th lowest metro area in America.
This week’s Kansas cities with the state’s gas price extremes are:
HIGH: Glen Elder – $2.40
LOW: Cunningham, Kingman, Moundridge, Newton, Pratt – $1.90
“The combination of moderate demand and increased gasoline and crude output continues to put downward pressure on gas prices,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesperson. “While holiday gasoline demand is likely to reach new highs, it will probably not be enough to cause a significant increase on the price of gasoline in the coming week.”
Nationwide, the last time gas prices were this cheap for the Independence Day holiday was 2005. That year, the price on July 4was $2.23, which was the first time gas prices ever rose above the $2.00 mark for the holiday. Today’s price is three cents less than a week ago, 15 cents less than a month ago and four cents less than this day a year ago.
Gas Price Trends in Select Kansas Cities
Today
Last Week
Last Month
Last
Year
Change Over Last Year
National
$2.23
$2.26
$2.38
$2.27
-2%
Kansas
$2.05
$2.07
$2.20
$2.12
-3%
Emporia
$2.04
$2.05
$2.16
$2.12
-4%
Garden City
$1.99
$2.01
$2.15
$2.09
-5%
Hays
$2.12
$2.10
$2.22
$2.02
5%
KCK
$2.09
$2.12
$2.22
$2.18
-4%
Lawrence
$2.09
$2.12
$2.25
$2.19
-5%
Manhattan
$2.15
$2.15
$2.16
$2.07
4%
Pittsburg
$1.99
$2.03
$2.11
$2.04
-2%
Salina
$2.08
$2.10
$2.19
$2.06
1%
Topeka
$2.10
$2.11
$2.16
$1.98
6%
Wichita
$1.96
$1.98
$2.20
$2.11
-7%
Bordering states and rank in lowest gas prices around the country
A saddle bronc rider competes at the 2016 Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo. This year’s rodeo is August 2-5 in Abilene at the fairgrounds. Photo by Fly Thomas.
Abilene, Kan. – A long-time tradition will stampede into Abilene in August. The annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo returns for the 72nd edition August 2-5, kicking off the Central Kansas Free Fair.
The first night of rodeo is August 2, featuring bull riding, saddle bronc riding and barrel racing. The next three nights of rodeo, August 3-5, will consist of all seven PRCA events: bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrels, and bull riding.
This year the six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo clown and barrelman John Harrison will be on hand with his brand of comedy. Harrison, Soper, Okla., has won the PRCA’s Comedy Act of the Year four times. Mike Mathis returns as the announcer, and bullfighters Ethan McDonald, a native of Abilene, and newcomer Blake Miller, Troy, Texas, will be on hand as cowboy protection during the bull riding. Andrews Rodeo Co. will provide the bucking bulls and horses.
The freestyle motocross act Steel Rodeo Tour will return to entertain fans following the bull riding each night. They are sponsored by Superior Sanitation, Smart Insurance/Progressive Insurance, and Almost Home Realty, and the riders will do their tricks over a Superior Sanitation truck parked in the arena each night.
CTI John Deere and West’s Country Mart are two of the ten original sponsors of the rodeo who have sponsored the rodeo since 1986. At that time, the John Deere dealership in Abilene belonged to Shouse Equipment. Kyle Adams, general manager for CTI, says it’s about community involvement. “It’s always about supporting the community,” he said. “The rodeo is a great event of the town, and it draws a lot of people. We like being part of that. It’s a way to show support for a good activity in town.” This year, CTI celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in business.
Steve West, manager at West’s Country Mart in Abilene, says they choose to sponsor for the same reason as CTI. “It’s for the support of the rodeo,” he said. The rodeo “brings in quite a few dollars over the four nights, plus it’s good entertainment.”
As a kid, West and his siblings showed horses at the fair and attended the rodeo. When his kids were little, he took them to the rodeo, and now that they have kids of their own, they attend as well.
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo runs August 2-5 with performances at 7:30 pm each night. Tickets range from $7 to $13 and are on sale online atwww.ckff.net, at the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds, and at area businesses.
For more information, visit www.WildBillHickokRodeo.com or its Facebook page (search for Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo.)
While the thrill of fireworks blazing in the skies above are a treat for us on the Fourth of July, our furry friends may not be as happy to see this particular holiday come around.
Many animals, especially dogs, are deathly afraid of the pops, whizzes and booms caused by fireworks. Susan Nelson, veterinarian and clinical professor at Kansas State University, shares these tips for ensuring that your pets stay calm and safe this July 4.
Project calmness as some dogs will become more fearful if they sense their owner is nervous.
Keep your pet in a crate if that is where they feel the most secure. Some dogs prefer the door to remain open so they don’t feel too confined. You can also cover the crate with a blanket, which may make it feel more secure.
Some animals may choose to hide under beds or in closets instead of being crated.
Keep pets in a basement where the noise may not be as loud and the flashes of light are easier to block out.
Consider taking your dog to an amendable friend’s home that is free of fireworks.
Make sure your pet has proper identification such as tags and/or a working microchip in case they run off.
Put cotton in their ears to block the noise or purchase dog ear muffs for them to wear.
Pull blinds and curtains to block out light flashes.
Tinted dog goggles also can dim the flashes of light.
Turn up the volume on a TV or radio to help block out noise.
Have your dog wear an anxiety wrap.
Keep your pet indoors to prevent running away or getting injured by fireworks. Some dogs may retrieve lit fireworks and mouthing or stepping on recently exploded fireworks can lead to burns.
Natural products and supplements can help with anxiety but many not be enough for extremely phobic dogs.
Fill the room with lavender incense or put a few drops of essential oil on a bandana for the dog to wear — do not put the essential oil directly on the dog.
Use dog appeasing pheromone diffuser or dog collar.
Extremely phobic dogs may need prescription anti-anxiety medications to keep them from harming themselves. Speak with your veterinarian if your dog exhibits extreme anxiety to fireworks.
For the sixth consecutive month, and the tenth month out of the last
twelve, the Junction City area experienced above average temperatures. For
the second consecutive month, however, we also experienced below normal
rainfall which is somewhat concerning as we head into the heat of summer.
The average daily high during June was 85.6 degrees, 1.3 degrees above
normal. The average overnight low was 67.6, 5.2 degrees above normal. This
gave us a monthly mean temperature of 76.6, 3.2 degrees above normal. For
the first six months of the year we are 5.0 degrees above the long term
average. The highest temperature for the month was 95 degrees on the 17th
and the 20th. The lowest temperature for June was 57 degrees on the 23rd.
There were no new temperature records set in June however the overnight
low of 75 on the 12th and the 13th tied the record high lows for both of
those days. The low of 75 on the 12th was first set in 1952 and reached
again in 1990. The low of 75 on the 12th was set in 1950. The hottest June
on record was in 1953 when we had a monthly mean temperature of 83
degrees. The coldest June was in 1982 with a comfortable monthly mean
temperature of only 67.8.
June is historically our wettest month of the year but for a second
straight month we failed to reach average. Normal rainfall for June is
4.80 inches. Milford Lake received 3.92 inches of rain and Junction City
4.40 inches. Significant rains were reported on the 1st of June and then
the last few days of the month. In between those two we had warm and dry
condtions. While this was convenient for the wheat harvest, it did slow
row crop development and concern was rising until the late month rains
fell. Thanks to some wet months earlier in the year we are still ahead of
normal for the year. Normal year to date rainfall for the first six months
of the year is 16.65 inches. Milford Lake has received 21.83 inches in
2017 and Junction City 19.13 inches. The wettest June on record was 1965
when 11.90 inches of rain fell. The driest was the very next year, 1966,
when 0.20 inches of rain was all that fell!
July is our hottest month of the year. Average daily highs during July are
in the low 90s and overnight lows are in the 67 to 68 degree ranges. If
you look at the raw data over the past 70 years, the hottest day of the
year has been July 18th, with the 17th and 19th coming in 2nd and 3rd. We
normally expect that once we get past then temperatures slowly start to
decline into early September, but that is on average. Every year is
different! The highest temperatures ever recorded in the Junction City
area occurred in July of 1954. For three consecutive days that month, 12th
to the 14th, the mercury hit 114 degrees. The daily high hit triple digits
on 18 days in July of 1954 and the average daily high for the month was
101.8 degrees. Rainfall starts to decline in July with long term average
rainfall of 4.07 inches for the month.
-30-
—–
Chuck Otte
County Extension Agent, Ag & Natural Resources
Geary County Extension Office
An incident at Sundown Salute Sunday did not result in any injuries, but caused a brief delay in an Ecumenical Church Service.
According to Sundown Salute Coordinator Nikki Londene, it happened Sunday morning. ” We had someone who decided to drive their motorcycle onto the stage while the church service was sound checking.” Londene noted there were people on the stage. “So there was concern for safety. Dennis Beson almost got taken out. Also there was some fuel that got leaked onto the stage as well as a chunk of the stage that was taken out of it.”
Londene reported the man who had driven the motorcycle was arrested.
The church service was delayed for about 20 minutes.
Junction City officials have announced that there will be no trash pick-up by the City of Junction City on Tuesday due to the 4th of July holiday. However, trash / garbage removal will be the next work day as follows:
Tuesday’s pick-up day will be Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and Thursday pick-up will be moved to Friday.
In order to ensure pick-up your trash should be set out by 6 a.m. Wednesday. If you have questions call the Junction City Public Works Department at 785-238-7142.
MANHATTAN — The Fourth of July is around the corner and it is important to remember boating regulations and precautions before heading out on the water, says Sid Stevenson, Kansas State University associate professor of recreation resources.
Before getting on any boat, Stevenson recommends making sure personal flotation devices, or PFDs, and lifejackets are in good working condition and fit each passenger properly. It is the law that every passenger in the boat needs to have a personal flotation device easily accessible onboard.
“Children 12 and under need to always wear their life jackets, and everyone in the boat should wear one, especially at high speeds or in rough conditions,” said Stevenson, who is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain and teaches several boat safety courses at Kansas State University.
Boat operators should realize that passengers can be injured easily and even thrown from the boat during abrupt maneuvers, Stevenson said. Passengers should make sure they are properly seated and aware of what the captain is about to do.
“Keep an eye on the weather and recruit one or more passengers to constantly be on the lookout for hidden hazards and other users,” Stevenson said. “We’ve found submerged trees floating in the middle of the lake before.”
Occasionally with holiday celebrations comes alcohol consumption. Stevenson said people should remember that consuming alcohol while operating a boat is even worse than driving a vehicle because of environmental forces such as the wind and the waves.
“You lose a little bit of your coordination and you obviously lose a little bit of judgment and decision-making when drinking, and those are crucial factors when you are operating on the water,” Stevenson said. “You can get a boating under the influence citation, just as you can get a DUI while driving.”
According to the 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 282 accidents, 264 injuries and 87 deaths while boating where the primary contributing factor was alcohol use.
One of the biggest safety tips to remember is to be courteous of others. Keep a safe distance, watch your wake and make sure your boat is loaded and ready before you get on the boat ramp, Stevenson said. It is important to be extra careful and remember the water is going to be crowded with everyone else wanting to enjoy the holiday.
“A good rule of thumb is to treat other people on the water as you’d like to be treated,” Stevenson said.
For more information on boating safety, contact your local fire department or consider taking a boating education course. Courses are available online and often are provided in person by local Coast Guard auxiliaries and state departments of wildlife, parks and tourism. Visit ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating-Education for more information on Kansas boating safety.
Sundown Salute featured country music performers Sunday evening in Junction City.
Adam Capps, Faith Jackson and Tate Stevens performed on a mild weather evening that also included good attendance at the vendor booths and nearby Ottaway Amusement Carnival.
With three days of the five-day celebration now complete, Coordinator Nikki Londene said so far so good. “It has gone great. The weather’s held out beautifully for us so we’re pretty excited about that. The crowds have been great. Obviously people are thirsty and buying lots of beer, so we’re very happy with how things have gone so far.
Beer is available for purchase at Sundown Salute. Proceeds help fund the annual celebration.
The Monday Sundown Salute regional concert performers include Brassknuckle Boulevard at 6 p.m., Waffle Stomp at 7:30 and Season’s After at 9 p.m. The concerts are free.
