Independence Day prep, mosquito caution and library reminders

By Darla Buckhannon

Happy Fourth of July! Fly your flag!

Happy birthday to Andrew Cannon, Lonnie Gibbons, Pam Harrell, Dana Miller, Brandon Curtis, Delores Garland, Wanda Tankserley, Corliss, Meyr, Lori Garland, Jesse Totty, Pam Burks, Mary Boese, Deb Scherer, Doug Dirnberger, Tonya Glency, Jeremy Ruiz, Kathy Garner, Marty Seabaugh, Dan Finley, Eddie Noble, Sue Masters, Charlotte Smith, Germaine Cannon, Bob Smith, Bobby Burks, Chris Robinson, Jeremy Chapman and Marie Robinson. Also Doris Hanselman, Georgia Hicks, Donna Hinton, Eugene McAlister, Joseph Mohorc, Marvin Pobst and Patricia Schwepker.

Happy anniversary to Walter and Margaret Obermann, David and Donna Lape, BJ and Stella Jackson, Jim and Kathy Blevins, Butch and Vona Baker, Dave and Brenda White, Shawn and Jamie Nix, Paul and Linda Donais, Larry and Janet Cook and Chris and Diana Knutson.

July is National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month and National Cell Phone Courtesy Month.

This is also the season of weddings! Although we try to stay current with our anniversaries and birthdays, we would appreciate your informing us of changes. Former residents who read the paper like to see names of people they remember from their hometown.

The city reminds residents to update their telephone numbers with city hall.

Corn-gratulations

The Tour de Corn started in East Prairie, Missouri, last Saturday and our own Bob Burnett participated by cycling 34.8 miles in three hours. Congratulations, Bob, for a great finish!

Top-notch grilling

The grills are out and ready to go for the big holiday! The "in" grill these days seems to be the Traeger smoker grill and we are wondering if any men got one for Father's Day. We first saw the grill in the Texas Hill Country, but you can check out one here in our own town at Whitaker Hardware. You also can pick up some traps now that the Japanese beetles are here!

Park festivities a success

The Chaffee Historical Society's "Evening in the Park" was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who attended, and Marvin Seyer and Friends, who provided the music, and special thanks to Rice Insurance Agency, Kiefer Service Station, Whitaker Hardware, Teague Barber Shop, Dirnberger Ceramic Tile and Mo's Flea Market. Look for the next one in August! You can visit the museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fourth of July reminders

Fireworks season continues through today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and tomorrow, the fourth, from 9 a.m. to midnight. We remind you that unless you have a special permit, fireworks are permitted on your property only; they are prohibited on alleyways, streets, public parks and city property. Please be careful and considerate of others. The ground is very dry, so have a water hose or bucket of water handy.

City council will meet Tuesday, July 5, due to the holiday.

Independence Day activities

Activities at Harmon Field on the Fourth of July include a corn hole tournament at 4 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Registration is $10 and starts at 3:30 p.m. There will be cash prizes. The pool will be open from 1 to 10 p.m., with pool games starting at 6:30. There will be concessions, and fireworks start at dusk. Don't forget the mosquito repellent!

Winged pests abound

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so be sure to apply repellent before you go out. Concentrate on your feet and ankles, since mosquitoes tend to hang out close to the ground. Most experts recommend DEET at 25 percent concentration and for kids 3 and younger, Picaridin at 15 to 20 percent. How many times have we attended outdoor activities only to see a toddler being eaten up by mosquitoes?

The city is spraying for mosquitoes on a regular basis. Remember to put fresh water in birdbaths and pet bowls. Get rid of any standing water -- mosquitoes can breed anywhere, even in something as small as a soda can. Empty water from kids' toys, flower pots and old tires frequently, since it only takes about a week for mosquito larvae to become an ankle-biting adult!

Mommy and Me class set

The Chaffee Public Library is hosting a "Mommy and Me" class for moms and children ages 18 months to 4 years from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on July 11. Please call the library to enroll at (573) 887-3298. Summer reading continues through July 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Final thoughts

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much and are so nice to hear.

Please email your news and comments to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the 240th birthday of our United States of America!