Depending on how you celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, you may want to take several things into consideration first. Fireworks and Independence Day celebrations are almost synonymous. Before igniting any fireworks, Kimball Fire Chief Tom Ehlinger advises everyone to take the necessary precautions seriously. An adult should always supervise any activity that includes fireworks. Knowing the proper methods for igniting fireworks is just as important. “Always ignite fireworks outdoors and away from buildings and vehicles,” Ehlinger said. “There is no using of illegal fireworks, and there is a fine involved if you are caught.” Illegal fireworks, Ehlinger said, are those that shoot from the ground or explode like roman candles and bottle rockets. He also advises people to refrain from re-igniting fireworks that malfunction. Gas prices One thing that may increase the cost for motorists this weekend is the price of gas. Fuel prices were $1.79 a gallon as of Tuesday in Kimball. The lowest price of gas in St. Cloud the same day, according to www.minnesotagasprices.com, was $1.75. Steve Gohman of Land O’ Lakes Oil Company said that gas prices seem pretty stable and may last through the weekend, though anything can change. “If something happens in Iraq, prices may change,” Gohman said. “It’s going to be like what it has been all spring.” If you are planning a road trip, you can plan ahead and find the lowest gas prices on-line at www.minnesotagasprices.com. Travel Most Minnesotans will travel this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. In fact, the American Automobile Association predicts that more than 39 million Americans overall will travel 50 miles or more this weekend, a rise of 3.4 percent from last year where 38.2 million Americans traveled for Independence Day weekend. Out of the 39 million this year, the AAA expects 34.4 million will travel by road. As summer is road construction season, drivers may encounter delays on their trip. Here are some areas of road construction you may want to take note of before getting on the road this weekend: o Those traveling on I-94 may want to find an alternate route from exit 167 (State Route 15) to exit 178 (State Route 24) in Clearwater because of a new bridge being constructed over the Interstate that will slow traffic because of single-lane traffic in alternating directions. o State Route 15 is undergoing road-paving operations between Benton County Road 2 and U.S. Highway 10. This road works has resulted in single-lane traffic in alternating directions. o I-94 will be limited to two lanes in both directions between Mounds Park Blvd. in St. Paul and the St. Croix River. o Those driving through St. Cloud may want to avoid using State Route 23 between State Route 15 and U.S. Highway 10 because of bridge construction. Expect single line traffic in alternating directions. o State Route 23 from Stearns County Road 140 in Rockville to CR 158 in Cold Spring is also under construction. Detours have been set up. Travelers can check out the latest developments on road conditions before heading out this weekend by calling 511 or logging on to www.511mn.org. Weather The weather forecast for the weekend includes a little bit of everything according to KSTP 5 weather service. Showers are expected Friday with a highs in the mid-80s. Saturday will see more rain and possibly some thunderstorms with a low in the 50s. Those planning to spend their Fourth of July grilling outside shouldn’t give up hope altogether. The forecast predicts the overall weather Sunday to be a warm and sunny with highs in 70s. Chance of showers again on Monday with lows in the 50s.
