Decades ago, before home entertainment systems were prevalent, people would gather to watch movies outdoors, often projected onto the sides of buildings.
The tradition will return to life this summer as part of the second Charlie Melvin Mad Bomber Run festival on July 9.
David Toland of Thrive Allen County, the festival’s sponsor, was given permission by commissioners Tuesday to show the film “Supersize Me” on June 11 to make sure an inflatable screen works. Viewing, on the Allen County Courthouse lawn, starts at dusk and attendees should bring blankets and chairs for comfort.
If all goes well, another film will be shown the night of July 9 when the Charlie Melvin remembrance occurs.
Melvin bombed taverns on West Street and then dashed off to hiding before later being found. The incident was memor-ialized with the inaugur-al Charlie Melvin Mad Bomber Run on the 100th anniversary of the crimes last July 4.
This year’s event will include a festival with inflatables and a car show on the Iola square.
Toland noted four porta-potties for the July 9 event would cost Thrive $345 and asked commissioners if they’d permit the courthouse to be opened so participants could use rest rooms that “also would be a better experience for them.” He figured overtime pay for Ron Holman, courthouse maintenance supervisor, and a custodian at about $210.
“That’d save us $130, which would be helpful,” Toland said.
Commissioners said they were agreeable but instructed Toland to ask Holman whether he was willing to work into the wee hours of July 10. Commissioners said they didn’t want to “put Ron on the spot,” by agreeing to the proposal without his accord.
A GRANT of $3,000 was made to SAFE BASE so dental examinations may be given during enrollment for all three school districts in the county. County money will be matched by $3,000 awarded by Allen County Health Care Foundation. Angela Henry, SAFE BASE director, originally sought $7,000 from the county.
Enrollment, which in-cludes school supplies for children, will be in August. Henry said volunteers would assemble 1,500 bags of school supplies.
This will be the sixth year SAFE BASE has offered dental screenings as part of the event.
JASON NELSON, am-bulance director, said the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services approved a $6,300 grant for Allen County EMS, which will be used for training.
Commissioners purchased a computer system for the Public Works Department for $1,418 from Advantage Computers, which had the lower of two bids.
