Wednesday
• After a long meeting last week, the Emporia City Commission has a lighter agenda this time out. The 7 p.m. meeting has three items facing commissioners: the city’s capital improvement plan, a street closure for a fund-raiser by Natasha’s and a recognition of Evora Wheeler and Ron Slaymaker for their work on the city’s 150th anniversary. But it’s too good to last — right after the meeting and an executive session, commissioners get to come together for another study session on the utility and “small funds” budgets. The regular meeting is in the commission chambers at 518 Mechanic St. while the study session is in the city conference room, 521 Market St.
• It’s nothing but music at “Live in the Lot” this week with performances by Vermyllion, M-Theory and Portrait of Malice. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street parking lot. There is no charge.
• Those wanting to get in step instead can try the Emporia Public Library’s “Brown Bag” concert this week, featuring the Studio 2B Folklore dancers. The concert starts at noon in the library courtyard and is free.
Thursday
• It’s time to gear up for the Shrine Bowl! Emporia State University will host the camp for the East squad starting today. The bowl game is July 28 in Hays. Overall, the West squad leads the series 18-12-1.
• If you missed your chance to weigh in on the city budget last time, here’s your next shot. The Emporia City Commission will hold a public meeting on the 2008 budget at 7 p.m. at the Mary Herbert Learning Center, 1700 W. Seventh Ave. Any comments on the proposed spending for next year are welcome.
• The Emporia Municipal Band must be feeling pretty jazzed up about its recent concert in Wichita — the theme for its Fremont Park concert this week is “All That Jazz!” Whether it’s George Gershwin, Count Basie or pure Dixieland joy, it’ll be welcome at the 8 p.m. performance. The event is free, but bring your own chairs.
• Lyon County commissioners will only have one meeting this week. They will meet for an action session starting at 8 a.m. Among the items on the agenda are 2008 budget discussion; discussing of a $5,000 funding request for Plumb Place; and fiscal year 2008 Community Corrections grant discussion.
Friday
• Muggle mania! In honor of the final installment of the Harry Potter book release, parties will be held across Emporia Friday evening and into the wee hours of Saturday morning. Locations include Town Crier, 700 block of Commercial St.; Emporia State University Memorial Union and Hasting’s, next to the Flint Hills Mall.
• Play ball! The ASA State Softball Tournament and Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament will take the field Friday night at the Trusler Sports Complex. For times and more information, call 340-6300.