KANOPOLIS, Kan. — As the Independence Day holiday approaches, eyes are on the two favorite lakes in the area.

At Kanopolis, things are starting to open up again although the lake is still well above normal. At last check, the lake was at 1,489 feet above sea level. The normal pool is around 1,467 feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing 2,000 cubic feet of water per second from the lake. The Riverside campground remains fully open. Park officials say Venango campground will partially open on July 1. Kimble Point and C loop will be available for camping.

A, B, D, & E loops, Loder Point, the beach, ATV area, and boat ramp will remain closed to vehicle access and camping. Reservations will continue to be accepted on closed camping areas from July 15 on. However, those reservations may be canceled with a full refund if areas are expected to remain closed longer.

The water at Cheney Reservoir is still more than five feet above normal. The park is open, including all cabins. Lakeview Campground, most of the North Loop, South Loop, north side of Smarsh Creek, Giefer Hill and Harding Hill are open.

All of the East Shore Side is closed except for Lakeview utility sites. This includes the Marina Hook-Up, Heimerman Point, M&M Point and Wichita Point campgrounds. The East boat ramp is still under water.

West Shore Side closures include Hobie Beach Day Use/Campground, two sites in North Loop, two sites in South Loop and Giefer Creek Day Use.

Reservations are being taken for the areas that are open.