The first full week of summer started with threatening storm clouds and heavy rain Sunday night in the area and a visit by more than 50 vintage military vehicles Monday morning.

Trained weather spotters were called out late Sunday afternoon after the National Weather Service detected possible tornadoes near Belle Plaine. The spotters did observe several small funnel clouds north and south of the city and at least one touch down northwest of the city. Later, the area was hit with a brief heavy rain storm, with one estimate of more than 2.5 inches of rain falling in an hour.

On Monday morning, a convoy of vintage and modern military vehicles stopped in the city as a part of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s convoy from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco, CA. More than 75 military and support vehicles were slated to travel 156 miles from Cedar Rapids to Jefferson on a leg of their 26-day, 3,200 mile journey along the original route of the Lincoln Highway.

The rest of the week should be a busy one as residents try to cope with the first real warm spell of the year as they participate in a variety of activities.

On Tuesday, a representative from Congressman Leonard Boswell’s office will be at City Hall from 11 a.m. to noon to answer questions from constituents. The Belle Plaine Library Board meets at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, the Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification meets at 6 p.m. at the community center.

Friday, Music on Main will feature bluegrass music, beginning at 6 p.m. in front of the museum.

On Saturday, a reception will be held for Henry and Patricia Tippie at the museum at 2 p.m.

The local sports slate is also a busy one this week, as the Belle Plaine girls’ softball squad will be home for four days this week. Tonight (Monday) they host Tri-County. Tuesday, Iowa Valley comes to town. On Wednesday, HLV makes the trip north to the Plainsman diamond and on Friday, Belle Plaine hosts North Mahaska. On Saturday, the Plainsmen travel to the Pekin Tournament.

The Plainsman baseball squad hits the road for a trio of games this week. They will be at Tri-County tonight, Iowa Valley for a 5 p.m. contest on Tuesday and HLV on Wednesday before returning home to host North Mahaska on Friday.

The ball park at Franklin Park will be busy Sunday afternoon, as the Belle Plaine Men’s Softball League plays eight games, starting at noon. The concession stand will be open and spectators are welcome.