Fourth of July picnic by firemen is calm, quiet, not too hot

Independence Day in Odessa was a relatively calm and quiet affair, with only a few evening fireworks disturbing the peaceful, small-town atmosphere that prevailed most of the day.

The members of the Odessa Volunteer Fire Department and their families served up a lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, chips and watermelon. The crowd was large, as people came out to enjoy the sunshine and the company. The pool was open for swimmers to enjoy, and Odessa's summer recreation program also had craft tables set up in the shade of the park's trees to entertain any children who wish...