Pandemic puts damper on Independence Day celebration

ODESSA - The Independence Day holiday offered a gigantic yard sale and a barbecued lunch to local folks, who participated in droves. And those who purchased illegal fireworks were also plentiful as the big boomers frightened household pets and frayed the nerves of PTSD sufferers all over town. Fortunately, all the ruckus died down after about 11 p.m., and the night was peaceful.

The yard sale benefitting the Old Town Hall Rejuvenation Society took place on the grounds of the Odessa Historical Museum, which was open both Friday and Saturday and had displays set up on the front porch area and al...