Coming out of great unknown this time last year, when COVID-19 held a deadly grip on the nation, McMurry University found a way to bring back live theater.
Kerry Goff, the theater department head, had to revise his three-show summer schedule due largely to getting the rights to shows, but he came up with a Plan B. He would take two shows, Steel Magnolias and The Fantasticks, outdoors.
Yes, into the summer heat.
The shows were performed on an elevated stage at the university s Quad. Actors were spread across the stage and did not physically interact.
Audiences were limited in number and seated apart, usually under the nearest tree. That alone encouraged social distancing.
Abilene Christian University confirmed Wednesday that a fire on campus late Tuesday was on the roof of Moody Coliseum, which is under renovation.
Abilene Fire Department crews responded to the 800 block of Coliseum Way at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release.
There, they said, flames were visible on the upper area of the event center.
The fire was extinguished, the department said, and damage was minimal, with an estimated value at $5,000.
ACU spokeswoman Wendy Kilmer said damage was limited to materials. The fire was related to construction, but no structural damage was reported, she said.
What effect the fire has on construction progress was not immediately known.
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COVID-19: Taylor County adds 1 death, 17 cases Tuesday
The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District reported Tuesday one COVID-19-linked deaths, 17 new cases and 14 recoveries.
The deceased – a man in his 80s – brings the total number of county deaths linked to the coronavirus to 401.
Of the 17 new cases, 10 were confirmed via polymerase chain reaction tests.
Active cases total 214 (106 PCR cases and 108 confirmed via antigen tests). A week ago, active cases numbered 152.
COVID-19 inpatients at the Abilene hospitals total 16, which is two more than Monday. The average age of the patients is 58, and seven live outside Taylor County.
The percentage of COVID-19 inpatients in the Abilene trauma service area was 1.43% Sunday, compared to 1.34% Saturday and 1.88% Friday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 website.
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Texas State Softball team members warm up before a game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Bobcat Softball Stadium. The Bobcats won 3-0.
Natalie Ryan
Texas State freshman pitcher Jessica Mullins (4) pitches to a Georgia Southern batter, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Bobcat Softball Stadium. The Bobcats won 3-0.
Natalie Ryan
Texas State Softball team members line up for the national anthem before a game against Georgia Southern, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Bobcat Softball Stadium. The Bobcats won 3-0.
Natalie Ryan
Texas State freshman infielder Baylee Lemons (24) gets ready to bat against Georgia Southern, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Bobcat Softball Stadium. The Bobcats won 3-0.