The City of Andalusia has lifted the voluntary outdoor watering restrictions imposed earlier in June.
Mayor Earl Johnson said this week’s afternoon showers have eased the stress on the city’s water system.
“We still ask that people be conservative with their use of water,” he said. “But we are lifting restrictions for now.”
“Strike up the band” is not something one normally hears at a sports bar and grille, but that’s exactly what happened at Beef O’Brady’s Monday night as the local establishment hosted open mic night.
It was the second instance that allowed local musicians to showcase their talents, and if you think Samuel Moore, 8, looks more like a kid who’d enjoy video games over bluegrass music, you’d be wrong.
He’s been playing the guitar since he was 4.
“It’s funny,” Samuel said. “I love to play music. I love the guitar, the mandolin, and I got a fiddle. You should hear it.”
Moore, his father Richard, and grandmother Ruth were among the entertainers performing. At 7:30 p.m., the group began bringing in guitars, mandolins and fiddles. To say that diners were curious as to what was happening was an understatement.
“My boss is a real good friend of the owner,” Richard said as the group unpacked. “When he said he was thinking of doing an open mic night, my boss said ‘I got the guy for you.’ So, here I am and here they are.”
One had to only read Gene Griggs’ shirt and Bobby Jackson’s belt buckle to know their preferred style of music.
“I ‘love bluegrass’ kind of says it all,” the men agreed. Both have been playing for years, they said.
When Richard called them to perform with him, it didn’t take much to get them to show up.
“All I had to do was tell them how I didn’t want to perform alone,” Richard said. “These two don’t really need an excuse to play good music.”
Which is exactly the kind of venue, Beef’s hopes to promote.
Area musical talents are invited each Monday at 8 p.m. to perform. Sign up begins at 7 p.m. and there is no age limit.
There is no specific music style set, either.
“Bluegrass, country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, soft rock, you name it,” Richard said. “All you have to do is come perform.”
Residents are reminded that the state is still under a “No Burn Order,” which prohibits all outdoor burning in all 67 counties.
The Forestry Commission and the governor’s office evaluated the impacts of recent rainfall on the existing drought, which showed that the 10-day forecast for the state shows below-average rainfall, with above-average temperatures.
Forestry officials said the weather pattern will accelerate the drying of vegetation and debris, returning conditions to the same level that existed prior to the recent rainfall.
Under the No Burn Order, it is illegal for residents to set fire to forests, grass, woods, wildland or marshes. No campfires or bonfires are allowed and residents may not burn trash or other materials that could cause forest, woods or grass fires.
Anyone who is caught doing so, could face a fine up to $500 and six months in jail.
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby will be in Andalusia this Thurs., June 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion, 1852 East Three Notch St., Andalusia.
Roby’s office is billing the event as a town hall meeting held by Roby and hosted by the Common Sense Campaign.
The Common Sense Campaign is circulating a flier billing the event as the “largest tea party” in Covington County.
There are 40 students participating in Upward Bound at LBW Community College this year.
Upward Bound is a federally-funded program designed to give first-generation students with a low family income a chance to prepare for college. The program serves nine schools from Crenshaw, Butler and Covington counties for students grades 9-12.
Currently, the students are on the LBW campus participating in the summer residential portion of the program. For six weeks, students have the opportunity to experience “college life,” complete with a stay in a dorm room. Four days a week students attend classes, and in the evenings are treated to group activities such as bowling, before retiring to their “dorm room” at the Andalusia Econo Lodge.
“It’s great,” said Brittany Blakenship, a Greenville High School student. “This is my second year in the program. It’s given me such a great advantage and a great way to get ahead in college. It’s challenging. It really makes you feel grown up. It’s a true college experience.”
Fellow attendees Spencer Stallworth and Melanie Kondrat’yev, both of Red Level, agreed.
“It’s my first time away from home, too. It’s been a great way to meet new people,” Stallworth said.
Kondraty’yev said she’s enjoyed the experience.
“It’s been amazing,” she said.
“We especially love the trips,” Blakenship said. “We got to go to Six Flags, and we get to go to Washington, D.C., in July.”
Blakenship is the daughter of Sonya and Robert Blakenship. She plans to attends A&M University in Huntsville and become a pediatric nurse.
Stallworth is the son of John and Beverly Stallworth. He plans to attend Auburn University and become a marine biologist.
Kondrat’yev is the daughter of Andre and Oksana Kondrat’yev. She plans to attend the University of Alabama and become a lawyer.