COUNTY LIFE
While Texas is not in eclipse’s main path, folks are getting ready for Monday
For the first time since 1918, the entire continental United States will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, a phenomenon that occurs when the moon crosses between the earth and sun and covers part of the later. Moreover, a 70-mile stretch across the country’s midsection will witness a total solar eclipse in which the moon will completely block the sun’s light for nearly two and a half hours.
The “Great American Eclipse’s” shadow will cross 14 states, traveling from the west coast of Oregon all the way to the east coast of South Carolina — the first time a total solar eclipse has passed from one coast to the other in 99 years.
Space.org explains the dark shadow of the moon, the umbra, will first touch the earth’s surface far out over the North Pacific Ocean nearly 1,000 miles south of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands at 9:48 a.m. local time. For 27 minutes the umbra will sweep rapidly to the east over the ocean.
Finally, the umbra will arrive along the coast of Oregon at 11:15 a.m. central time. From there, the moon’s shadow is going to race from coast to coast across the United States. That’s a distance of almost 2,500 miles, from Oregon to South Carolina,and it will take the umbra just 94 minutes to travel that distance.
That works out to nearly 27 miles per minute or about 1,600 mph, about three times faster than a commercial jetliner. That’s why, along the path of totality, the sun will appear completely covered for no more than 160 seconds.
“There are various types of eclipses, and because each one relates to three different orbits — the Moon’s, the Earth’s and the Sun’s — it all depends on where all three line up and the distance between each of them,” said Texas A&M astronomer Jennifer Marshall.
They happen twice a year, every year, but they can only be seen in a narrow swath on the Earth, so they seem very rare.
Read more about the eclipse in your weekend News. Also go to these links for additional resources on the eclipse including interactive maps and locators.
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2017-august-21
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-who-what-where-when-and-how
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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