National News
Wednesday evening update: 1,950 still without power in Vernon, restoration expected by Thursday night
AEP Texas crews are continuing restoration efforts in response to a winter storm that began in parts of west Texas on Tuesday. As of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday , approximately 9,700 customers remained without power within the Abilene District, as compared to approximately 14,400 at 10:30 this morning. Vernon had 2,200 customers out this moenring and…
Read MoreBig turnout on first day of early voting
Turnout was high in Wilbarger County on Tuesday Oct. 13, the first day of early voting. Wilbarger County County Clerk Jana Kennon reported 377 votes were cast on the first day.Sample ballot 2020 Kennon said her office was petitioned by the local Democratic Party to have extended Early Voting hours. Enough signatures were obtained that…
Read MoreGovernor Abbott Issues Executive Order To Open Bars In Qualifying Counties
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order to open bars and similar establishments at up to 50% capacity in conjunction with county officials. In hospital regions with low COVID-19 hospitalizations, County Judges will be able to opt their county into opening bars beginning October 14th, provided they assist in enforcing health protocols. The Governor’s…
Read MoreOctober is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and local officials are calling on citizens to actively work toward eradicating domestic violence in our community. At a signing ceremony on Tuesday at Vernon City Hall, Mayor Pam Gosline signed an official proclamation demonstrating the city’s commitment to fighting domestic violence. The proclamation recognizes that “…the impact…
Read MoreTexas to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26
This Saturday, Sept. 26 is National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF), and Texas hunters and anglers are encouraged to invite others to join them in their outdoor adventures. Whether it is a child or grandchild, friend, co-worker, neighbor or someone completely new to hunting and fishing, recreating in the outdoors is a great way to…
Read MoreGov. Abbott announces new guidelines for nursing home visitation
Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference on Thursday, part of which announced new guidelines for nursing home visitation. He directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to expand visitation to all COVID-negative residents in long-term care and allow the designation of two essential caregivers for residents. This directive will go into place on September 24th. “Allowing safe in-person…
Read MoreGov. Abbott extends diseaster declaration
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has extended the state’s disaster declaration in response to the coronavirus pandemic as the state approaches nearly 13,500 deaths. The extension of the disaster declaration came as three of the state’s largest school districts experienced technical problems on Tuesday as their students started the new school year virtually because of concerns…
Read MoreWGH reports successful trial treatment on Covid patient
Last week, Wilbarger General Hospital reported that one long-term patient has made a full recovery. Salvador Perez left the hospital after 45 days of being hospitalized with a serious case of COVID-19. Dr. Travis Lehman, WGH Chief of Medical Staff, obtained FDA approval from the FDA and Mayo Clinic to administer the convalescent plasma treatment…
Read MoreTexas has given public schools permission to keep campuses closed longer
Texas has given public schools permission to keep campuses closed for more than 5 million students well into the fall as the state scrambles to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, Vice Chair Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and House Appropriations Committee…
Read MoreTexas projects $4.6 Billion shortfall due to pandemic
Texas’ budget forecast plummeted to a projected $4.6 billion shortfall as the coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices take a heavy toll on one of America’s largest economies, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday. The new assessment is a sharp reversal from October’s forecast that had Texas in line for an estimated $3 billion…
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