Regional
Texas State Parks Temporarily Close to the Public
At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas State Parks will be closed to the public effective at the close of business Tuesday, April 7 in order to maintain the safest environment for visitors, volunteers and staff. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations…
Read MoreGovernor Abbott Waives Certain Regulations To Expand Health Care Workforce During COVID-19 Response
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived certain regulations to expand the health care workforce to assist with Texas’ COVID-19 response. Under this waiver, Physician Assistants (PA), Medical Physicists, Perfusionists, and Respiratory Care candidates for licensure who have completed all other requirements may enter the workforce under an emergency license working under supervision prior…
Read MoreGovernor Abbott, TDHCA take initial action to secure financial housing assistance
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) have taken initial action to provide tenant-based rental assistance for Texans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The Governor has waived statutes relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investments Partnership program which would allow Texas greater…
Read MoreStatewide executive order goes into effect Thursday, schools shut til May
Governor Greg Abbott Monday issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas. The protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. The Governor’s Executive Order renews and amends his previous order enforcing federal social distancing guidelines for…
Read MoreWilbarger County offices operating by appointment only
Wilbarger County offices will now be operating by appointment only. Access to the courthouse will be limited after the Wilbarger County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Monday to discuss the coronavirus. Judge Greg Tyra asked the Commissioners Court to ratify a declaration of emergency last Monday, which he had proclaimed earlier. The declaration would expire…
Read MoreGov. Abbott discusses his latest directives
Bob Garrett Texas Pool Reporter Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday that Texas has more than doubled the number of hospital beds available for patients who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in a recent week. He announced the state’s first pop-up hospital for COVID-19 patients will be erected by at the Kay Bailey Huchison…
Read MoreRestaurants struggle to stay open
Vernon restaurants and the Vernon Plaza movie theater are facing an unprecedented challenge after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order closing them. Gov. Abbott, on Thursday, issued an executive order that will close restaurants and schools, among other things to combat the spread of the coronavirus. During a news conference at the state Capitol, Abbott…
Read MoreCounty schools grapple with changing conditions
Wilbarger County schools will be shut down this week, with plans to offer online distance learning, starting March 30 as well as meals to students. The details on how that will work are still being ironed out this week by school staff. The rapidly shifting conditions have created nightmares for local schools trying to develop…
Read MoreRailroad Commission’s Wayne Christian discusses oil market
AUSTIN – As Saudi Arabia and Russia flood the international energy market with a glut of crude oil, prices have dropped to unsustainable levels that threaten the future of the Texas oil and gas industry, its associated benefits to the state economy, and American energy dominance. The United States recently became the largest producer…
Read MoreGov. Abbott discusses his declaration closing restaurants
Jonathon Tillove Austin American Statesman Texas Pool Reporter Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference Thursday to discuss is declaration closing restaurants, bars and schools. He was joined by Texas Health Service director, Dr. John Hellerstedt, who was seated to Abbott’s right. and Texas Department of Emergency Management, led by Chief Nim Kidd, seated…
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