Paris District Road Report for the Week of April 20, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of April 20, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US 75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for shoulder closures as crews work on widening the roadway to add turn lanes.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
FM 131, Grayson County: from FM 691 to FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 exit ramp for FM 691. During this phase, westbound Spur 503 to southbound US 75 traffic must use the frontage road through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on ramp after FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
Park Road 20, Grayson County: within Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: between FM 902 and the Denton County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is closed at Indian Creek while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4920 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2998 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
SH 78, Fannin County: from SH 121 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 273, Fannin County: from FM 2029 to FM 100. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
IH 30, Hopkins County: From SH 154 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From FM 2297 to SH 154. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews replace an existing drainage structure. Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for crews as they begin preparations for right-of-way work.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews complete final backfill work at metal beam guard fence locations.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last box culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Contractor crews may be present on this project on Saturdays, weather permitting. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently back-filling and seeding, sidewalk work is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County maintenance crews are working on repairing pot holes throughout Hunt County. Please be careful when driving in areas where our work vehicles are present. Crews are also working on sealcoat preparation.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
US 69 from Stonewall to BU69 is currently undergoing a mill-and-inlay project, please be careful as lane closures are necessary and workers are present in the area.
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Suspicious Vehicle Complaint Results In Arrest
A suspicious vehicle complaint on FM 69 south in Como early Friday morning resulted in a Como resident’s arrest after marijuana, alcohol, drug paraphernalia and a substance that tested positive for MDMA or Ecstasy were found in his possession, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Office’s Deputies Justin Wilkerson and Chris Baumann were dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. April 17, to FM 69 south in Como, where a vehicle was reportedly parked in the road. Upon arrival, the deputies reported finding a Ford Escape parked in the southbound lane of FM 69 in Como.
As deputies contacted the occupant who appeared to be asleep in the driver’s seat of the SUV, they reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the red vehicle. Deputies had the occupant exit the SUV, then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, according to arrest reports. Deputies allegedly found alcohol, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of a green, leafy substance suspected to be marijuana in the SUV.
The deputies took the individual, identified as 18-year-old Autumn Rose Rodgers of Como, into custody for impeding traffic, minor in possession of alcoholic beverages and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rodgers was to jail and the SUV was impounded, Wilkerson and Baumann alleged in arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the county jail, Rodgers reportedly was non-compliant with corrections officers and was placed into a V-cell. While being booked into the cell, Rodgers was allegedly found in possession of an additional small amount of marijuana as well as a clear baggy containing small pills that tested positive for MDMA (Ecstasy) and weighed 7.12 grams. That resulted in an additional charge for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, a second-degree felony offense, according to arrest reports.
Rodgers remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning on the charges, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Como Man Charged Twice In Three Days
A 28-year-old Como man was charged twice in three days on felony warrant, according to arrest and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Fisher served Nickolas Skyler White at 5:25 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the county jail with the warrant for violation of probation, which was on for a 2017 manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance offense, according to arrest reports.
White has been in custody since his arrest April 15. After talking with an investigator Wednesday, at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office White was taken into custody at 5:30 p.m. by Deputy Justin Wilkerson on a warrant for assault of a family or household member with prior conviction. That offense is alleged to have occurred on County Road 2325 on April 7, Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Jail records show White was booked into Hopkins County jail onSept. 18, 2010 on an assault charge; Oct. 23, 2016 on a warrant for assault causing bodily injury to a family member; April 25, 2017 on another assault causing bodily injury warrant; and Jan. 1, 2019, on a warrant for violation of probation on the latter assault charge.
White remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, April 18, on both the violation of probation and assault of family or household member with previous conviction charge. Bond on that third-degree felony assault charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
CANHelp Receives Grant From United Way Worldwide
For the first time ever, United Way Worldwide announced and distributed $2 million in grants to 2-1-1s in the United States; CANHelp was among the organizations awarded one of the grants to help with their COVID-19 response.
Both United Way 2-1-1s and independently operated 2-1-1s were eligible to apply and a total of 52 organizations received funds to help manage surge and COVID-19 response services. CANHelp, an independent non-profit organization located in Sulphur Springs with the full name of Hopkins County Community Action Network, was one of the 52 organizations.
For this first distribution, grants ranged from $10,000-$50,000 based on weighted criteria including call volume, population coverage, and activation status.
CANHelp received $45,000 in grant assistance to help with their COVID-19 response. CANHelp has operated a 2-1-1 Texas call center for the Northeast Region for almost twenty years. The organization typically serves the counties of Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus, but have taken calls from across Texas since the pandemic began.
According to Executive Director, Shanna Martin, “On average, we take about 2,500 to 3,000 calls per month and have 3 full time call specialists working the phones. Due to our COVID-19 response, we are now taking over 2,000 calls per week. Our call volume has increased over 400 percent in the past month. We currently have every trained employee taking calls for 2-1-1, which is typically 5-7 employees on the phones at any time.”
From a press release issued on March 19, 2020 from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, CANHelp along with the governor and local officials, encourage all Texans in need of COVID-19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As we encourage people to use social distancing and to stay at home when possible, this state resource can help the public stay informed, stay calm and stay safe,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “Our trained staff are working tirelessly around the clock to respond to all the public’s questions, through 2-1-1 as well as our HHS social media platforms.”
Texans, no matter where they live, can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 and select option 6 to get information and referrals to COVID-19 social services, including testing, community clinics, unemployment benefits and more.
Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to find information about local community resources such as financial assistance for utilities or rent and food pantries, housing assistance, crisis counseling, utility payment assistance, and senior services.
Call center operators answered more than 785,000 calls by Texans for information and services during Hurricane Harvey and are available to help during this public health crisis.
Shanna Martin states, “We are very thankful for the grant from United Way Worldwide as it will allow us the additional funds needed to operate our call center at full capacity for next couple months without needing additional state funding.”
County, Yantis School Officials Are Working On Plans For Activities, Classes
As word of the Presidents’ three-phase Opening America Up Again plan and the Governor’s most recent instructions regarding COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines became widely known today, school officials are working on plans, assessing what remaining closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year will mean for their districts.
With no in-person events or classes on campuses, UIL officially cancelled all events and activities for the rest of the year as well.
During a time when seniors would be celebrating their successes and participating in time-honored traditions such as prom and honors programs, seniors and student graduating from one school to the next would be preparing for commencement excercises and activities.
Some school districts have begun recognizing their seniors on their Facebook pages. Where available senior photos are used, and information about the students’ achievements, civic and extracurricular activities provided for these students. Districts also recognize their career aspirations and the college, university, academy or military training plans.
Below are public responses made Friday afternoon, April 17, by Hopkins County and Yantis school district officials regarding the most recent plans issued at the state and local levels, and what that means for each school district.
Como-Pickton CISD
CPCISD Superintendent Greg Bower said while school officials don’t yet have answers, there will be a plan for graduation, scholarship and awards announcements, even if it’s online.
The district meal program will continue for students who are in need during the rest of our school year. Last week, CPCISD staff and cafeteria workers delivered almost 2,000 meals to students.
Below is his message Friday afternoon to the Eagle Nation Family:
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter reported options are being explored for senior graduation and other celebrations. The district plans to have summer school and other learning options.
Slaughter issued the following news released regarding closing of school through the end of the 2019-20 school year due to the Coronavirus pandemic:
North Hopkins ISD
In a popup announcement NHISD’s website, official noted that while the school will be closed for classes for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, meals and distance learning “will continue as in process.”
Saltillo ISD
The Education Commissioner will give schools more guidelines concerning course work, meals, and graduation in the following weeks.
“Please rest assured Saltillo ISD will continue to provide the best we can for our students and families. Thank you to students, parents, school employees, school board members and community members for all that you are doing to keep Saltillo ISD one of the top schools in Texas,” school officials posted on The Saltillo ISD Lions Facebook page.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff ISD “will still be sending home lessons from teachers and school lunches until our our original scheduled graduation date in May.”
Yantis ISD
Yantis administrators will meet on Monday to discuss senior activities, including graduation.
“These are challenging times for our students, staff, families and our communities, but we will continue to be flexible and keep you informed. We have high expectations for you all and will strive to provide the best education possible through the end of the year,” YISD Superintendent Tracey Helfferich, stated in a release.
Helfferich clarifies that while in-person classes on campus are suspended for all school districts in the state through the end of the school year, “online schooling will continue until the last day of the 2019-2020 school year which is May 22.” This is per TEA.
Questions may be emailed to Mrs. Helfferich at [email protected] or sent in a private message through Facebook.”
President Announces Guidelines For “Opening Up America Again” Plan
President Donald Trump has unveiled Guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives from COVID-19.
Phase One
Phase one of the Opening Up America Again plan for states and regions that satisfy the gating criteria includes:
Individuals
- All vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
- All individuals, when in public(e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
- Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., receptions, trade shows)
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Employers
- Continue to encourage telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- If possible, return to work in phases.
- Close common areaswhere personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
- Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population.
Specific Types of Employers
- Bars should also remain closed.
Phase Two
Then, phase two of the Opening Up American Again plan for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time includes:
Individuals
- Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to isolate from vulnerable residents.
Employers
- Continue to encourage telework, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, or enforce moderate social distancing protocols.
- Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population.
Specific Types of Employers
- Schools and organized youth activitites (e.g., daycare, camp) can reopen.
- Visitors to senior care facilities and hospitals should be prohibited. Those who do interact with residents and patients must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
- Large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols.
- Elective surgeries can resume, as clinically appropriate, on an outpatient and in-patient basis at facilities that adhere to CMS guidelines.
- Gyms can remain open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.
- Bars may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate.
Phase Three
Finally, phase three of the Opening Up America Again plan for states and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a third time includes:
Individuals
- Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.
- Low-risk populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
Employers
- Resume unrestricted staffing of worksites.
Specific Types of Employers
- Visitors to senior care facilities and hospitals can resume. Those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene.
- Large venues (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.
- Gyms can remain open if they adhere to standard sanitation protocols.
- Bars may operate with increased standing room occupancy, where applicable.
Alliance Bank: Call To Action On Paycheck Protection Program Funds
Alliance Bank April 17 announced on behalf of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) the following press release from Tom Sellers regarding the Paycheck Protection Program:
Our fears that the funds allocated by Congress for the critically important Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) would be exhausted have sadly become reality. The SBA announced this
morning that no further applications for this small business relief/survival program would be considered.
Community banks across Texas have stepped up in a major way to support small businesses and have been met with constant challenges, changes and delays in their attempts to process these loans. Virtually all the banks we have been in contact with have numerous applications still unapproved, despite their heroic efforts to move this process forward. There is rampant frustration from both prospective borrowers and the banks attempting to meet an unprecedented demand for these critical loans.
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas, in the strongest possible manner, urges our Congressional and Administration leaders to take immediate steps to provide sufficient additional funding for this program and make it clear to the public that they are committed to ensuring that adequate funds are appropriated to support the small business sector in this period of economic crisis. There are many areas of need in our country that should and will be addressed. In our assessment, this program should take precedence at this juncture.
To contact Texas Senators Cornyn and Cruz, as well as your U.S. House member, use this link to register your support for immediate and additional PPP funding!
https://www.ibat.org/grassroots-action-center?vvsrc=%2fcampaigns%2f73543%2frespond
Sulphur Springs ISD Officials Are Working On Plan for High School Graduation
2020 Honors Breakfast, Prom and 8th Grade Banquet Postponed
In accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order issued April 17, 2020, Sulphur Springs ISD will continue its school closure for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. SSISD will continue to serve students through May 21 via the Distance Learning Program.
The 2020 Honors Breakfast, Prom, and 8th Grade Banquets are postponed indefinitely. The District is working on a plan for our High School Graduation, and details will soon be available, according to SSISD Assistant Superintendent Rusty Harden.
All UIL sanctioned activities including contests, practices, rehearsals and workouts are suspended until further notice.
“Thank you for your support and cooperation as we ensure that all members of the community stay safe and healthy,” Harden stated in a news release.
While school is dismissed, the district will be holding Kindergarten Round-up, taking Kindergarten Dual Language Two-Way program applications and conducting new student registration April 20-24. Click this link for information.
Retail To Go Will Be Available April 24th For Retailers That Have Been Closed
Your favorite dress shop, gift shop, or other retailer that has been closed due to COVID-19 will be able to open with a “Retail-To-Go” format on Friday, April 24th. This opportunity to get retailers back open in stages has been announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This information comes as welcome news to retailers that fall into the “non-essential” category determined by the state during the coronavirus pandemic. More information is yet to come from the state level as to what the next stage will be for each type of business. The State of Texas, will announce the next stage on April 27th.
Although some savvy retailers have already been using FaceTime and other resources to stay in touch with their customers, this new “retail-to-go” guideline will allow retailers to provide cubside service or home delivery of items from their establishments. Hopefully, this will expand with the next phase from the state level after a couple of weeks.
Carrie Crowson from Lou Nell’s Fashions tells KSST News, “that this is welcome news for retailers.” Crowson’s store has been closed since April 2nd but she has been staying in contact with customers in other ways.
Texas State Parks Will Open To The Public Monday, April 20th
After closing all Texas State Parks on April 7th, due to COVID-19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that they will reopen on Monday, April 20th. Social distancing guidelines will need to be followed and gathering size will be limited.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will continue to stay current with the latest public health recommendations and will have up to date information on any restrictions concerning these guidelines.
Outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, biking, jogging, walking, hiking, wildlife viewing and the like are essential activities for Texas citizens. TPWD will continue to do its part to actively encourage and promote these opportunities in ways that are safe and close to home, said Smith.
Through this trying time, TPWD has worked diligently to facilitate access to the outdoors across the state, including in the state park system, which hosted nearly 740,000 day and overnight visitors throughout the month of March.
Questions regarding state park reservations can be emailed to [email protected] and general park information can be found at TexasStateParks.org.
