Most State Parks Remain Open, But Permits Must Be Purchased Online
Most state parks remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some important changes to park procedures that become effective April 1, to help protect the health and well-being of visitors, volunteers and staff. One big change will be that all day-use and camping permits must be purchased online before your visit. Texas State Parks logo As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, more changes including park closures may...
Governor Extends School Closures; Implements Essential Services, Activities Protocols
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order today 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. Governor Abbott issues an executive order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols for the entire state of Texas.(Photo: Office of Governor...
PJC Opens Remote Registration For Summer Classes
By PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, Public Information Services Registration is now open at Paris Junior College for the May mini-term and other summer semesters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college continues to operate in a remote environment but those wishing to register may contact the college by email or phone. PJC is also offering a scholarship covering tuition for one Summer I or Summer II class to all graduatinghigh school...
Community Chest Changing Food Bank Service Dates
Effective April 1st, the Hopkins County Community Chest “Food Pantry” will only be open for drive-in assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The change will allow the staff to better assist clients. “Unlike businesses and stores who have closed, our intent is to continue operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that these times are exactly when our clients need us most. We ask for your patience as we...
PJC Urges Business Owners To View Online SBA Informational Meeting
PJC-Sulphur Springs CenterPublic Information Services Paris SBDC to hold Tuesday (March 31) online Q&A for small business emergency loans The Paris Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been fielding many questions and assisting businesses with loan applications due to revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to help local businesses navigate these difficult economic times, the SBDC will hold a virtual meeting...
WiFi, Other Options Available For SSISD Students Who Do Not Have Internet
As Sulphur Springs ISD continues its online school programing during the COVID-19 school closure, district administrators report the availability of four options for SSISD students who do not have internet at home SSISD reports at Suddenlink/Altice, Sprint Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon and SatPro Wireless Entertainment all offer reduced rates, special plans or free or additional options to help families during COVID-19 pandemic. The...
Como-Pickton CISD Closure Extended Through May 1
Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower announced Monday afternoon, in a letter addressed to parents and students, that school will likely remain closed through May 1, due to COVID-19. The decision for the Como-Pickton CISD Extended closure was made following the President’s extension of social distancing guidelines through the end of April. Como-Pickton CISD Eagle Bower announced May...
AG: Local Governments Must Allow The Sale Of Firearms
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued a legal opinion following a request from Representative Dustin Burrows regarding the sales of firearms in Texas municipalities and counties. The opinion concludes that municipal and county authorities may not use emergency powers to regulate or restrict the sale of firearms. Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General “State law provides several emergency powers to...
Governor Issues Executive Order Mandating 14-Day Self-Quarantine For Some Air Travelers
Anyone flying into Texas for a visit or return home from the New York Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey or Connecticut area) or New Orleans should prepare for a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Texas Governor Greg Abbott Thursday, March 26, issued an Executive Order mandating a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals traveling to Texas as their final destination through an airport from the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey or...
Commissioners Court Reappoints Balkcom As Local Health Authority
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Thursday evening called an emergency meeting to reappoint Dr. Balkcom as the county’s official Local Health Authority. Judge Robert Newsom first reported there are no new reports of positive coronavirus cases; just one as reported Tuesday. Newsom noted that Dr. I. L. Balkcom IV has served in this capacity for a number of years and recommended that he be reappointed as Local health Authority....
