News

Rural counties face fifth straight week of record COVID-19 deaths

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Explore full-page map online at https:// datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sQnOK/7/ The number of people from rural counties who died from COVID-19-related causes in a one-week period topped 3,000 for the first time last week, marking the fifth consecutive week of a record-setting number of fatalities. Rural counties broke another record last week for the number of counties in the red zone, defined as 100 new cases per week per 100,000 residents.
Rural COVID map

Pavilion closing shot down by commissioners

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Commissioners considered, but turned down, a suggestion by Judge George Briant that—in light of the continued COVID-19 surge here—they temporarily close the county-owned Jones Pavilion for use by the public.
Hemphill County

COVID case count continues to surge here

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The number of new COVID-positive tests performed by the Hemphill County Hospital Laboratory Department continued to rise over the last eight days, increasing by 26 the number of confirmed positive cases in this county since last Wednesday. According to HCH, there are now 49 active cases in Hemphill County, out of 309 total positive tests reported by the lab.
COVID test count

County commissioners hear 2020 audit report

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Hemphill County has $23 million in cash and cash equivalents, with unrestricted net assets of $26.5 million. Based on annual expenditures, the county has enough in reserve to continue operating for 35.3 months—an admirable position, according to Doshier, Pickens, & Francis partner John Merriss.
financial audit

IRS urges data protection for holidays, filing season

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DALLAS—With the approach of the holidays and the upcoming tax-filing season, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and the nation’s tax industry are promoting the 5th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4 with tips on basic safeguards everyone should take.
data protection

State Capital Highlights

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Texas is preparing to distribute the COVID-19 vaccination to medical staff and other first responders later this month. “Texas is ready to distribute these vaccines in the coming days,” Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Sunday, sharing a Wall Street Journal news story about United Airlines operating charter flights to position doses of Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine for quick distribution if the shots are approved by regulators. Earlier, Abbott and the State Department of Health Services announced their guiding principles of vaccine distribution. Texas will initially allocate vaccines based on the following criteria:
State Capital Highlights

#COLORFULCANADIAN

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#ColorfulCanadian is kicking off its inaugural year with a show-stopping display of downtown Christmas lights as the official holiday season begins. The memorable Winter Wonderland lightscape illuminating Canadian’s historic Main Street and several other storefronts around town is guaranteed to lift holiday spirits.
#COLORFULCANADIAN

Making Spirits Bright

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In 2020, “home for the holidays” has a new ring to it. With the year’s pandemic challenges, Canadian is re-imagining the holidays, adjusting traditions, and implementing new events. A big dose of Christmas cheer may be the perfect way to brighten up this crazy year.
Christmas lights at The Citadelle's Waterfield Walk
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