On Thursday evening, April 2, Hemphill County Hospital District reported the first positive test for COVID-19 in Hemphill County. The news rocked the community, emptied local streets, and resulted in the closing of more local businesses, whose resources were already stretched thin by the pandemic’s effects.

On April 7, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a mandate asking Texas state parks to close to the public until further notice, in order to maintain the safest environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff. The historic sites and state parks closed at 5 pm on Tuesday, April 7 and will reopen at the governor’s orders.

Hemphill County Commissioners on Monday approved the extension of Judge George Briant’s declaration—issued last Wednesday—of a public health emergency declaration due to the spread of COVID-19.

My desk faces the window and that is where I spend most of my time.