State Capital Highlights
The rate of COVID-19 vaccine administration is slowly increasing in Texas as we enter the second full month of shots going into arms.
News
Amarillo leads the nation in COVID-19 vaccinations
According to data from www.covidactnow.org, the Amarillo metro area is number one in the nation for vaccinations. The Amarillo Public Health department began providing the COVID-19 vaccine at its walk-in clinic at the Amarillo Civic Center on Dec. 30.
City council considers no-parking zones downtown to increase visibility and safety
In their February meeting, Canadian’s City Council will consider proposed new restrictions on Main Street—from 2nd to 7th streets—extending the no-parking zone at each intersection in order to provide greater safety and visibility for crossing vehicles.
U.S. Rep. Jackson named to House Armed Services
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13) has been appointed to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). HASC is charged with authorizing national defense budgets and enacting policies that structure the U.S. military.
Mesa View Senior Living and COVID dominate Hemphill County Hospital Board discussion
In public comment during the Jan. 19 Hemphill County Hospital Board meeting, Jocelyn Timmons offered her congratulations for the move-in of residents to the new nursing home, Mesa View Senior Living.
HCH lab reports 21 new COVID positives in week
The Hemphill County Hospital District lab has reported 21 new positive tests for COVID-19 in local residents over the last seven days, from Jan. 21-27, and 13 new cases in non-county residents.
Five reasons to still wear a mask even after you’re vaccinated
As an emergency physician, Dr. Eugenia South was in the first group of people to receive a COVID vaccine. She received her second dose last week. Yet South said she’s in no rush to throw away her face mask.
Driver’s license renewal extension in Texas expires in April
AUSTIN (KXAN)—If you’re putting off renewing your driver’s license because of the expiration date waiver, now is the time to make an appointment at the DMV.
Rate of new infections, deaths declines in rural counties
The number of new COVID-19 infections in rural counties fell by 20 percent for the second week in a row, dropping to levels not seen since early November. The number of COVID-related deaths also declined, after reaching a recordsetting high two weeks ago.
Candidate filing continues this week for May 1 local elections
Candidate filing began last Wednesday, Jan. 13, for candidates seeking a place on the ballot in the May 1 city council, and hospital and school board elections. There are eight open seats up for grabs this year, and incumbents have already begun announcing their intentions.
