City reports staff precautionary measures, ‘soft closes’ business offices

This week, city officials “soft closed” City Hall until further notice. City staff encourages the public to use alternative means to pay their utility bills—either by mailing payments to 6 Main Street, Canadian, TX 79014; by leaving them in the drop box in front of City Hall; or by posting them online at www.cityofcanadiantexas.com. For more information, call the city business office at 806.323.6473, or email City Secretary Kimberly Sloat at citysecretary@cityofcanadiantexas.com.

While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration, and President Donald Trump has declared a state of national emergency, the mayor has the authority to declare a local state of disaster related to the virus, with any extension of the declaration beyond seven days requiring city council approval. Currently, Jarosek said, “we are in the ‘wait-and-see’ mode as things develop.

Rachel’s Little Nouse daycare center implements new safety measures

Following a board meeting last week, Rachel’s Little House stated its intention to remain open in order to serve the community, and implemented even stricter safety measures in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

“After careful consideration, we feel it is in the best interest of our community for us to remain open,” the board announced.

Although the staff regularly takes measures to ensure the building is clean and safe, several new guidelines would be implemented as an added precaution, upon the recommendations of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Starting immediately, the staff will screen all individuals by taking the temperature of each person upon arrival at the building each day, and deny entry to any person who meets any of the following criteria:

• A temperature of 100.4 or above.

• Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and low-grade fever.

• In the previous 14 days has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; is under investigation for COYID-19; or is ill with a respiratory illness; orin the previous 14 days has traveled internationally to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission.

In addition, the staff will now require drop off and pick up of children outside of the operation, unless staff determines there is a legitimate need for the parent to enter the facility. Staff will be at the entrance to the building to conduct the screening process and to assist parents with sign-in and sign-out procedures.

Graves Family Dentistry limits practice to emergencies

Dr. Brian Graves announced last week that Graves Family Dentistry would limit its practice to emergency treatment only for two weeks. The decision was made after COVID-19 cases were confirmed as nearby as Amarillo. This is in keeping with recommendations made by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control for slowing the spread of the virus,” Dr. Graves said. “We are intending at this time to resume our normal schedule on April 6. For the next two weeks, we will be available by appointment for emergency dental treatment only. If you have an existing appointment, including all cleanings, we will be in touch soon to reschedule. We will still be answering our phones during this time, so please do call us if you are experiencing a dental emergency.” To contact Graves Family Dentistry in the event of an emergency, call 806.323.9324 in Canadian, or 806.826.5505 in Wheeler.

InterBank asks customers to use drive-thru

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the lobby at Canadian InterBank is temporarily closed, President Heath Mitchell announced at the end of last week, but the drive-thru will remain open during regular business hours. “Our drive-thru remains open and can accommodate many of your banking needs along with our online banking, mobile app, and ATM,” Mitchell said. Online banking is available 24/7 at www.interbank.com. With online banking, you can view your account, see bank statements, make transfers, and pay bills. With our mobile app, you can view your account, make transfers, and deposit paper checks. And with the ATM, you can withdraw cash any time with a debit card. “If services are needed that cannot be completed through our drive-thru or electronic banking systems,” Mitchell said, “please call 806.323.6435 during business hours, and if necessary, we may schedule an appointment in our lobby. “

County Tax Assessor’s Office announces soft closing

Hemphill County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Ford reported this week that her office is on “soft close” now, and will not be providing face-to-face service. She asks that customers call her office, and she and her staff will provide any needed information. There is a drop box by the door that can be used to make payments. She also notes that the governor’s office has granted a temporary 60- day extension for the registration and titling of motor vehicles, and the Texas comptroller’s office has provided an extension of up to 90 days for the payment of motor vehicle taxes on purchases. ‘We are here to help you where we can,” Ford said. “Just call, email, or mail us, and be sure we have your phone number, so we can call if we need more information.” Ford’s office can be reached by phone at 806.323.6661, by email at hempdlf@sbcglobal.net, and by mail at PO Box 959, Canadian, TX 79014.