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COVID-19

Texas National Guard to provide mass testing for Stephens County

Note: Registration for testing will not go live until 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. Citizens interested in getting tested must call and make appointment starting at that time.

Governor Greg Abbott is deploying the Texas National Guard to provide free mass mobile COVID-19 testing for Stephens County on Thursday, April 30. The mobile testing will take place at the Apostolic Lighthouse UPC, located at 1509 E Walker St.

Community leaders bracing for an economic hit to oil/gas revenue

County and city officials of the community are preparing for a major economic decrease in the oil and gas revenue received yearly. The news comes as oil prices plunged more than 80 percent on Monday, April 20 falling to below zero dollars per barrel and has continued to fluctuate.

The severity of the situation cannot be underestimated. U.S. Representative Mike Conaway of Texas’s 11th congressional district recently released a statement on oil prices.

Early May and Mother’s Day targeted as reopen date for in-churches services

Stephens County emergency management provided an update to local churches on Wednesday, April 22, and decided early May and Mother’s Day as targeted dates to reopen churches in the community.

Religious institutions around Stephens County will be able to resume in-church services on Sunday, May 3. The news was announced during a conference call with multiple clergy members of various Stephens County churches within the community and follows Governor Greg Abbot’s efforts to strategically reopen Texas.

USDA announces COVID-19 Food Assistance Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a program that will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Donald J. Trump has directed USDA to craft a $19 billion immediate relief program to provide critical support to our farmers and ranchers. The plan will also maintain the integrity of the food supply chain, and ensure every American continues to receive and have access to the food they need.

County airport to receive up to $30K

Stephens County will receive up to $30,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in airport aid sent to Texas airports in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao on Tuesday, April 14 and is part of an $800 million airport relief package from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant program.

Breckenridge Cares program

Citizens looking for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to receive help from the BreckenridgeCare program.

The program is managed by Jay and Kathy Marcom and is designed to assist Stephens County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will assist elderly members of the community get needed groceries, assist with lawn maintenance and provide free masks to any individual in need.

Abbott’s executive order attempts to strategically reopen state of Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed three executive orders on Friday, April 17 to establish the “Strike Force to Open Texas,” a team of nationally recognized medical experts, private and public leaders who will advise the governor on safely and strategically reopening the state of Texas.

The news comes as the Texas government will attempt to restart the economy and loosen restrictions in phases.

FCA cancels 2020 All-Star Festival

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has canceled the Big Country 2020 All-Star Festival. The events was expected to take place from Sunday, June 7 through Saturday, June 13, but due to the severity of COVID-19.

The cancellation includes the inaugural all-star golf tournament, the baseball and softball games and the girl and basketball tournament.

The Breckenridge Independent School District had seven student-athletes out of 320 selected to compete in the Big Country 2020 Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Star Festival.