Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an announcement postponing the Texas primary election runoffs until Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
The proclamation comes with his previous statewide disaster declaration and confirms early voting will begin Monday, July 6. The runoff elections were originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
Stephens County was set to feature a battle for the Precinct 1 County Commissioner seat, between David Fambro and Chad Ezell.
Baird, Kurtz, and Dobson (BKD), a CPA and advisor firm confirmed Stephens Memorial Hospital lost about $900,000 in revenue, after a visit from a representative on Thursday, March 19.
Deborah Whitley, a partner within BKD CPA and advisors firm, with an emphasis on consulting and healthcare, provided board members with the excess and deficiencies of the SMH budget.
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With the U.S. Department of Justice shutting down a Texas-based website that claimed to sell a COVID-19 cure, Sheriff Will Holt has provided an update on various scams and con games in Stephens County regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city of Breckenridge and Stephens County issued orders for all residents to shelter in place. The order is to combat the COVID-19 virus and became active at midnight on March 24.
All residents are required to shelter at their home. Homes include hotels, motels, shared homes and other living spaces. People may only leave their homes for essential activities, such as grocery shopping, pharmacy visit or medical appointments.
Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, Stephens County will have modifications to the local judicial system. These modifications include suspension of court proceedings, motions and trials.
Law enforcement is in contact with the public daily. With COVID-19, there are plenty of ways the virus can spread, but law enforcement is taking a practical approach to preventing the spread.
“Jail visitation to inmates from friends and family is temporarily suspended. This was at the strong recommendation from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards,” Stephens County Sheriff Will Holt said. “Jail ministries from outside human volunteers are temporarily suspended.”
County and city officials have traveled the community offering insight and preparedness for COVID-19. The effort is an attempt to educate citizens on the severity of the virus.
City Manager Andy McCuistion appeared at the Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, March 17 and offered guidance on the situation.
Due to the executive order from Governor Greg Abbott, Stephens County will see an impact on various items around the town.
Courts, eateries and other locations will have to follow the directives of the governor and adjust hours to further assist the community.
“We will have new hours at the courthouse for the seniors of the community,” County Judge Michael Roach said. “Nine in the morning until eleven, will only be for those who are 60 years of age and older or any individuals with underlying health conditions and are susceptible to COVID-19.”
Stephens County and the city of Breckenridge amended the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order for the community and will give penalties for violations of the order.
Editor’s note: If your business, school, entity or event has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is not listed below, please send the information by email to news@breckenridgeamerican.com, call the office at 254-559-5412 or by Facebook comment or message. This article will continued to be updated as information is provided.
With the recent developments in the spread of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, many businesses, schools, public entities and the hospital have announced cancellations and restrictions.
