In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, libraries are closing or changing the way they service patrons.

It was going to be a great trip to Portugal for Dan Turk. Seven days of business and pleasure in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. It would last hours, not days.

The COVID-19 outbreak has provided an opportunity for local business owners to support local nonprofits.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: The formal disaster declaration resolution has been added to the Hunt County web site, which details the county's stay at home order and list which types of essential services are allowed to stay open. www.huntcounty.net/upload/page/9857/docs/Disaster%20Resolution%20STAY%20IN%20PLACE.pdf

After heavy rainfall caused the opening of four gates at Possum Kingdom Lake’s Morris Sheppard Dam earlier this week, some flooding has occurred around the Brazos River communities, but not as significant as anticipated.

The Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter and local vet clinics are implementing operational changes to help individuals and animals stay safe during the COVID-19 situation.

Parker County school districts have plans in place to feed kids in need during the mandated school closures following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The City of Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County issued local disaster declarations Thursday evening.

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement after the Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order suspending residential eviction proceedings through April 19, 2020, unless there is a threat of physical harm or criminal activity:

U.S. Congressman John Ratcliffe (R-Fate) has issued emalls to the Chambers of Commerce in House District 4, offering information on resources for smll businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic:

The coronavirus outbreak is not only affecting people physically but mentally as well.

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced some local businesses to limit services or close altogether.

If this summer's public swim season is interrupted it will likely be because of the current public health crisis, not because of faulty pool filter tanks.

"Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texans to avoid groups of 10; closes bars, gyms and restaurants for dine-in" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Following both the federal government, state of Texas and Tarrant County direction, Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter has issued amendments to the state of disaster declaration for the city of Burleson that was originally enacted on Saturday. The amendments took effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.

The novel coronavirus has us all on edge. Thus we want to fill you in on how Weatherford Democrat staff is hard at work covering the story locally to inform you with accurate and timely news about the disease.

Not seeing a need to issue a local disaster declaration at this time, Mineral Wells officials took steps this week to reduce potential community exposure to the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.

Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson issued the following statement this afternoon concerning his department's response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

An Aledo man convicted of repeatedly molesting a 9-year-old girl while he recorded it was sentenced to a lifetime in prison in a case that concluded Tuesday afternoon in district court in Weatherford.

County Judge Roger Harmon announced Wednesday that one county resident has tested positive for COVID-19 and that another person has been tested.

Parker County officials were notifying residents along the Brazos River of coming flood waters after the Brazos River Authority opened four gates at Possum Kingdom Lake’s Morris Sheppard Dam early Wednesday morning.

This year's Bags, Bingo and Badges event – which quickly sold out – will take place in the newly restored Crazy Water Hotel pavilion. This year's event has been rescheduled to August 6.

In a measure to protect the health of the public, Joseph Strickland, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler, has issued a decree suspending the public celebration of Mass, beginning Wednesday.

While the spread of the coronavirus continues to be a concern for many, some of Parker County’s local nonprofits are managing to continue services while protecting staff and volunteers.

Garner ISD board of trustees approved measures to make sure all district employees will be paid while school is closed and funds to purchase devices to assist in distance learning on Tuesday.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING A LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER

Rockwall County Judge David Sweet issued the following announcement this afternoon concerning the issuance of a disaster declaration for the county due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

The current COVID-19 total for the state is 76 cases as of noon Tuesday. Webb and Tarrant counties are now reporting community spread, following Dallas, Brazoria, Matagorda and Montgomery. In total, 19 counties — and Lackland Air Force Base — are reporting at least one coronavirus case. 

Mineral Wells ISD Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn on Tuesday extended the school district's closure through at least April 6 as the district prepares to serve and educate students during extended campus shut downs – perhaps through the end of the school year.

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today activated the Texas National Guard to be prepared to assist with response efforts for COVID-19. This preparative measure will ensure that the Texas National Guard can assist in various forms throughout the state when needed. Healthcare workers and first responders who are members of the Texas National Guard are excluded from this activation so that they can continue serving the people of Texas in their respective fields. 

TROUP – The future is looking bright for the Cameron-J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library, which recently was named a Family Place Library, and is in the running for additional funds to renovate the facility.

With the spread of COVID-19, the community is taking precautions to protect those most at risk — the elderly.

The Rockwall Independent School District has announced it would be transitioning from an extended spring break to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rockwall Parks and Recreation Department has indicated all programs and classes are cancelled until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. 

Gov. Greg Abbott today announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year. Additionally, Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year.

My 4-year-old son, Jackson, is fascinated with becoming “big.”