Latest News

The first giveaway is for beef jerky from Don’s Smokehouse. Clues to find the egg are below.

Clues: High point, marquee. Update: We have a winner.

Texas State Parks will begin reopening for day-use only April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. Per Governor Abbott’s direction, new restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.

 “As we navigate through these challenging times, it is essential that outdoor experiences and opportunities are available for Texas families. We have been diligently working with our partners in local communities across the state to help safeguard our state park visitors, volunteers and staff when they return to Texas State Parks,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “During the temporary closure, our State Parks team has been cleaning and sanitizing park facilities, addressing routine maintenance projects, and ensuring requisite safety protocols are in place to ensure visitors have the best possible experience.”

Due to limited staffing, weather conditions and continuing construction projects, some state parks will not be open at the current time. Park visitors should check the Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information about the status of individual parks. The resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been determined.

TPWD recommends visitors continue to adhere to local, state and federal travel restrictions and other guidance for safety and social distancing before traveling. Additionally, visitors are required to pre-purchase and print day-use permits through the Texas State Parks Reservation System before traveling to a park. Day-use reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org or by calling 512-389-8900.

Visitors planning on coming to a state park are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities during this time. This will also help park staff have necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay.  

Anyone traveling to a Texas State Park should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations and adhere to strict social distancing and cleanliness standards while in public spaces.  Those traveling to parks in rural areas should remember possible limits on available resources and local health care capacities.

Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed.

Texas State Park Passes can now be purchased online through the reservation system or over the phone by calling the Texas State Park Customer Service Line at (512) 389-8900. For guidance troubleshooting issues with the reservation system or using Texas State Park Passes online, visit the reservation help page on the TPWD website. For the latest information, please check the TPWD website.

This is the final gift card giveaway of the weekend. It’s a $15 gift card to Gabriela’s. Clues to find the egg are below.

Clues: 3 points or 1 point. Go for a walk. [P]retty [A]wesome [T]ime.

We have a winner. It was found at the foot of the goal post at Bulldog Stadium.

It says $15, but it’s actually a $25 gift card. Find the egg and win the gift card. Clues are below.

Clues to find the egg: Anyone need a haircut?

The following was released from Howe ISD

Friday gift card giveaway 3 of 3

Sponsored by HIT Exteriors

We have a winner! Clue: The egg is purple, third base – it as found at North Field’s third base.

AUSTIN, Tex. (KBTX) – During a Friday press conference, Governor Greg Abbott ordered all schools to remain closed to in-person classes for the rest of the 2019-2020 year. The governor cited medical professionals who told him that it was unsafe for students to gather in large groups.

The Texas Education Agency will send guidelines for graduations at the high school level. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will send out guidance for all public colleges and universities.

Abbott also announced his plan to re-open businesses across the state in stages. In his “retail-to-go” plan, stores can reopen for business if they can limit the contact between customers. A document from the Department of State Health Services detailing the reopening of retail services is attached to this story. Additional phases of the re-opening program are expected in late April and May.

Governor Abbott said he would be establishing a “strike force” of business leaders to help oversee the reopening process. The strike force includes Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, fashion designer Kendra Scott, Houston businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Dallas businessman and real estate developer Ross Perot Jr., Landry’s Inc. CEO and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, Houson philanthropist and Kinder Foundation CEO Nancy Kinder, and lawyer and former Houston mayor James Hofheinz.

State parks will also reopen this weekend. Gov. Abbott signed an executive order that would allow parks to admit visitors, but requires them to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and prohibits groups larger than five people.

The move to begin to “open the state of Texas” will require face coverings in public, restrictions on the size of gatherings and a continuation of social-distancing practices.

Beginning April 22, restrictions on surgeries will also be loosened to allow for some procedures, such as diagnostic tests for cancer.

The Texas Education Agency said the decision to keep schools shuttered through the end of the school year was “the right one for our families and communities—and the only one that makes sense for Texas at this time.”

“TEA fully supports the governor’s actions and continues to work closely with districts across the state to ensure students are getting what they need; meals, dedicated efforts to keep kids feeling safe and connected during these times, and support so students can continue to learn and grow academically,” the agency said.

“We remain firmly committed to the health and safety of our students, families and communities,” the agency said.

“Together, we will get through this. And when the time is right, we will be able to return to our daily routines on school campuses across Texas.”

Friday, egg hunt 2 of 3

We have a winner! It was found at Howe Mercantile.

Clues: Decor, antiques, column

Friday – hunt number one of the day

We have a winner! It was located at Princeton Tire

Clues to find the egg: Newer business in Howe, brakes, drums, jack, Denny Street.

Today’s sponsor is Housewarmers of Grayson County.

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