Controlled forest burn

Smoke is in the air! If you smell smoke do not be alarmed! The US Forest Service issued a warning North of 149 located near Richards indicating a Forest Service Burn notification. Our quality of air is not real good right now. We have rain chances and if it rains this will help to clear all the lingering smoke out of our area. For those of us who have smoke allergies, a nice rain would be welcome!

Many students in Richards and throughout the county were enjoying their spring break when it was announced there would not be any school the following week. It was canceled due to the virus that is running rapidly through the US. Authorities are meeting this week to see if this will be even extended longer.

Gov. Abbott declared a state disaster for all counties in the state of Texas this past week.

With all the closings some may tend to panic but this just might be a special gift from God. It’s a time for families to rest and reconnect. Officials are wanting people to stay home and perhaps the virus will not spread as rapidly. It is my understanding that closures of many places and events that are taking place is not because they think everyone is going to die of Covid-19, It’s to slow down the virus so hospitals can take care of everyone who needs them and are very sick. They can use their facilities for the sickest. So, it doesn’t overload the medical workers. The elderly and the people with health issues really need to take precaution.

We also need to watch out for all the elderly and people living alone. Give them a call, check on them, or possibly pick up items from the store for them.

This may be sad for some people as it is disrupting plans, games, and many activities. We can make the best of it and try to be there for others.

I am thankful we have leaders in our country that know that our help comes from God. These leaders are not ashamed to kneel and prayer or bow their heads, no matter what anyone says.

I am sure there will be lots of changes. Changes are hourly. The CDC is recommending that gatherings of 50 people or more in the U.S. be cancelled or postponed. They are trying to do what is best for all.

A word of warning, there are always scams. It was reported fake flu tests were being sold. Also, the Red Cross has advised that some people are going to the elderly people saying they are from the Red Cross testing. Red Cross does not go to homes to test.

Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere. The first time I saw this on a sign was several years ago at my daughter Jenna’s house. I remember thinking how true. This is true today as we are encouraged to wash our hands and use all precautions as a deadly virus is running rampant through the US and beyond. The virus has taken lives, shut down, schools, towns communities, countries, churches and more. Although these things have been shut down, we take comfort knowing God is stronger than any virus and we have Faith in knowing everything will be ok in the end. I would like to encourage everyone to use precaution and take this seriously. There are many comments about people being paranoid etc. This is real I only wish I could say it wasn’t. All Grimes County Schools have shut down for the remainder of the week for sure. There is talk they could decide to shut down for the rest of this school year. This has not been decided at this time. Officials have many important decisions to make and they are making it with the public’s best interests, health and safety in mind.

Send news to bjigo78@ yahoo.com or call 936-851–2585.