AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation postponing the runoff primary election until July 14, 2020 — the same date as the special election for Texas State Senate District 14. The runoff election was originally scheduled for May 26th, but has been postponed in conjunction with the state’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
[Read more…] about Governor Abbott Postpones Runoff Primary Election In Response To COVID-19Salado restaurants are resilient and flexible during these uncertain times. Here are what many of them are doing to offer their customers the ability to order on phone or online for pick up and in some cases delivery in the Salado area. We have tried to be comprehensive and accurate in this so that you have one place to turn to figure out how to eat and drink in Salado. If we left anyone out, please let us know at news@saladovillagevoice.com so we can add you.
[Read more…] about Restaurants, wineries, breweries offer to-go, deliverBased upon the ongoing and growing concerns regarding Coronavirus – COVID-19, the Bell County Clerk’s Office is implementing a Continuity of Operations Plan to continue serving our citizens while taking precautionary measures to protect our staff and their families.
The Bell County Clerk’s office will limit public access to the office effective immediately and until at least March 31, 2020. The issue will be readdressed daily based on current happenings in our County.
In an effort to reduce the need for in-person transactions, Governor Abbott issued a statement on March 16, 2020, granting a temporary extension to obtain initial registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard. Governor Abbott also granted a temporary extension for an individual with an expired 30-day temporary permit to obtain another permit or Texas registration. This temporary waiver is in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed.
[Read more…] about Bell County Vehicle Registration Closes Lobbies to the General Public starting WednesdayAUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference at the State Capitol to update the public on the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Texas and what the state is doing to protect public health. The Governor also announced several new actions Texas is taking to mitigate the spread of the virus, including declaring a State of Disaster in all Texas counties.
[Read more…] about Governor Declares State Of Disaster For All Texas CountiesTEMPLE, TX (March 13, 2020) – With the first presumptive case of COVID-19 announced in Bell County, the City of Temple is following the recommendations of county health officials and beginning to take precautionary measures. The safety of our residents, visitors and City staff remains our highest priority.
City Events Cancelled
The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum has cancelled the Spring Break Train Trip scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. For those visitors who already bought tickets, all trip costs will be fully refunded. The Temple Parks and Recreation Department has cancelled Paws on the Plaza scheduled for Saturday, March 21, as well as the Bush’s Spring Chicken 10K Run scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
Any planned public meetings or forums where Bell County’s “social distancing” guidelines can be maintained will continue as scheduled.
Cleaning of City Buildings/Staff and Visitor Protection
On Thursday, March 12, City of Temple custodial staff began implementing additional cleaning procedures in all city facilities, to include spraying all public entry way door handles & knobs with an alcohol based, hospital type disinfectant. In addition, custodians and departmental employees have increased the use of foaming disinfectant cleaners as well as disinfecting wipes on commonly touched solid surfaces.
Bottles of hand sanitizer have been placed at heavily trafficked public counters in City facilities, like the City Secretary’s Office, and those counters are being disinfected every few hours. Guidance has been sent to all city departments about proper handwashing techniques while on the job. Facility personnel are also providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to city staff to use at their workstations when requested. You can read more on Why Hand Sanitiser is an Handbag Essential here.
City Services Continue as Normal
The City Manager’s office continues to hold regular cross-departmental meetings to identify and implement key actions to protect the health and safety of residents and city staff. We are beginning to look at ways to modify programs, meetings, trainings and other gatherings to comply with Bell County’s new “social distancing” guidelines. At this time, all city services will continue as normal.
Emergency Management Updates
Temple Fire Chief Mitch Randles, who serves as the head of the city’s emergency management operations, participates in daily conference calls regarding COVID-19 with county, state and federal officials. With Bell County making the decision to stand up their Joint Information Center and hold weekly press briefings, City of Temple emergency management officials will participate as appropriate. We will continue to update residents with the latest developments on our newly-created COVID-19 information page: www.templetx.gov/coronavirus.
Bell County Health District Guidance
Bell County has moved into Stage 2 of their COVID-19 action plan with news of the presumptive local case, urging residents within the county to actively practice “social distancing,” which is maintaining six feet of distance from others whenever possible. They are also asking people to avoid physical contact with others in social and workplace settings.
There have been no reports of community spread in Bell County. The presumptive case in Belton was of a 29-year old man who had recently traveled abroad. However, county health officials are urging all residents to follow these precautions:
[Read more…] about Temple Responds to Presumptive COVID-19 Case in Bell County
Salado ISD Superintendent Michael Novotny announced this evening SISD classes for next week have been canceled.
[Read more…] about Salado ISD cancels classes for next weekThe day after Village of Salado aldermen authorized Village Administrator Don Ferguson to pursue legal action against any property that is required to tie-in to the Salado sewer and has not applied for a building permit by Feb. 29, five properties came in to do so.
[Read more…] about Deadline days away to connect to sewerSalado Eagles’ basketball season came to an end at the hands of Boerne Greyhounds in the bi-district round of the playoffs, as the Greyhounds beat Salado 59-42 in Dripping Springs on Feb. 25.
[Read more…] about Greyhounds put an end to Salado Eagles’ basketball seasonSalado Eagles will play in 4A-2 District 9 football in 2020 and 2021. UIL released its realignment for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years earlier this morning.
[Read more…] about UIL Realignment: Eagles will play in 4A-2 District 9