Coronavirus Closings, Cancellations, and Other Adjustments
Posted/updated on: March 18, 2020 at 2:32 pm
The following events have been cancelled, postponed until a later date, or otherwise adjusted due to the coronavirus.
UT Health Science Center at Tyler Extends Spring Break
TYLER — Amidst the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, the safety of students and the community is deemed of the utmost importance. To preserve this safety, officials say, the best preventive practices must be implemented and exercised for the campus. Therefore, UT Health Science Center at Tyler’s Spring break has been extended until March 20, 2020. At this time, a determination has yet to be made regarding the format and delivery of courses following this extended break. Institutional leadership is currently exploring potential options.
According to a news release, the health, safety and well-being of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler community remains top priority as institutional officials, faculty and medical experts continuously monitor and follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Free Bulky Item Collection Suspended
The city of Tyler says in a news release, “Out of an abundance of caution and to protect our City of Tyler employees and residents, the Free Bulky Item Collection week has been SUSPENDED until further notice. We will send an update when a new date is decided on.” The collection had been planned for March 30 through April 3.
GoBus Public Meeting Cancellations and COVOID-19 Precautions
The following is from a news release from the East Texas Council of Governments:
GoBus began a public meeting circuit in March to discuss services available and pending service enhancements to increase customer satisfaction. Public meetings have been held in seven of our counties, but to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are canceling the public meetings listed below through April 9th. We apologize for the inconvenience and will resume or reschedule when it is safe to do so.
March 20, 2020, at the Mineola Memorial Library in Mineola
March 20, 2020, at the Rains County Library in Emory
March 24, 2020, at the Lillie Russell Memorial Library in Lindale
March 26, 2020, at the Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library in Canton
March 26, 2020, at the Athens Economic Development Corporation in Athens
April 9, 2020, at the Palestine Public Library in Palestine
April 9, 2020, at the Jacksonville Public Library in Jacksonville
ETCOG and GoBus would like to ensure our partners of the increased measures we have implemented to supplement the more common steps individuals can take to protect from the virus. GoBus has adopted preventive practices from the American Public Transportation Authority (APTA) Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response (NCHRP, 2013) and will continue to make any necessary changes recommended by the CDC:
GoBus Management has required drivers to wash hands as frequently as possible and utilize hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.
GoBus Vehicle Operators have been encouraged to wear gloves when necessary.
Vehicles are sprayed with an EPA certified disinfectant twice daily (mid-day and end-of-day), paying close attention to handrails, armrests and seat backs.
“We are monitoring the CDC and the North East Texas Public Health District for updates and recommendations and can confirm to you that our team is doing everything possible to maintain a clean, safe environment for our clients and staff,†said GoBus Assistant Director, Baylea Evans.
For more information on GoBus services, visit http://www.gobustransit.com.
Workforce Solutions East Texas Cancels Mass Hiring Event Scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th
Workforce Solutions issued this statement Monday:
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are canceling the Windows to Opportunity mass hiring event scheduled for March 17th. We apologize for the inconvenience and will resume or reschedule hiring events when it is safe to do so.

Your health and safety are our top priority. If you have been in contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; are concerned that you may have been in contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; or if you have been feeling unwell; we ask that you please work with us remotely. Call 1-844-ETWORKS to speak with a Career Adviser rather than stopping by in person. We want to ensure you get the best service possible and keep our community healthy.
For more information, contact WSET Centers Director, Mary Ann Rojas at (903) 561.8131.
East Texas Score Chapter 0280 Update
The East Texas Chapter of SCORE is taking measures in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The following information is taken from a SCORE news release.
In-Person Events Are Suspended; East Texas Score Chapter 0280 Online Support Is Available
The health of small business owners, their employees and our network of volunteers is our top priority. Effective immediately, all SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice. [If you are currently signed up for the SCORE EAST TEXAS “Intro to QuickBooks” presentation please note that event has been moved to April 16.
Local Workshops. Our upcoming workshops may be postponed or held online. If you’ve recently registered for a workshop, you will receive a status update soon. You can also contact us at the email address below if you have any questions.
Mentoring Sessions. Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email and video. If you already have a SCORE mentor, ask them if you can use a remote mentoring method for your sessions. If you don’t already have a mentor, you can find a business mentor today.
East Texas Score Chapter 0280 Update
The East Texas Chapter of SCORE is taking measures in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The following information is taken from a SCORE news release.
In-Person Events Are Suspended; East Texas Score Chapter 0280 Online Support Is Available
The health of small business owners, their employees and our network of volunteers is our top priority. Effective immediately, all SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice. [If you are currently signed up for the SCORE EAST TEXAS “Intro to QuickBooks” presentation please note that event has been moved to April 16.
Local Workshops. Our upcoming workshops may be postponed or held online. If you’ve recently registered for a workshop, you will receive a status update soon. You can also contact us at the email address below if you have any questions.
Mentoring Sessions. Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email and video. If you already have a SCORE mentor, ask them if you can use a remote mentoring method for your sessions. If you don’t already have a mentor, you can find a business mentor today.
Longview Youth Sports and League Play Suspended Through March
Below is the text of a posting on the city of Longview website:
The safety of Longview residents, visitors, staff and volunteers is a top priority for the Longview Parks and Recreation. We are taking action to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Parks and Recreation has contacted groups, organizations and associations that utilize parks and facilities.
The following youth athletic associations have suspended games at least through March 29:
Greater Longview Soccer Association
Longview Boys Baseball Association
Longview Girls Softball Association
Spring Hill Dixie Youth
In addition, youth tournaments have been canceled for the weekends of March 14 and March 21. Please contact the event organizer or sponsor to determine if an event has been canceled, postponed or will continue as scheduled.
Parks and recreation centers will continue to be open to the public and continue normal operations, including current recreation programs. Staff have been instructed to be extra diligent in cleaning facilities, especially high traffic/touch areas including counters, railings, doors, handles, etc. Park restrooms continue to be sanitized with additional servicing. All guests visiting parks are recommended to take preventative action with appropriate hygiene habits.
Rescheduling HealthyVIEW Summit
The Longview Chamber of Commerce, out of a sense of care and concern for our community, is rescheduling the March 25th HealthyVIEW Summit to Wednesday, June 24, 2020. That’s according to a news release from the Chamber. The event will be held at the Infinity Event Center of the Holiday Inn at 300 Tuttle Circle. The start time will be 11:30 a.m. and will include keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Heiss, who will unpack the paradoxes of the way humans think. Studying why our brains function the way they do has been her life’s work. Her research has been designated “transformative” by the National Science Foundation.
For more information on the HealthyVIEW Summit, contact Dave Jochum at the Chamber offices at 903.237.4000, or register online at http://www.LongviewChamber.com.
BBB Cancels Awards for Excellence
The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas has canceled its annual awards event. Below is the text of a letter from the BBB’s leader:
Good afternoon,
In the interest of public health, Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas will be canceling the 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence taking place March 17, 2020 at the CrossWalk Conference Center.
State and federal public health officials advise that to slow a spreading virus like Covid-19, the right time for decisive action is before it is established. Therefore, although we are currently at low risk for the disease, given the ongoing spread of the virus, we are escalating our response to promote your safety and well-being.
We will announce the 2020 BBB Award winners using various media channels which will be publicized throughout the year. Nominees, be on the lookout for our Prize Patrol crew who will deliver the awards to the 2020 winners.
In the meantime, within the next five (5) business days, Tamera Jinks, our Director of Operations will be contacting each of you regarding reimbursements, sponsors, promotional items, etc.
While we will surely miss celebrating with each of you, we don’t know when it will be deemed safe for large groups to gather, and we want each of the Awards for Excellence recipients and Student Video Contest Award winners to receive their prizes as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for your continuing support and partnership with us and we look forward to seeing you at the 2021 BBB Awards for Excellence!
Stay healthy, Everyone!
In Trust,
Mechele Agbayani Mills
President|CEO
Update on Kilgore City Facilities
Below is a notice issued Friday by the city of Kilgore:
The City of Kilgore is closely watching and monitoring the quickly unfolding circumstances around the Coronavirus/COVID-19 as it relates to Kilgore. Our top priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our community, its residents, and visitors. At this time all public facilities will remain open, but users are urged to use precautions. Kilgore City Hall will remain open for emergency purposes only. Water Utility transactions including bill pay and new service may be arranged by phone using debit or credit cards, or may be paid online at cityofkilgore.com. In addition, the Utility Department has a payment drop box located on the northeast side of the City Hall building.
The Municipal Court will suspend all court dockets through to April 1, 2020. The Court will attempt to contact all affected parties by mail regarding the postponement of court and reset dates. Traffic tickets can be paid online at cityofkilgore.com under the “How Do I†tab. https://www.cityofkilgore.com/9/How-Do-I
The Kilgore Public Library will remain open but all programs and events have been canceled. All normal services offered will continue for now. Any changes will be posted on the library website and social media outlets. Modified hours of operation may occur as needed. We encourage anyone that is feeling ill or that is susceptible to illness to refrain fromvisiting the library during this time.
Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center will remain open, however we encourage patrons to try to maintain approximately 10 feet of distance between one another and limit the number of golfers in the pro shop at any one time. City trails and parks will remain open, but users should avoid gathering in large groups or using them if they feel ill or
susceptible to illness.
We will continue to evaluate the level of services and facilities that currently remain open to the public and will update this information should further action be necessary. The City is asking residents who are experiencing symptoms such as fever or cough or who have traveled to affected areas to refrain from visiting city facilities.
The best source for news and information on COVID-19 in Gregg County is the Gregg County website. Gregg County has created an information site that is regularly being updated with new information: https://www.co.gregg.tx.us/coronavirus-information
UT Tyler Cowan Center Postpones March 26 Show
After announcing plans to extend spring break and move all classes online for a week to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), The University of Texas at Tyler announced Friday that it will postpone “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical†at its R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are broadening our proactive measures to include this performance at the Cowan Center,†said Michael Tidwell, UT Tyler president. “The two events in April are still scheduled unless further notified by the Cowan Center.
“In the interest of keeping our patrons and community safe, we are postponing and hoping to find a new date,†said Susan Thomae-Morphew, Cowan Center executive director. “We will contact ticket holders and the public as information is available.†Updates on performances will be posted on http://www.cowancenter.org, and questions should be sent to [email protected], she added.
Kilgore College will hold no credit classes, whether in-person or online, March 16-22
In order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Kilgore College will hold no credit classes, whether in-person or online, March 16-22. Classes will resume remotely (online, video-conferencing, or in an alternative format) beginning March 23. KC is working diligently to ensure that it continues to be a safe place to learn.
As the college monitors circumstances regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in the state and across the country, KC’s priority is the safety and well-being of its students and the campus community.
The college will continue to assess risks to the community regularly and take steps to help mitigate and decrease any potential risks.
The college will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and communicate routinely with Gregg County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services. As a result, KC will implement the following steps to decrease the spread of the virus, and protect the health of our community:
· KC will hold no credit classes, whether in-person or online, March 16-22, 2020. Non-credit/continuing education classes will be held on a case-by-case basis.
· Transition of Instruction: The college will shift the lecture portion of courses to online, video-conferencing and alternative instruction beginning March 23, 2020. These adjustments will remain in place through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. KC will assess the impacts of this change in instructional methodology and the status of the outbreak locally during this time to determine if any additional adjustments must be made. Faculty can expect a transitional communication regarding training and support shortly.
· KC residence halls will be closed for the remainder of the spring semester.
· KC offices and services will open beginning March 16.
· Faculty and full-time staff will report to campus as usual to receive training March 16-23.
· Part-time staff and student workers should communicate with their supervisors to determine their work schedule.
· Each instructor will contact their students the week of March 16 with further instructions once details are finalized for virtual classes, labs and clinical practicums. Students should check their KC email regularly.
· The college has implemented travel restrictions, travel reporting and self-quarantine protocols.
· KC has established the email address [email protected] to answer questions from the Kilgore College community.
· A hotline (903-988-3747) will be available beginning 9 a.m. Monday, March 16. Thereafter, the hotline will be answered Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
· A webpage containing current information is available at http://www.kilgore.edu/COVID-19.
· Campus events have been canceled through April 30. Events scheduled for May will be reviewed as the response evolves.
Smith County Suspends Jury Duty
Smith County is suspending jury duty for one month to follow guidelines announced by the Texas Judicial Branch – Office of Court Administration. Jurors who have received a summons to appear in court from Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, April 1, do not have to appear at the Smith County Courthouse. No jurors were scheduled for the week of April 6-10. At this time, jury duty in Smith County is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 13. The affected jurors will be rescheduled and will receive a new summons. Grand jury service has not been cancelled. Grand jurors are still to report when scheduled.
Marshall Suspends Events as Safeguard to COVID-19
As a cautionary move, the City of Marshall will suspend all events in city facilities and parks beginning March 16, 2020, and lasting until April 15, 2020. This will include events at facilities, such as the Marshall Convention Center, Memorial City Hall, Marshall City Arena, Marshall Visual Arts Center, Marshall Main Street downtown, Community Centers and all league events at parks.
The City of Marshall will continue to hold public meetings related to the City Commission and City Board functions. Hand sanitizer will be available at all City of Marshall meetings for the health of our residents. The City requests residents who are experiencing symptoms such as cough or fever to refrain from attending these meetings. Residents who have traveled to affected areas are also asked to refrain from attendance. Any citizen may submit a written statement to be read at City Commission meeting in the Public Comments by emailing the statement to [email protected]. The City of Marshall encourages residents to stream City Commission meetings live on our Facebook page at City of Marshall – City Hall and on our local Fidelity Communications access channel. The City of Marshall leaders and staff will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis and notify residents and visitors of community updates.
Women in Tyler Rescheduled
The 22nd Annual Women in Tyler Day Luncheon celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring East Texas women has been rescheduled for May 28 at the Rose Garden Center. It had been planned to be held on Thursday, March 19, at that location.
Literacy Council Program Cancellations
TYLER — The Literacy Council of Tyler will cancel all its Smith County programs the week of March 16-20. The move is being made in the spirit of cooperation and caution with the coronavirus. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23. During the week of March 16th, no in-person classes, in any Smith County program area or location, will be held.
Oil Palace Delays Jamey Johnson Concert
The Oil Palace has rescheduled this weekend’s Jamey Johnson concert. The show has been pushed back until Oct. 17. All tickets for the March 13 show will automatically be transferred to the new date. Additional tickets will go on sale immediately for the new date. For more information, contact the Oil Palace.
Texas College Legacy Gala postponed
The Texas College Legacy Gala scheduled for Friday has been postponed pending further information about the control of the coronavirus, said a statement on the college’s website. “Even though there have been no reported cases in our region, the College is being proactive in its decision to postpone the event,” the statement said. All current ticket purchases will be honored once the event has been rescheduled. Questions may be directed to Angela Fennell, phone number 903-593-8311, extension 2270.
New Texas Sinfonia debut moved to June
The debut concert of the new New Texas Sinfonia, a recently organized string chamber orchestra, has been rescheduled. It originally was set for March 21 and 22 at First Presbyterian Church in Tyler. It now has been reset for June 13 and 14. “With players coming from all over and concerns that an audience would have to possible choose between attending the concert and (avoid it as a measure to protect) health, we felt that it was the best way forward,” Weston Jennings, the orchestra’s director said.
LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University announces cancellations
LeTourneau University in Longview has announced: all in-person classes are canceled for next week (March 16-20), online classes will continue as scheduled. Beginning March 23 all classes will be conducted online until April 3. Students will receive separate communication regarding the delivery method of coursework. We will reassess the situation to determine how to continue beyond this time. The Longview campus will remain open and all employees will continue normal daily operations. Students will be allowed to stay on campus and food service will resume on March 16. However, for students who have been away for Spring Break, it is our strong recommendation that you do not return to campus. For students who remained on campus for Spring Break, we encourage you to consider returning home. All students living in on-campus housing will receive an email from Student Life with a link to a survey that all on-campus students must complete to indicate their living arrangements during the time that classes are cancelled and on-line only. Students, faculty and staff who are ill, at high risk of illness or who suspect they have been exposed should not come to campus. Again, we encourage you to follow these recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
MARSHALL — ETBU Temporarily Moving to Online Courses
In collaboration with health care and infectious disease consultants, ETBU has determined to move all courses online for the week of March 16-22. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 conditions in our state and area during this period. At the present time, ETBU plans for on-campus classes to resume on Monday, March 23. The ETBU campus will be open to only University community members beginning Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 22. Anyone (faculty, staff, or students) who returns to campus prior to March 23 will be required to undergo a health screening before coming on to the ETBU campus and/or into the Marshall Grand. Students, faculty, and staff, who were on campus during Spring Break, will be required to undergo this health screening as well. Click here to access the Health Screening Survey. More Details at http://www.etbu.edu/coronavirus.
BULLARD — Brook Hill School Lengthens Spring Break
Brook Hill School, wil extend their Spring Break. “In order to limit the risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to our campus and community, and because the health and safety of the Brook Hill students, faculty, and families is our primary concern, we are extending Spring Break for students and suspending all extracurricular activities through Sunday, March 22,” said a statement from the district.
HAWKINS — Jarvis Christian College extends Spring Break
Jarvis Christian College has extended its Spring Break for students, who are asked not to return until March 23, a statement from the college said. Faculty are expected to return to work on Monday, March 16. If faculty or staff are not feeling well, they should remain home and give appropriate documentation of their illness to their immediate supervisor, according to the announcement.
The college is also postponing its Founder’s Day and Homecoming activities that were set to be held next week. Information concerning rescheduling of events for will be shared at a later time, according to the announcement. People are also encouraged to check the college’s website and emails for more information as the situation changes.
UIL limiting attendance to basketball playoffs
The Texas University Interscholastic League will limit attendance to the Boys State Basketball Tournament. For details on each game, visit https://www.uiltexas.org/press-releases/detail/uil-basketball-tournament-to-take-place-with-limited-attendance
Black Beauty Ranch cancels tours
MURCHISON — Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, located in Murchison, has canceled tours in March and April because of the coronavirus concerns. Those with reserved tickets during this time period, can contact Traci Hanson at 903-469-3811, extension 105 for full refunds or to reschedule.
Whitehouse ISD extends Spring Break
WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse Independent School District has closed school and canceled all related activities during the week of March 16th – 20th due to the increased concern related to COVID-19. After thoughtful consideration and conversations with health professionals, community mitigation to help slow the transmission of the virus in our community is the primary goal for the closure.
Overton ISD extends Spring Break
OVERTON — Overton ISD will extend spring break one week in response to the Corona virus outbreak. According to the school’s statement, “We have been in contact with state and regional health officials and have determined that the closing is in the best interest of our students, employees, and community. The UIL has suspended all contests until further notice so there will be no practice or games until we are back in school. There has been no guidance concerning make up days or even if they will be required in light of the governor’s disaster proclamation. We will reevaluate the situation regularly and do our best to keep everyone informed.”
Caldwell Zoo closed
“To all our zoo friends and the Tyler community: As a public health precaution to help prevent the spread of the virus, the Caldwell Zoo is temporarily closing to the public effective March 15th. We plan to reopen on April 3rd. Although the risk of catching the disease remains low in our area, we want to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus while minimizing any concern for our staff and our community. We have been monitoring the health of all the animals under our care along with our staff and we are pleased to announce that all are doing well. Our staff will continue to supply excellent care to our animals while we work together to minimize the effects of the pandemic. The Caldwell Zoo has emergency procedures in place that assure we have additional feed and supplies to last for an extended period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not received any reports of wildlife or zoo animals in human care becoming sick with COVID-19.”
Champions for Children closed
TYLER — For the week of March 16-22, Champions for Children will be closed to the public to encourage social distancing and for the safety of its clients and staff. Updates will be made through social media and email. There will be a limited staff on site throughout the week. Anyone with questions about an appointment or any upcoming classes should call the office at (903) 592-1454.
