GAZETTE PHOTO / DI DUNCAN On April 8, Camp County’s oldest resident turned 105 years old. Katie Johnson’s family celebrated her big day with balloons, decorations, and togetherness. The family allowed friends to come by one at a time with masks and gloves on to wish her a happy birthday.
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program began in 1977, when a judge stated that he wanted to know more about the children appearing before him in court. He asked local citizens to enlist to be advocates for these children who experienced abuse and neglect. These volunteer advocates were able to give him thorough information on each child, allowing him to make decisions in the true best interests of the child.
Due to fewer patients visiting UT Health for issues unrelated to COVID-19, the system is furloughing workers. A spokesperson for UT Health stated that this will impact approximately 10% of UT Health employees, and those affected will retain benefits for the duration of the furlough, which is expected to last 90 days. UT Health East Texas’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tom Cummins, stated in a news conference, “I think every system across the country is having to look at what they have to do to continue to provide care and services in this rather challenging environment.”
In light of social distancing mandates and restaurants having reduced services to take-out only, TBA Music, a Dallas based band that regularly performs at Los Pinos Winery, has teamed with the company to hold a virtual concert on Friday, April 17.
On April 13, Camp County officials received word from the Texas Department of State Health Services that two more Camp County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. County Judge A.J. Mason issued the following statement on the matter:
