The Graham Leader Oldest Business Institution in Young County • Established August 16, 1876 MIDWEEK EDITION • WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | VOL
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THE GRAHAM LEADER Oldest business institution in Young County • Established August 16, 1876 MIDWEEK EDITION • WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | VOL. 144, NO. 82 • SINGLE COPY $1 WWW.GRAHAMLEADER.COM In this issue CEO updates about Graham High School graduation GRMC Page 1, 8 opening BY MADALYN HEIMANN [email protected] As Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has began to allow Texas to open while the country navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham 40 years of Regional Medical Center is still taking precautions when it comes county service opening to full capacity. Page 3 GRMC CEO Shane Kernell Graduates walk down the track around Newton Field as they pass by the visitor’s side of the spoke to the board of directors stadium. Since Spring Break, the graduates have been out of school due to COVID-19 and Tuesday, May 19 to discuss what were reunited together on the field. the hospital is doing in terms of Leader photo by Thomas Wallner limiting restrictions on reopening. The hospital has started to do elective surgeries and radiology, but Kernell updated the board on One last night together what precautions and restrictions the hospital is still keeping in place until a later date. Class of 2020 graduates at Newton Field Young County “As you all are aware, or maybe BY THOMAS WALLNER Facebook page. ship Team, Key Club, National aware, Phase I and Phase II are the Rodeo Day 1 [email protected] “It is my honor and privilege Honor Society, Lady Blues openings we are in so far with the to welcome you to the ceremo- Track and was named Ms. GHS Page 7 governor. Gov. Abbott came out Despite COVID-19 canceling ny of celebration honoring the and Best All-Around Girl. She with Phase I and then Phase II. the school year and a threat Class of 2020,” Jones said. “With plans to attend Abilene Chris- He is pretty much following the of storms, the Graham High so much uncertainty that has tian University and major in Cancellations, president’s guidelines and with School Class of 2020 held their come this semester, the Class Communication, with a minor that we are waiting for Phase III graduation Friday at Newton of 2020 is certain of this, we are Graphic Design. and I think that is going to be com- restrictions Field where the students spoke thankful to live in the commu- Following the address by ing out within the next couple of about what they lost this year nity of Graham. We are thankful Jones was the pledge of alle- weeks,” Kernell said. “Right now, COVID-19 and something they said they to be gathered here today even giance, national anthem and Phase II is what we are in. We had will never forget, each other. though six-to-eight feet apart, an introduction of student a good question this morning on After an introduction by to end an outstanding chapter achievements by Gordy rec- Editor’s note: If your school, Facebook, (and) we are still only Graham High School Principal in our lives. We thank you for ognizing the honor students entity or event has been affect- allowing one visitor per patient Joe Gordy, Senior Class Vice being a part of this ceremony, and top three students of the ed by the COVID-19 pandemic in our hospital. That is guidelines President and Distinguished whether that be in person or Class of 2020. and is not listed below please set forth by the CDC as well as the Honor Graduate (third in class) viewing from the safety of your Salutatorian Alex Husen send the information by email state of Texas, as well as CMS (U.S. Claire Jones gave the welcome home.” made her address following to [email protected], Centers for Medicare and Medic- address for the ceremony and At GHS, Jones was a part of Gordy’s recognition. She start- call the office at 940-549-7800 aid Services). We are following addressed those in the audi- Student Council, Blue Crew, ed her address by thanking the strictest of those rules and it or by Facebook comment or ence and viewing from home Lady Blues Basketball, Youth is also our choice if we wanted to message. This article will via livestream and the district’s Lead, Student Activity Leader- See Graduation, Page 8 continued to be updated as information is provided. See GRMC, Page 3 Area Schools • All Texas schools are Splash into Summer closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Graham, Olney open city pools City, County, Chamber • The city of Graham with COVID-19 precautions closed City Hall to all non-city in March. As of Monday, May BY MADALYN HEIMANN there would be limited capacity 4, they are now back open to [email protected] to protect attendees. the public. “We will have two different • The Visitor and Business Summer has unofficially kicked sessions to accommodate more off as Graham and Olney opened Center which houses the Gra- people,” Graham Tidal Waves their city pools with precautions Facebook page stated. “We will ham Chamber of Commerce in place amid COVID-19. be limiting capacity to 50% and and Convention and Visitor Olney opened its pool Tues- we will be disinfecting between Bureau is open as of Monday, day, May 19, while Graham held sessions.” May 4. their annual Splash Day Saturday, The Graham pool will remain at • Graham Economic De- May 23. Both pools have put 50% capacity as they resume the velopment is available by A sign located in Graham pointing residents to the driver precautions in place to protect hours of noon to 5 p.m. Monday calling 940-549-6006 or by license office on Elm St. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the community from the spread through Saturday through the email at joe@grahamtexas. on May 21, the Texas Department of Public Safety began a of COVID-19. summer. Family Nights are held org. The office is now open phased opening of driver licenses offices May 26. On Splash Day, the city of Gra- from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and to the public. Leader photo by Madalyn Heimann ham pool offered two different Thursdays. • The Library of Graham is sessions to allow more people back open to the public. For to enjoy the pool and stated See Pool, Page 2 more information, contact State begins to reopen 940-549-0600. • The Graham Police De- driver license offices partment closed their main lobby to walk-in community BY MIKE WILLIAMS Phase One begins with member visits. Any person [email protected] offices in DPS’ Northwest and West Texas regions. This Texas Gov. Greg Abbott includes Young, Stephens See Restrictions, Page 2 announced Thursday, May 21 and Jack counties. Offices the Texas Department of Pub- reopened with limited ser- lic Safety will begin a phased vices on May 26. Customers Restrictions 1-2 opening of driver licenses were able to begin making Classifieds 6-7 offices starting May 26. appointments on May 22. Entertainment 7 As driver license offic- Phase Two continues with Sports 4,7 es begin their phased re- offices in DPS’ South and opening, services will be Central Texas regions re- Weather 4 limited to customers with opening with limited services appointments only seeking beginning Friday, May 29. a first-time Texas driver Customers were able to begin PALO PINTO license, commercial driver scheduling appointments in license, learner license or these two regions on May 26. COMMUNICATIONS, LP identification card, and those Phase Three opens with who need to take a driving offices in DPS’ North and test. These will be the only Southeast Texas regions re- services available at driver opening with limited services The City of Graham Municipal Pool opened to a small crowd on license offices during these Saturday, May 23. The pool limited the amount to people allowed initial phases of reopening. See License, Page 2 in the pool due to COVID-19 precautions. Leader photo by Madalyn Heimann 2 • The Graham Leader www.grahamleader.com Wednesday, May 27, 2020 United Way donation Graham Area United Way was presented a donation recently of $1,000 from Oncor for their efforts in the community. The organization is benefiting ten agencies during their 2019-2020 campaign. Shown from left to right are Gordon L. Drake, During Splash Day Saturday, May 23, guests were able to cool down in the lap of Oncor, and Eddy Neal, of GAUW. pool. The event was the kick off to summer for the pool, which will continue to Contributed photo have a 50% occupancy limit. Leader photo by Madalyn Heimann Cancellations, restrictions Pool Continued from Page 1 the Auxiliary Gift Shop canceled for this year. Continued from Page 1 according to the city’s Pool will offer swim les- and canceled all elective • Young County Warrior Facebook page. sons, which begin on June Olney is following a wishing to speak with an surgeries and outpatient Ranch’s 9th Annual Opera- “In order to ensure ev- 1, and a swim camp July strict number of occupants investigator or adminis- imaging for two weeks. tion Gunsmoke Helicopter eryone has an opportuni- 27-30, with a swim meet to ensure that the commu- tration, call 940-549-6441 • The Graham Wellness Hog Hunt, scheduled for ty to enjoy the pool this on July 31. The pool will nity stays safe. and make an appointment. Center summer while observing also offer Senior Aerobics, will be closed until March 20 and 21, has been “Pool capacity is limited If you would like to con- the Governor’s orders, the beginning June 2, 8-9 a.m.