THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 The Pittsburg Gazette 136 Years of Serving Camp County

Volume 136, No. 51 • One Section, 10 Pages www.campcountynow.com USPS 434-260 Local healthcare systems vulnerable as COVID cases continue to rise By DI DUNCAN Special to The Gazette

This year has been one of appreciation for the things we used to take for granted, as they have become increasingly more difficult to obtain. According to local officials, access to hospital beds should now be GAZETTE PHOTO / DI DUNCAN added to the list. In a December 8 statement, Titus County Judge Downtown Mainstreet in Pittsburg offers many local opportunities to complete holiday shopping. Shoppers can find clothing, footwear and much more down Quitman Street. Brian Lee gave details on the developing situation. “This is the time of year when hospitals are naturally at their fullest. With COVID hospitalizations surging, capacity has reached uncomfortable levels, even at Small town shops offer big-town gift ideas TRMC and surrounding hospitals.” By TONI WALKER the cash flow to increase their inventory. These shop Local and statewide COVID cases and fatalities [email protected] owners live in your town. They go to church with you; have continued to rise in previous weeks. Camp you may even bump into them in the grocery store. County now has 509 confirmed cases, 149 probable With just a week left to purchase Christmas gifts They children may play ball with your child. In oth- cases, and has lost 18 residents to the virus, according for those on your list, time is running out for making er words, when you spend money with a small town to DSHS. a trip to the big-box stores. Time is even shorter for shop owner, they, in turn, have more to invest back In neighboring counties, cases and fatalities have those wishing to shop virtually and receive the gifts into their community as well. The more invested into also continued to rise at a staggering speed. Titus before Christmas. However, the Pittsburg area has no local communities, they more that stays in local com- county has reached 1,986 cumulative cases, with 168 shortage of boutiques and specialty shops that can munities. active cases of the virus. Since March, 41 Titus County help fill those lengthy wish lists. According to the website, www.independentwe- residents have succumbed to the virus. Morris County Shopping in the local mom-and-pop shops and stand.com, several things happen when you shop local. sits at 302 confirmed cases with 118 probable cases boutiques not only make sense from a time and deliv- 1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy and 8 fatalities. ery standpoint, but it is good for the local community. For every $100 you spend at locally owned busi- Bowie County has reached a total of 2,680 confirmed Money spent locally is more likely to stay local. Those nesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens cases with 806 probable cases and 111 fatalities. Cass business owners spend money on inventory that they when you spend that same $100 at national chain? County has reached 789 cases with 36 related deaths. bring back to their local shops, giving you more of a Only $43 stays in the community.* (*Source: Civic selection. See COVID Page 2 Spending money is not only about giving the owner See SHOPS Page 2

Lake Cypress Springs Marina gets new owners Major upgrades planned for popular lake destination From Staff Reports

DALLAS, , November 19, 2020 – Dallasites Jen- nifer and Jason Craven have announced their recent ac- quisition of The Marina at Lake Cypress Springs. With a goal of re-imagining the popular lake destination, the Cravens are concepting a new model with countless up- dates for the marina, including a new name – Cypress Cove. The Marina will be transitioning to the new name over the course of the coming year as progress on the development is completed. COURTESY PHOTOS Jason Craven, an entrepreneur by nature, is the including a new pool area.” The Cravens are also introducing a new concept to founder/owner of Southern Botanical, a landscaping, Not only will Cypress Cove feature a full-service mari- the marina – The Cypress Club, featuring various Mem- landscaping maintenance and certified tree care com- na, the newly updated vision includes: bership Levels for Cypress Cove. Jason Craven goes on pany. Founded in 1995, the company is now 25 years • The Lodge at Cypress Cove, featuring 12 cabin rentals, to say, “We want to provide a great experience for our old and boasts an impressive list of clients – from grand • The Kitchen, a new lake-front restaurant on the prop- guests – providing a vibrant restaurant and fuel on the estates to some of the most recognizable institutions erty with food that is locally sourced, organic and lake are critical for that happen. Having been a home- in our city – including the George W. Bush Presidential healthy, offering in-house dining and take-out, owner on the lake for 11 years, I’ve seen firsthand how Center, Klyde Warren Park, numerous corporate and • The Market, an easy grab-and-go concept with coffees, the marina has struggled over the years due to seasonal- college campuses around the metroplex and Southern sandwiches, prepared meals, and daily of ferings, ity. By offering memberships we can provide year-round Methodist University, and many private homes in the and stability with programing, entertainment, great food Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. • The Dock, the marina’s dockside spot for fuel and more and more. We believe this will make the lake a more Jason Craven shares, “We want the marina to be a The Cravens have already started Phase One of their draw for the lake — a communal space where everyone plans, and have their sights set on beginning construc- See MARINA Page 2 wants to be year-round. We envision a newly construct- tion in early 2021. To aid in their efforts, the Cravens $1.00 ed, family-oriented environment that has high stan- have enlisted Droese Raney Architecture to design the dards for cleanliness, comfort and great finishes that new restaurant and bar, and cabins, with branding part- inspire, with both indoor and outdoor social spaces, ner, Banowetz + Company, Inc.

We are saddened to say that one of our own has come down with COVID-19 and is quarantined. As a result, an issue has occurred with the retrieval of the Letters to Santa. If you have not yet seen your child’s letter published in the Gazette in the last two editions, please send them To our readers: via email to [email protected] or bring them by the office before December 21. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. of the Ruby Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter DMH 2 year old A46009256 1500 N Mulberry Female $63.00 Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75455 903-575-4174

PAGE 2 • The Pittsburg Gazette | Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 News Cypress Basin Hospice busts myths on hospice care By DI DUNCAN gy, and others can refer a patient, then request a doc- free from pain and other troublesome symptoms. Special to The Gazette tor’s order. Hospice is only available to homebound patients. Choosing hospice care means giving up hope. In an ongoing campaign called Myth Monday, Cy- Not only is there no requirement for hospice patients When faced with a life-limiting or serious illness, press Basin Hospice has taken on the task of busting to be homebound, Cypress Basin says that they encour- many patients and families tend to dwell on the im- popular myths about hospice care. Covering a wide ar- age hospice patients to go out and about as often as is minent loss of life, rather than on making the most of ray of topics such as referrals, effects of hospice care, comfortable for the patient in order to enjoy life. the life that remains. Hospice helps patients reclaim choice of physicians, and when care truly ends, the the spirit of life. It helps patients understand that even nonprofit is giving accurate information on end of life Hospice can only help when family members are available though illness can lead to sadness, anger,