Dealing With Coronavirus

Well, it’s spring and apparently a wet one. I didn’t know we had a monsoon season here. Apparently, we do, and it lasts for six or seven months. I guess that has been helpful in keeping us housebound in these days of self-isolating. I’m not complaining, mind you. I like the rainy days, but I know there are lots of people that would appreciate a few days of sunshine. Oh well, we take what we get I suppose.

I probably don’t need to tell you the schools are closed. That’s why your kids are under foot all day. I understand they will be closed until April 17. I have seen some excellent ideas for keeping the small people occupied online. I can’t think of anything more stressful for parents than a school closing with a self-isolation order and so much rain that the ground doesn’t even dry out in between. Except, of course the threat of a dangerous virus knocking at our door. Stay strong parents. It will pass.

I hope you are checking the web site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ for the latest information on the virus. Statistics change frequently and so does the virus itself. There is much misinformation circulating so don’t be fooled. Get the right info at this site and wash your hands. We are all in this together.

This is a good place to be in times like these the community really pulls together. I personally want to thank Amy Pruett Ward and Reno Smith for checking to see if I need anything and Mary Small and Hope Ermert for including my list with their mother’s, Carol Stone, when they shopped for her. I really appreciate it.

While the schools are closed there are still programs that benefit the students. Meals to go are available at the high school Pavilion each weekday from 7:30 - 8:30 and from 11:30 – 12:30 for all students, Pre-K through 12. Also, a food backpack distribution for Rector students on Thursday from 11:30 – 12:30. Thanks to all the volunteers who pack and distribute these meals. Did I mention that we are having a lot of rainy days?

The Library is closed as well as all other public offices, but they are recording story time. These readings can be viewed on the Facebook page of the library and the Rector School District. Miss Monica, Miss Heidi, and Miss Jade all have recorded readings for the younger children. It’s free so take a look. And you can play them anytime. Again and again and again.

As I said the city offices are closed to face-to-face business. City employees still report to work to keep things moving like they should. You may contact the city offices for assistance by email or by phone:

• Rector Police Department: 870-595-2423
• Rector Fire Department: 870-595-3035
• Rector District Court: 870-595-9805. The Clerk will be in the office to take calls Monday-Wednesday, 9am – 2pm. To make a payment of court fines. You can send via USPS to Rector District Court 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461 or make a payment online at myfinepayment.com.
• City Hall/Rector Water Department/Rector Street Department: 870-595-3035
• Payments will be accepted:
• Via the USPS: 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461
• Drop box. Please put payments and the small side of your bill in a sealed envelope with your name and address or account number. We do not recommend paying in cash but if that is your only option, please use as exact change as possible. Any monies paid over your bill will be credited to your next month’s bill. The drop box will be emptied periodically throughout the day.
• Thru your banks online bill paying service. The banks mail checks to our office.

You will find more information about these closings on the website: www.rectorarkansas.com .

Other closings include the Rector Community Center which is closed to the public with the exception of the Revenue Office and The Rector Community Museum. We have canceled our Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade for this year as well.

What is open is Nadine’s Dash & Dine on Highway 49. She serves to-go meals only and is offering curbside service during this time of isolation. She has a Facebook page with her current selections. Check it out.

Did you complete your census? If you didn’t you will get another chance. Please fill it out. Our funding for the next ten years depends on you being counted today.

That’s it for this week. I am always updating the Rector website. Please take a look at the web page and let me know if there are updates or changes that need to be made. I do take suggestions and criticism fairly well. www.rectorarkansas.com . It’s your page for your town, so give me your input.

What else is going on that you would like to see in this column? Give me a heads up and I will share it with everyone else. Email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net . Phone number (870) 595-4997.

God bless our troops.