Phil Major

What we have witnessed over the course of the past few weeks has ranged from the magnificent to the ridiculous.

We have seen communities soldiering on as best they can under difficult and trying circumstances.

Local governments have worked through so many variables without a script, and we laud their efforts. Just when they think they have a handle, the rules change again.

Particularly amazing has been the work of teachers and administrators and families, and of course the students, to suddenly switch gears to an online learning model from home (or in some cases, parking lots).

The imagination and ingenuity to try to make this not only workable but fun has been remarkable to observe. But then, if you know a teacher, that’s what they do.

Churches have also found imaginative ways to continue serving the community.

City and county leaders are dealing with problems they could scarcely have imagined just a few short weeks ago – like alerting the community not to flush anything heavier than toilet paper, else more serious troubles develop. It won’t be pretty.

Of particular interest to those of us who monitor local government has been the shift to online meetings.

Some were better prepared than others and were able to adapt more quickly. Some are still trying to play catch up to the governor’s advisory which requires bodies to maintain the public’s ability to participate.

Notices of meetings must now include the method for public participation and an electronic copy of the agenda packet available to all. (Which of course means the agenda posted online as well. I won’t name any names, yet.)

I know everyone in charge is scrambling and doing their best under difficult circumstances.

First responders and medical professionals continue their jobs, even as they are thrust onto the front lines of this battle against an unseen enemy. Our prayers are particularly with them for the risks they take daily on our behalf.

The need for more robust Internet infrastructure in rural East Texas has never been more glaring, as many have stepped into the gap to try to serve students who did not have adequate resources to participate in online learning.

Obviously the toughest challenge for local businesses is what to do when business dries up. We’re certainly dealing with that, too.

Small businesses live mostly on the margins anyway, so any hiccup is magnified.

And this has been anything but a hiccup.

We can only hope and pray and do what we can in the way of support to try to ensure that as many as possible remain when this is all over. If only we knew when that might be?

We are a small, local business too, trying our best to get through this. And we have a job and a duty to still report the news and will do all we can for as long as we can. We also would appreciate your support.