Medicine Park closes up

Image
  • Medicine Park
Body

Medicine Park’s mayor last Friday ordered all businesses, including restaurants and coffee shops, to close at midnight and to remain shuttered until at least April 21 because of the escalating coronavirus pandemic.

The order will be in effect until midnight April 21, at which time it will be re-evaluated. Mayor Jennifer Krebs-Ellis’ decision followed a special town meeting.

Town Hall has also been closed to the general public, but will be staffed to assist residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Staff also will be available via phone at 580-529-2825.

Because the town’s Love’s Truck Stop and Dollar General Store sell groceries, fuel, and other essential items, they will be exempted from the order.

The community’s economy thrives on tourist trade because of it’s location in the Wichita Mountains and because of it’s reputation as an eclectic vacation spot filled with abundant access to concerts, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and other tourist and family activities.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for the town of Medicine Park and for me personally,” said Krebs-Ellis. “The time to possibly prevent tragedy to our community is now. We must be proactive in our efforts.

“If we save the life of one resident or visitor to our community this action would be worth it.”

Under the order, restaurants and bars will be allowed to conduct curbside service for customers.