Coronavirus cancels events; shuts down Kay County business

Dozens of events in Kay County have been postponed, and local businesses and government agencies have closed to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s a look at cancellations of local events – and closures of offices and businesses – by city. This information is current and correct as of press time. However, this listing may not be complete. Check with any businesses, government agencies, and event organizers not listed for more information.

BLACKWELL

The March 24 debate for the mayoral race has been cancelled, but the Chamber of Commerce is considering other options to get information about the candidates out to the public. Chamber Coordinator Joyce Courtney said the organization may film a debate between the two candidates, T.J. Greenfield and Glenn Cox, and post the video to Facebook. She added, however, that the Chamber’s plans are not yet final.

March 16 municipal court proceedings for the City of Blackwell have been moved to April 6.

All youth baseball practices in Blackwell are cancelled until school resumes, according to the Blackwell Baseball Association.

A Monday morning phone call to the Wheatheart Nutrition Center was neither answered nor returned. As senior citizens centers and food banks across the state have closed, Wheatheart is also presumed to be closed.

The March 20 fish fry at St. Joseph's Catholic Church has been postponed indefinitely.

The Blackwell Public School Foundation's annual Hall of Fame Banquet, scheduled for March 26, has been postponed.

The NAPA store in Blackwell has cancelled its March 20 customer appreciation meal. However, the store’s annual filter and tool sale will still go on as scheduled.

The Blackwell Public Library is closed to the public, but some services are still available. Curbside service is available to those wanting to check out books. “Call 580-363-1809 to schedule a pick-up, and a staff person will bring books to you at the door or in our parking lot,” Librarian Lisa Vargas said in a statement. “If you have children that need meals, please call the library and we can make arrangements.” All library materials may be returned in the book drop-box outside the library. The library’s in-house activities will be rescheduled. The library also has a list of activities for students to do online at home. Visit http://blackwell.okpls.org to find them.

The annual 101 Ranch Western Memorabilia Show, originally scheduled for March 27 and 28, has been postponed. An official with the organization said the group will work to reschedule the show at a later date.

NEWKIRK

The Kay County Courthouse has been closed to the public. Courthouse officers and employees will continue to work at the courthouse during normal business hours, but they may only be reached by phone. Court dates affected by the closure will be rescheduled by mail. To find phone numbers for the courthouse, visit the county’s website at https://www.courthouse.kay.ok.us.

PONCA CITY

The Ponca City Senior Citizens Center is closed.

All Ponca City Chamber of Commerce events before April 1 have been cancelled.

The Ponca City Gospel Jubilee will be cancelled temporarily. The Jubilee’s March 21 and March 28 services will not take place, but the organization will reopen in April.