small-town-dispatch

Small-Town Dispatches: Two Brownwood Restaurants—One Classic and One New—Overwhelmed by Support

May 6, 2020 | By Paul Brown

Two Brownwood restaurants—one the city’s oldest and one of its newest—have received overwhelming customer support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two establishments, Underwood’s Cafeteria and Teddy’s Brewhaus, each face unique challenges at the moment, but have risen to them to provide care and comfort for their community of nearly 20,000 located about 70 miles southeast of Abilene.

Small-Town Dispatches: The Vendors at Canton’s First Monday Trade Days Adapt to New Ways of Selling

May 5, 2020 | By Sarah Hepola

George Davis had spent his day loading a trailer for Canton or Round Top; he wasn’t sure which yet.

Small-Town Dispatches: Fredericksburg Wineries Give Back to Frontline Workers

April 29, 2020 | By June Naylor

Fredericksburg, one of the most tourist-heavy small towns in Texas, has understandably been affected by lack of travel and commerce during COVID-19. One of the area’s biggest industries, wine, has been hit hard as it’s a significant attraction in these parts—more than 50 of the 100-plus Hill Country wineries are in town or the surrounding Gillespie County. Thankfully, wineries are coming up with creative solutions to connect with customers and boost morale.

Small-Town Dispatches: Bulverde Residents Lean on Each Other for Food and Support During COVID-19

April 29, 2020 | By Amanda Ogle

Small-Town Dispatches: After Finally Bouncing Back From Hurricane Harvey, Port Aransas Faces a More Unknown Foe in COVID-19

April 25, 2020 | By John Lumpkin

Hurricane Harvey invaded Port Aransas less than three years ago with the subtlety of a neutron bomb, wasting neighborhoods, destroying beloved venues and wrecking its close-knit citizens’ lives.

Small-Town Dispatches: Granbury Boutiques Recoup Lost Sales Via Online Shopping Events

April 23, 2020 | By June Naylor

Just southwest of Dallas/Fort Worth, Granbury—a lakeside town typically bustling with shoppers crowding its charming downtown—finds its streets quiet at the moment. But residents are finding ways to continue the convivial nature of the small community at home.

Small-Town Dispatches: One Abilene Company Goes From Making Boats to Producing Face Shields

April 21, 2020 | By June Naylor

In Abilene, the heart of the region known as Big Country, a manufacturer called Tigé Boats has shifted its focus from making boats to producing personal protective equipment. The PPE, crafted from materials typically used in boat building, are going to local medical workers fighting COVID-19.  

Small-Town Dispatches: Oil and Gas Aren’t the Only Sectors in Longview Hit By COVID-19

April 20, 2020 | By Gary Borders

Residents of the East Texas city of Longview reflect on how COVID-19 has affected the local oil and gas industry, as well as other sectors of business and life.

Small-Town Dispatches: Marfa Gives Back to Service Workers Affected by COVID-19

April 10, 2020 | By Sarah M. Vasquez

The touristy West Texas town of Marfa is reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic with a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for service workers whose finances are affected.

Small-Town Dispatches: Tyler, an Empty Town in Bloom, Looks Ahead to Better Days

April 9, 2020 | By Jill Coody Smits

In the East Texas town of Tyler, spring is usually a hopping time. Flowers bloom spectacularly throughout the historic district. The annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail lures thousands of visitors who come to experience the area’s beautiful gardens, elegant homes, local eateries, and quaint brick streets.

Small-Town Dispatches: Sleepy Marathon Quieter Than Ever During COVID-19

April 7, 2020 | By E. Dan Klepper

Although it’s a spring morning in Marathon, gateway to the Big Bend, it looks more like a hot midsummer’s afternoon—vacant sidewalks, shuttered shops, and empty streets.

Small-Town Dispatches: How Two Texas Small Towns Are Taking Care of Their Communities During the COVID-19 Crisis

March 27, 2020 | By June Naylor

Bandera
It’s unusually quiet in Bandera, known as the Cowboy Capital of the World.