**A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MIKE GASKILL**

To the Citizens of Paragould:

Without a doubt, we are currently in some unprecedented times. Along with the state and the nation, our city is battling to prevent the spread of a virus that has caused serious illness, or even death, to hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. As your mayor, I want you to know that the City of Paragould has been taking proactive steps to keep our citizens and our employees as safe as possible in these times of uncertainty.

We are routinely keeping in contact with other local and state leaders to stay abreast of any and all changes in this situation as they occur. As a city, we are asking each and every one of you to practice social distancing whenever possible, as that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading not only the coronavirus, but ANY communicable disease. We know that this is not an easy task, however, we also know that this is the most impactful way that we can make a difference right now.

Governor Hutchinson and his team of medical experts have worked around the clock for many days in an attempt to find the best ways to combat this disease and its rapid spread in our state and in our communities. As a result, Governor Hutchinson has enacted several executive orders regarding closings and social distancing procedures to help slow the spread as much as possible. We encourage each of our citizens to heed those executive orders, as well as the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, in order to best protect ourselves during this time. Please limit your contact with others by only performing essential tasks such as work or acquiring necessities such as food and medications.

The citizens of Paragould have a long, well-known reputation of taking care of one another in times of need and crisis. I have no doubt that we will rise up to meet that reputation once again as we do our part to help slow the spread of this disease. Please be sure to take care of yourselves, and remember to check on those that are elderly and/or homebound and ensure that their needs are met during this time. With the help of one another, we will make it through this trying time together.

With kindest regards, I am,

Mayor Mike Gaskill

**NOTICE**
CHANGES IN BULK ITEM PICKUP

In an effort to reduce costs, the City will not be picking up any personal bulk items such as furniture, appliances, etc. at this time. If you are unable to haul those items yourself, for a fee you can schedule a bulk item pick up by contacting the Public Works department at 870-239-7520. We will continue to pick up yard waste and limbs at no cost. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

COMMUNITY UPDATE NEWSLETTER
courtesy of Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce