Supervisors extend shelter-in-place order through May 4, Clear Creek Golf Course allowed to reopen

Published 9:40 am Monday, April 20, 2020

The Warren County Board of Supervisors Monday voted to extend the county’s shelter-in-place orders through Monday, May 4 with one revision.

In the new order, supervisors approved the reopening of Clear Creek Golf Course. The boat ramp in the Eagle Lake community will remain closed.

The initial shelter-in-place order was put in effect April 3 and was set to expire Monday at noon before supervisors extended most components of it.

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The extended order includes all other components of the original order including limits to the size of gatherings, including those in the parking lots of some businesses. It also continues the restrictions on certain businesses, including the closing of bars and lounges and restricts restaurants to provide drive-through, pickup or curbside services only.

Through Sunday, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported there were 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Warren County.

In other virus-related decisions, supervisors approved the use of paper ballots for the June 23 Republic primary.

The move was recommended by the Warren County Election Commission as a way to conduct a safer election process at a time when many are worried about spreading the virus. This resolution applies to June’s primary only.

Clear Creek Golf Course reopened at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, and by 2 p.m. course superintendent Brice McLendon said about several groups of golfers had come out to play.

“We’ve had eight people already and others have been calling,” McLendon said. “I think people are ready to get out and restore a little bit of sanity.”

To protect golfers from COVID-19, McLendon said Clear Creek will follow all of the CDC guidelines that have been issued for golf courses. That includes removing objects that dozens of golfers might touch during the day, such as sand trap rakes, water coolers and ball washers.

Flag sticks will remain in, but a pool noodle has been placed in each hole so golfers don’t have to reach in.

Carts are being sanitized between each use, and a policy of one rider per cart is being followed. The only exceptions are for two people from the same household, such as spouses and parents with their children.

The pro shop is also closed, and payments must be made by credit card only. Golfers should call the clubhouse at 601-638-9395 when they arrive. Tee times are required on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but Monday through Thursday is first come, first served.

Most of the same policies were in place before Clear Creek was closed on April 3 for the shelter-in-place order.

McLendon said in March that the course’s revenue spiked as people sought a recreational outlet. He expected it to come down in April, however, not just because of the two weeks Clear Creek was closed but because the course will only be able to accommodate a limited number of people with the new guidelines.

“We only have 40 carts, so we’re going to run out,” McLendon said. “During the week it’s not a problem. On the weekends, we’re going to be swamped.”

About Tim Reeves

Tim Reeves, and his wife Stephanie, are the parents of three children, Sarah Cameron, Clayton and Fin, who all attend school in the Vicksburg Warren School District. The family are members of First Baptist Church Vicksburg. Tim is involved in a number of civic and volunteer organizations including the United Way of West Central Mississippi and serves on the City of Vicksburg's Riverfront Redevelopment Committee.

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