The city of Big Spring will close all offices, including the municipal landfill and compost facility, Thursday in observance of New Year’s Day. There will be no sanitation pick-up Thursday, as well. Business is expected to resume as normal Friday morning.

Howard County employees will also be afforded time to enjoy the new year, with offices also to be closed Thursday. County operations are to resume Friday morning.

The Big Spring Post Office will also be following the city and county, closing its offices Thursday for the holiday.

Post Office officials said the only deliveries that will be made will be express deliveries, with business expected to resume Friday morning.

As many people prepare to enjoy a day off for New Years, area emergency personnel will be bracing themselves for the inevitable holiday onslaught. Local agencies, including the Big Spring Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and Howard County Sheriff’s Office, all report the special day will be busier for them, as they pay special attention to motorists and party-goers. The police department’s main office will be closed Thursday, and will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.

Those looking for party supplies at the last minute will be relieved to know the local Wal-Mart Supercenter, which is open 24-hours, will be open throughout the holiday. H-E-B will also be taking the holiday in stride, adhering to its normal 6 a.m. until midnight schedule both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Keeping with their 24-hour, 365-day image, local 7-Eleven convenience stores will also be open throughout the New Year holiday.

The Spring City Senior Citizens Center will close its doors Thursday in observance of the New Year, resuming activities Friday morning.

The Herald office will be closed Thursday, reopening at 8 a.m. Friday.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it