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

Howard County employees will also be afforded time to enjoy the new year, with offices also expected to be closed Friday. According to County Judge Mark Barr, some county offices may be closing as early as 3 p.m. Thursday.

“It's up to the elected officials, so your best bet is to contact them individually and find out if they will close early Thursday if you have business to take care of that day,” said Barr.

County operations are expected to resume Monday morning.

The Big Spring Post Office will also be following the city and county, closing its offices Thursday afternoon and all day Friday for the holiday. Thursday hours will be from 8 a.m. until noon, with the office set to reopen Saturday from 9 a.m. Until noon.

No mail delivery is expected Friday.

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 Friday, and will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday.

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. HEB will also be taking the holiday in stride, adhering to its normal 6 a.m. until midnight schedule on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Keeping with their 24-hour, 365-day image, local 7-11 convenience stores will also be open throughout the New Year holiday.

The Spring City Senior Citizens Center will close its doors Friday in observance of the New Year, resuming activities Monday morning. The facility will be holding a New Years dance, however, from 9 p.m. until midnight Thursday night.

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

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