By Melinda L. Lucas

City, school, and county officials are on the front lines of the worldwide coronavirus surge as they carefully but quickly navigate state and federal recommendations to rein in the “beast” before it grows to the proportions that it has in other countries.

In addition to Albany’s school closure for a minimum 14-day period and Moran ISD’s shutdown at least through April 3, local mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery has taken steps to try to protect local citizens, particularly those susceptible to becoming critically ill.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees made a tough decision during a Monday night meeting dominated by coronavirus concerns, eventually voting unanimously to suspend local classes through the end of March.

The board and administrators worked quickly through their regular agenda, including the selection of a new property insurance provider, before adjourning so the emergency part of the session, which had been set for 7:30 p.m., could be convened.

COVID Plan & Action

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany school classes and sports aren’t the only events affected by Coronavirus restrictions and concerns.

Many other local activities have been suspended for at least the next two weeks, and some are completely cancelled.

The Old Jail Art Center has announced that its 40th anniversary celebration, set for March 28, will be postponed until next fall.

In addition, the museum itself is closed through the end of the month. 

Among the groups most impacted are senior adults, with game days on hold until further notice.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Coronavirus protocol for both the health clinic and the ambulance service was reviewed during a regular meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s directors on Monday, March 16.

Also during the meeting, the board approved a request by local EMT Colby Herron for tuition assistance as he pursues his training to become a paramedic.

The funding will be formally provided after new amended guidelines are presented at the April meeting.

COVID19 Protocol

By Kathy Thomson

The first Fandangle practice of the year took place on Monday evening at the Aztec Theater, with the next rehearsal scheduled for Monday, March 23.

“We had a small but very strong group at our first Sampler rehearsal,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers. “There were a lot of conflicts, but I expect many more next week. The show is very historical and pays homage to the founding fathers of this area.”

Actors, singers, and would-be thespians of all ages can join the cast.  

By Melinda L. Lucas

School breakfast and lunch for local students during the period that classes are suspended were still up in the air at press time, but Albany ISD administrators were hopeful that the cafeteria staff could begin distributing meals as soon as Thursday morning, March 19.

According to AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott, many school districts are “ready to roll” because the initial guidelines are those used for summer food programs.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School students are dealing with numerous schedule changes and cancellations due to the COVIC-19 pandemic including postponement of the District 8-2A academic contest, originally scheduled to take place next Monday, March 23.

“The University Interscholastic League has said we cannot have our district meet until after March 29,” said AHS UIL coordinator Rick Davis. “I have not heard officially when we will have it, but that they were looking at the first week of April.” 

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School’s one act play (OAP) placed among the top three in district earlier this month, qualifying the local thespians to advance to bi-district competition, but that event has been postponed because of a reality that seems at least as strange as the one faced by the hero of The 39 Steps, only this one seems to be too much thriller and drama, without nearly enough comedy.

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association are hoping to meet sometime before April 15 for a general meeting to evaluate the 2020 show, consider any proposed rule changes, and address any concerns that have been brought to the attention of the Association, but like many activities, it is currently on hold due to coronavirus concerns.

Jordan Pleasant, a 2017 Albany High School graduate, was named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

The son of Jeff and Ricia Pleasant of Albany, he plans to graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management.