By Lynsi Musselman With more time at home, many people in Albany have stepped up their culinary endeavors.

Sierra Price Brooks of San Angelo was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Brooks was initiated at Angelo State University.

By Kathy Thomson Pick-up dates for the May distribution of the commodity food program are expected to take place as scheduled, on May 7 and 8 using the same outdoor distribution protocols enacted last month so participants can more easily maintain proper social distancing.

By Lynsi Musselman Churches were included in Governor Abbott’s Monday afternoon press conference that gave details about the first phase of reopening the state. Some Albany churches will begin Sunday to return to in-person services.

By Lynsi Musselman The 2020 Census for Shackelford County, and all of the United States, is facing challenges that puts everyone at risk for an undercount. Currently, Shackelford County’s response rate is 26.2 percent.

By Lynsi Musselman Social-distancing creates an environment for personal prayer and comteplation this year during National Day of Prayer.  Albany churches will welcome all faiths for individual prayer on Thursday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wanda Lorena Hogan, 80, of Albany died Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in an Abilene hospital. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.  Wanda was born Feb. 15, 1940 in Dalhart to Atas and Ruby (Grisham) Jones.

Stiles Dwaine Belcher, 82, of Knox City, Texas,  and formerly of Albany, died of dementia complications on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at an Abilene, Texas nursing home.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no visitation or services will be held. He was buried in the Albany Cemetery April 19.

By Donnie A. Lucas School officials have been busy planning for the remainder of the school year following Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement last Friday that in-person classes are cancelled for the remainder of the year due to concerns over the Coronavirus COVID-19.

By Lynsi Musselman The Academic Booster Club Facebook page is spotlighting seniors each day until graduation. Tisha Wilkins is spearheading the project to recognize the members of Albany High School’s Senior Class of 2020.