Moran coaches honored

By Lynsi Musselman

Jo and Matthew Hise of Moran are Big Country East FCA’s Huddle Coaches of the Year.

“This is a big honor,” Jo Hise said. “We love being involved in FCA and going to the family coaches camp. It is an awesome time and a huge blessing.” 

Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes engages coaches and athletes from Abilene and surrounding areas to grow in their faith and sport.

Moran church hoping to hold service

By Lynsi Musselman

The community of Moran continues to adjust to social distancing and everyday life as the pandemic continues.

There are still no positive cases of COVID-19 in Moran or Shackelford County as of Tuesday, April 21. The disaster declaration issued on April 3 is still in effect.

Moran City Hall remains closed to walk-in traffic, but most business can be conducted through the drop box at the front door. 

“We can receive cash payments and slip change back through the door slot, Karen Bishop said.

Albany News

MISD waiting approval of turbine proposal

By Lynsi Musselman

Moran Independent School District board is still awaiting approval to consider accepting a tax deferment proposal by a windmill company which intends to start a project south of Moran.

Part of the planned windmill farm will be in the MISD taxing district.

RWE Renewables Americas LLC claims to be one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, with around 3,500 employees. The company has applied for a value limitation agreement on property taxes for the first few years they are up and running.

 School Schedule

Albany News

County library offers online option

By Lynsi Musselman

The Shackelford County Library has an online resource making reading more accessible.

The doors might be temporaily closed due to the coronavirus but books are still available.

Children to adult books in a variety of generes can be located at https://shackelford.biblionix.com.

“It is like the whole library is at your fingertips without leaving the comfort of your home,” said Janna Ledbetter, Study Club library chair.

Albany blood drive set April 30

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite COVID-10 restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, April 30.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Albany News

School security doors installed

By Donnie A. Lucas

Visitors to both Albany school campuses are currently restricted, but when students, parents, and other visitors do return they will find that security has been improved, at least as far as gaining access to buildings is concerned.

Installation of magnetic door locking systems has been completed at the secondary campus and at Nancy Smith Elementary. The automatic door locks were activated this week.

Hospital directors meet on “Uber”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County Hospital District directors checked in via an “Uber conference” call for a brief meeting at noon on Monday, April 20, working through the business of both the district and the clinic in a quick 20-minute session.

Hospital district administrator Jera Fairley told board members that “drug diversion” investigations are ongoing by both the sheriff’s office and the Texas Rangers, commenting that “it is getting closer to resolution.”

Albany News

Shackelford County still COVID-free

By Melinda L. Lucas

Still free of confirmed -COVID-19 cases at press time on Wednesday morning, local residents continue to practice social distancing and limited outings as the number of Texas deaths and positive tests rises.

Since last week’s issue, four more local tests have been administered for a total of 12. Eleven have come back with negative results, and one is pending.

Albany News

Contracts renewed, graduation options assessed by trustees

By Melinda L. Lucas

Along with a long discussion about pandemic-related graduation ideas, Albany ISD trustees accepted a couple of resignations and renewed contracts at Monday’s April board meeting.

The resignations of elementary teacher Teri Antilley and band director Richard Murrow were both accepted after a 1-1/2 hour closed session.

In addition, the board voted to renew current term and probationary facility contracts, along with approval of letters of assurance for the support staff.

Cancellations added to list

By Melinda L. Lucas

Cancellations and suspensions of local events are ongoing through the coronavirus crisis, and the News will continue to publicize these as they are reported.

After the governor’s announcement last week that schools will remain closed through the semester, several school events were formally put on the cancellation list.

CLOSED UNTIL 

FURTHER NOTICE

•All businesses except those considered essential, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, feed stores, health clinics, etc. 

Albany News