By Melinda L. Lucas

Up to $50,000 in aid to local small businesses was approved by the Albany city council in an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning, with council members expressing concern for the future of local retailers.

Last week, city manager Billy Holson said that he had asked the directors of the Albany Economic Development Corporation to release funding for a “Business Rescue Grant,” and they had agreed to support the program.

By Lynsi Musselman

Government restrictions and closures have made in-person group meetings tough to conduct. 

This includes local Alcoholics Anonymous and Life Recovery meetings. 

First United Methodist Church pastor Tim Tremble said no meetings are being held at the church at this time, but check-ins are being conducted. 

The AA website at www.aa.org suggests participants keep up with step program literature. It is also recommended that volunteers check on those who may be struggling.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following the announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott last Friday that all Texas schools are to remain closed for the remainder of the school year, the University Interscholastic League canceled all remaining 2019-2020 spring activities and state championships.

The cancellation means that all pending or postponed academic and athletic events for the current year have been scrapped in an effort to protect the health and safety of Texans in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

By Kathy Thomson

According to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller, everyone needs to be aware that scammers are using the current -COVID-19 pandemic to try and con people out of money and personal information.

“We haven’t had any cases here in the county that have been reported to us,” said Miller. “But we have sent out an alert on our Facebook page to give people a heads up on some of the scams that are out there.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

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

After the governor said last week that golf courses should close, the state clarified that golf courses are not included on the list and are open under restrictions.

CLOSED UNTIL 

FURTHER NOTICE

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

By Lynsi Musselman

Shackelford  County ResourceCare Community Health Center will be awarded $753,000 in coronavirus relief funds, according to an announcement last week by U.S. Senator John Cornyn. 

The funding comes from the $76,701,360 that was awarded to Texas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

On Friday, March 27 the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, into law. This piece of legislation makes support for local health centers available immediately. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Being bored, lethargic, and sedentary during the quarantine is a commonality for many residents, bringing to mind the old saying,“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” 

Albany Fitness Factory would normally be a logical place to run to for exercise, but the gym is shut down temporarily because of government regulations.

Owner Steven Hobbs encourages people to get outside and exercise or find a project to start.

“Just move,” Hobbs said. “Do not become a couch potato.” 

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany has several local energy companies that employ residents and help keep the area economy healthy. 

Even before the coronavirus, there was a decline in oil prices only made worse by a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

H.R. Stasney & Sons manager Lance Thomas said the current conditions are not good for small west Texas towns. 

“West Texas Intermediate daily price dropped below $20 a barrel last month,” he said. “And oil prices  have not been this low in over 20 years.”

By Lynsi Musselman

Shackelford County has remained at zero for the number of positive -COVID-19 cases, but residents feeling sick can still take precautions set by government restrictions and use a local resource for testing.

Both ResourceCare and the Shackelford County Health Clinic continue to test people with symptoms, including an eighth patient tested earlier this week.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 needs to call ahead to determine how to set up their appointment.

Working in family groups with just a few in attendance at a time, members of Friendship Baptist Church “flowered the cross” outside the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning.  Even while observing social distancing, Christians found ways to observe the sacred holiday.