By Kathy Thomson
Social distancing requirements have resulted in the cancellation or reformatting of most community Easter activities in Albany this year, including church services, gathering of extended family and friends, and Easter egg hunts.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners met in two separate special sessions on Thursday, April 2, first extending the county judge’s week-long disaster declaration and then later in the day reluctantly agreeing to pay an almost $20,000 “migration” plan from Sam Goldsmith of Goldsmith Solutions.
They also approved a master service agreement with the county’s new IT vendor, Computer Transition Services Inc. (CTSI).
Disaster Extension
By Kathy Thomson
The Albany community garden plot has been tilled and is ready for planting, according to organizer Ramby Anderson.
“The soil looks good,” he said. “We’ve planted tomatoes, peppers, squash, and onions. We’re also putting in a few more flowers this year than we have in the past.”
Anderson planned to add okra this week.
Some of the garden area has already been allotted, but interested parties should contact Anderson to see if there is still space available.
Gracie Rogers carefully considers the next color for her Easter artwork at First Love Day Care. Despite huge changes in the world around them, children at local childcare facilities are getting ready for the upcoming holiday in many of the same ways they always do, even though Sunday itself may be spent a little differently.
By Lynsi Musselman
Summer in Albany is the sound of the calliope, locals dressed in prairie costumes, and the excitement of seeing the first flag parade of the Fandangle season.
The cancelling of the Fandangle Sampler, due to government restrictions of large gatherings, has raised concerns for the summer 2020 production.
By Lynsi Musselman
Residents are getting creative with their facial protective gear amidst the COVID-19 break out.
With the President’s order in place for residents to wear mask in public settings and reports from the Food and Drug Administration that a shortage of surgical mask will continue, homemade substitutes are on the rise.
By Kathy Thomson
This week Moran Independent School District superintendent Danny Freeman made his weekly trip to deliver school packets to students in Cisco, Breckenridge, and Albany a day earlier than normal.
“We’ll deliver earlier this week, probably on Thursday, because this Friday is Good Friday,” said Freeman on Monday night. “Teachers have been working hard to get their packets ready in time.”
Freeman said that delivering the school items went well last week, with most parents able to meet him at the designated times to pick up their packets.
By Lynsi Musselman
Albany High School’s senior class of 2020 is encountering situations that are different from any other class before them, with academic, athletic, and senior celebrations all on hold.
Albany ISD Superintendent Jonathan Scott stated that decisions by higher authorities must be honored.
By Kathy Thomson
Shackelford County AgriLife agent Kloey Painter has encouraged local 4-H members to engage in fun, learning activities that they can do even while under quarantine, including fishing and baking.
Those who have followed her advice and then sent in pictures of the fruits of their labor include Ellis, James, and Johnnie Hise, Connor and Luke Smith, Hattie Jo Braly, and Charli Trail.
“There are not any rules or any prizes,” said Painter. “It’s all just for fun.”
By Kathy Thomson
Moran senior November Meredith was recently named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association 1-A Academic All State Team.
“I’m proud of November for getting this honor,” said athletic director and coach John Hughes. “She showed up every day and gave me everything she had. She not only took care of business on the floor, but in the classroom as well.”
Meredith scored 116 points and pulled in 49 offensive and 96 defensive rebounds during the 2019-20 basketball season. She was also credited with eight blocks and 50 steals.
