By Kathy Thomson

Once every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau asks every household to fill out the census questionnaire by mail, online, or by phone, and local officials are requesting that everyone in Shackelford County complies.

“It is so important to get the census turned in to keep our numbers accurate,” said mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery. “Please take time to do that.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local banks are already being flooded with applications for loans available through the recently passed stimulus legislation know as the CARES Act in light of the impact on small businesses due to disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The legislation was passed relatively quickly and signed into law by President Donald Trump last week, offering a variety of sources of help for small businesses, which by definition includes companies with a workforce of 500 or less.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Taking advantage of the state’s new allowance for virtual public meetings, the Albany ISD board of trustees gathered on Zoom for a special session Monday evening to postpone the May election and to clarify temporary grading guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 school shutdown.

Earlier in the month, Gov. Greg Abbott took the unprecedented action for a limited time in order to maintain government transparency while reducing face-to-face contact for required public open meetings.

By Lynsi Musselman

Brookshire’s Grocery Company is striving to make a challenging time easier on the Albany community. 

Brookshire’s will be open on Easter Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., an unprecedented change that has not happened in the corporation’s 92 year history. 

This essential local business has also changed the regular store hours to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The first two hours are set aside for senior citizens and first responders. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Last month, the Old Jail Art Center announced a creative writing contest for teens, with entries due April 13. 

Because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus, the contest deadline is being moved back to Saturday, June 27. 

 “The contest is being extended due to the fact  the museum has been closed to visitors, and students may not have access to the artwork that was to inspire their writing,” OJAC executive director Patrick Kelly said. 

By Kathy Thomson

Moran City Hall is now closed to the public in an effort to help “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, the city’s essential services are still available.

“Folks can pay their water bill by depositing their payment in the drop-off box in the door, by signing up for direct deposit, or by mail,” said city worker Teresa King. “For emergency problems with water or sewer, folks can call 325-762-0643.”

King said residents can make an appointment if they need other assistance from the City of Moran. 

By Kathy Thomson

Tomorrow, April 10, is the deadline for local youth livestock exhibitors to clean out their pens at the FFA barn from this year’s show animals and also the deadline to purchase ear tags for some of next year’s livestock shows.

Steer and heifer tag orders for the major shows need to be turned in to Albany ag advisor Chris Beard or Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter by April 10.

April 10 is also the deadline to turn in tag orders for swine, lambs, and goats for the State Fair of Texas. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Rapidly changing world events are having a significant impact on the local level.  

Several events are being cancelled that were postponed just a few weeks ago. 

The Albany Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel all Chamber events until further notice. Even Chamber board meetings will be held via phone or text. 

By Kathy Thomson

Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter church services are too important to be stopped by a virus, and local pastors have plans to reach not only their own members but anyone willing to listen, to tell them how Christ’s death and resurrection purchased salvation for everyone willing to accept the free gift.

William R. (Bill) Hicks of Windsor, Illinois, formerly of Albany, Texas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2020. He was 94 years old. 

He was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on Dec. 3, 1925. He served in the U.S. Army and earned a Purple Heart for his heroic services.