By Donnie A. Lucas

Despite Albany and Shackelford County not registering an official case of COVID-19 thus far, a free mobile testing unit will be in Albany on Sunday at the Law Enforcement Center located on Hwy. 180 West.

Operated by Texas Department of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Texas Military Department Mobile Testing Squad, drive-through testing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The measure was requested through the county judge’s office on behalf of local health authorities.

By Lynsi Musselman

With the first phase of loosening government restrictions underway, local restaurants are beginning to open their doors for inside dining.

However, restrictions and changes are still being implemented to ensure the safety of patrons and staff members. 

Some Albany proprietors are showing some extra cautions, while others are ready to get back to business.

By Lynsi Musselman

To ensure an accurate and healthy count for Shackelford County residents, being able to navigate the United States Census Bureau website is essential.

According to the Census Bureau, the coronavirus has created a lower turnout than expected and affected the Census Bureau’s field offices. The traditional in-person methods are not currently options. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, school officials are asking parents and students to stay the course as the final week of assignments approaches.

Students at both the elementary and secondary campuses are due to turn in all work by Friday, May 15 so that grades can all be finalized by the last day of the semester on Wednesday, May 20.

By Lynsi Musselman

The coronavirus outbreak has forced local teachers, along with others across the nation, to adjust from classroom settings with students to virtual learning with no in-person interaction.

Parents and others who typically honor educators during Teacher Appreciation Week every May are also making adjustments. The way they are giving back to teachers looks a little different this year.

Lynsi Musselman

Albany High School students have recently been sent forms through Google Classroom so they can request courses for the 2020-2021 school year, according to counselor Jenny Scott.

In the absence of a special meeting this year, students will be able to enroll in dual credit and approved advanced placement courses through Google Classroom.

Scott said that College Board pre-approved advanced placement courses are being offered alongside dual credit courses.

By Kathy Thomson

Although a few local churches were able to hold normal services throughout the coronavirus shutdown, most had to move to some sort of online platform. 

With Gov. Greg Abbott’s recently issued orders to allow Phase 1 of opening Texas to begin May 1, several congregations are once again meeting together in-person or are making plans to do so in the near future.

Trinity Lutheran

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 13, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

WARNING

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany student newspaper, the Lions Roar, was selected for one of only six Gold Star awards announced by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) over the weekend.

Normally, the staff would have attended the ILPC convention originally set for May 2-3 in Austin, but the event was cancelled in early March due to concerns over the coronavirus.

Members of the staff also earned 45 individual achievement awards in the 2A-3A division, along with two Tops in Texas recognitions.

By Lynsi Musselman

The way high school seniors make memories and are honored for their achievements in 2020 is uncharted territory for the students, parents, and administrators.

The academic and athletic honors previously awarded during banquets held in May with students actually in attendance will still be awarded but in a less formal manner.

The Albany Academic Booster Club is awarding students for the top ACT and SAT test scores. The following students have achieved the top scores and will receive money to assist in paying for future school expenses.