By Melinda L. Lucas

In an effort to include as many class photos as possible, the News staff has decided to delay the publishing of the special Class of 2020 graduation section until May 28, the Thursday after AHS commencement exercises.

Normally, the section is included in the issue that comes out the day before graduation.

By Lynsi Musselman

With summer coming and temperatures heating up, the Albany City pool would normally be getting ready to open.

Unfortunately, with the coronavirus shutdown, the opening has been delayed 

The typical opening day is the first Saturday after school is out, but Albany city park manager Brian Holson said this week that no decisions can be made until more government restrictions are lifted.

The governor’s order on what type of public pools can open also delays hiring and training of staff.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After serving as mayor pro tem since the first of year, Susan Montgomery, who was the only one to file for the position back in February, took an oath of office last Thursday and presided over her first official meeting on Monday, May 11.

Montgomery, who had been elected as mayor pro tem last year, moved from council member to leading the city, after the unexpected death of mayor Rodney Alexander in January.

Dozens of local classic car owners, along with some from other communities, joined in a just-for-fun cruise night last Friday. The event also drew a large number of spectators, who lined Main Street to watch the vehicles go by. Members of the Albany Shifters Car Club are still hoping to reschedule the spring show, which was cancelled last month because of coronavirus restrictions.

By Lynsi Musselman

The Albany High School Class of 2020 senior Bible presentation, hosted by First Baptist Church for decades, will take place as a part of the Baccalaureate service on Sunday, May 17 at 8:00 p.m., at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The event usually takes place separately the week before Baccalaureate but is being combined this year to limit exposure due to COVID-19 concerns.

First Baptist Church youth minister Campbell Terry said he will deliver a short message, and then First Baptist Church pastor Jeff Turner will present the Bibles.

By Lynsi Musselman

First United Methodist Church pastor Tim Trimble announced this week that the FUMC congregation will continue to meet this week for Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m.

They will start next week meeting again for weekly Men’s Prayer and Bible Study on Tuesday at 6:00 a.m., Kids Club on Wednesday at 4:00 a.m., Bible study on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., and Celebrate Recovery group at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.  

By Lynsi Musselman

Shackelford County ResourceCare Community Health Center will be awarded $274,984 for COVID-19 testing.

This funding is in addition to the $753,000 in coronavirus relief funds awarded to ResourceCare last month. 

ResourceCare executive director Meagan Marshall said the new funding announced last week will apply toward expansion of COVID-19 testing.

By Kathy Thomson

The city of Albany received a sales tax allotment of $30,781 from the state in April. The amount was down 8.29 percent from the $33,565 payment received in April of 2019.

Payments to date for the 2020 year to the city of Albany are $158,000, down by 23.38 percent from the comparable time last year, when payments of $206,214 had been made.

The city of Moran received a net payment of $1,556 this period, for a 30.38 percent increase from the $1,194 received in April 2019.

By Lynsi Musselman

The City of Moran, along with much of the State of Texas and other states across the nation, reopened after the recent coronavirus shutdowns.

Moran City Hall opened its doors to the public last week on Monday, May 4.

“The first week of the month is typically busy with bills coming in, but most people are still using the drop box,” said city employee Teresa King.

Donnie Edgar with DA’s said his facility opened this past weekend. 

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.