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 Kathy Thomson
A “pepper spray” training at the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center last week gave local LEC employees an “in your face” experience.
County sheriff Ed Miller taught the four-hour OC session.
“This was for all of our new employees who haven’t been through the training,” said Miller. “Three hours were in the classroom, followed by a one-hour practical.”
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is a noncarcinogenic food product derived from jalapeño peppers that is the active ingredient in “pepper spray.”
By Lynsi Musselman
The Old Jail Art Center in Albany has decided to be cautious and wait for a future open date even though last week’s announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott allows for reopening.
Old Jail Art Center executive director and curator Pat Kelly said the museum is still currently closed to the public as the safety and health of visitors, staff, and community are a top priority. The museum’s board of directors is currently thinking about an appropriate time to reopen for visitors, he said.
By Lynsi Musselman
Today Albany churches welcome all residents in observance of National Day of Prayer.
From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. those who wish to pray along with millions across the nation can enter any church to pray. Local pastors encourage visiting more than one church.
The day is designed as a come and go event to avoid large groups and keep social distances.
Pastor Brad McBee of First Christian Church said this is a time for people of faith to join together in prayer.
By Kathy Thomson
Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center employee David Walls recently put in a garden at the LEC using funding contributed by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and items donated by Higginbotham Brothers.
“No county funds were used,” said Walls. “The general purpose I have in mind is to supplement and add nutritional value to the inmates’ meals; then we’ll share any extra bounty with first responders and area church pantries. I’m also hoping that inmate trustees will be able to work in the garden and take pride in it.”
By Kathy Thomson
Future Aggie and current Albany High School senior Addison Asher is one of three 2020 graduates who will benefit from the generosity of the late Archylou Kinchen Dickie as a recipient of one of the scholarships she helped fund in memory of her husband George D. Dickie Jr.
The scholarship fund, run through Texas A&M University, provides three scholarships a year to benefit students from Stephens, Shackelford, and Throckmorton counties.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany native and 2015 AHS graduate Molly Lee has always been a bit of a character.
While possibly appearing shy to casual acquaintances, she is known among her circle of friends as funny, clever, maybe even somewhat dramatic – especially in videos she periodically posts on social media.
However, over the last two weeks, she has become an internet sensation after a video of her attempting to administer a facial waxing on herself went viral.
By Kathy Thomson
The Fort Griffin Fandangle board of directors will meet early next week to discuss the summer show, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.
“After Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement on Monday, the board decided to convene on Monday, May 4 to discuss our options,” said Ayers.
In the meantime, marketing director Scarlett Yates and office manager Jamie Parsons are still at work promoting this year’s summer show, scheduled for June 19, 20, 26, and 27.
Polo on the Prairie 2020 has a new date.
All the regular festivities, along with the live music of country signer Clay Walker, will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch in Albany.
Challenges due to COVID-19 required the event originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, to postpone until September.
“We are looking forward to continuing this tradition in the fall,” said Melinda Musselman, chair for Polo on the Prairie. “It will be a nice change to plan around a less turbulent weather season.”
