By Kathy Thomson At least two local groups of women have been using their sewing skills to help battle the coronavirus by sewing masks for nurses and others on the front lines of this strange new “war.”

By Donnie A. Lucas With the spring turkey hunting season set to open this weekend, hunters will most likely find an abundance of birds in the county. “I have seen quite a few birds already strutting and gobbling,” game warden Jacob Mort said.

By Kathy Thomson This Thursday and Friday, April 2 and 3, are the pick-up dates for the April distribution of the commodity food program, but the continued spread of coronavirus has resulted in a couple of changes that certified families need to know.

By Melinda L. Lucas Cancellations and suspensions of local events are ongoing through the coronavirus crisis, and the News will continue to publicize these as they are reported.

By Kathy Thomson Pick-up dates for the April distribution of the commodity food program are expected to take place as scheduled, on April 2 and 3, but the ongoing spread of coronavirus is expected to result in a couple of changes that certified families need to know.

By Kathy Thomson For the first time in history, local congregations are prohibited from meeting for typical worship services, and though some will not have Sunday services this week, others will offer online services of one type or another.

By Kathy Thomson Although the Fandangle cast has a history of working through mud, drought, and thunderstorms, the latest tempest, a world-wide health crisis caused by COVID-19, has put practices on hold for at least the month of March.

By Kathy Thomson Spring has officially arrived, the weather is pleasant, and the grass at the Albany Golf Course is freshly mowed and ready for players. “Right now the course is still open, with self distancing,” said James Waters with the Albany Golf Club on Monday.

By Melinda L. Lucas Albany school classes and sports aren’t the only events affected by Coronavirus restrictions and concerns. Many other local activities have been suspended for at least the next two weeks, and some are completely cancelled.

By Kathy Thomson The first Fandangle practice of the year took place on Monday evening at the Aztec Theater, with the next rehearsal scheduled for Monday, March 23. “We had a small but very strong group at our first Sampler rehearsal,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers.