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.

In addition, many offices are limiting access to the public, with locked front doors even as employees work at their desks and take calls for appointments or payments.

Meanwhile, at press time, local retail businesses were still open for business, with many precautions being taken to protect both workers and customers. 

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.

In order to allow social distancing, the Albany distribution will take place outside of the building.

“We will set the bags out back on a table,” said Melissa Hobbs at the Justice of the Peace office. “We are relying on the integrity and honesty of people to only take their bag.”

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. 

Churches are included in Governor Greg Abbott’s order that every person in Texas avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people in an effort to delay the spread of COVID-19.

Albany Church of Christ has cancelled services.

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.

“Since group gatherings are limited right now, we will not have rehearsal in March,” artistic director Lorna Ayers text messaged Fandangle participants last Saturday.

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. “We are allowing no more than five in a group, and they are required to make sure that they keep the proper distances between each other.”

Waters said that players can only ride one person to a cart, with the exception of spouses and those in similar circumstances.

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.

The Old Jail Art Center has announced that its 40th anniversary celebration, set for March 28, will be postponed until next fall.

In addition, the museum itself is closed through the end of the month. 

Among the groups most impacted are senior adults, with game days on hold until further notice.

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. “There were a lot of conflicts, but I expect many more next week. The show is very historical and pays homage to the founding fathers of this area.”

Actors, singers, and would-be thespians of all ages can join the cast.  

By Melinda L. Lucas

School breakfast and lunch for local students during the period that classes are suspended were still up in the air at press time, but Albany ISD administrators were hopeful that the cafeteria staff could begin distributing meals as soon as Thursday morning, March 19.

According to AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott, many school districts are “ready to roll” because the initial guidelines are those used for summer food programs.

Jordan Pleasant, a 2017 Albany High School graduate, was named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

The son of Jeff and Ricia Pleasant of Albany, he plans to graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management. 

By Kathy Thomson

Several local churches have changed or cancelled upcoming services and events due to the government’s request that everyone try to limit the spread of COVID19.

The Feed Store has suspended all group activities, including Tuesday lunches, Monday nights for high school, Tuesday nights for junior high, Saturday morning girls Bible study, and the girls retreat that had been planned for this weekend.