By Kathy Thomson

School board members, administrators, teachers, seniors dressed in caps and gowns, numerous family members, friends, and special speakers, all packed into the gym or auditorium, celebrating the occasion together – those are things that Albany High School graduates from years past may recall. 

Undoubtedly most everyone, especially this year’s graduates, were anticipating something similar until COVID-19 swept around the world, changing everything. 

By Kathy Thomson

Moran’s seven seniors have picked up their caps and gowns, and the location of the graduation ceremony has been determined, but most everything else is still “kind of up in the air,” according to MISD superintendent Danny Freeman.

“I’m going to talk to Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton to find out what our options are,” Freeman said. “We hope we can have an in-person graduation ceremony with a very limited number of guests present on Friday, May 29, outside the south end of the gym, just inside of the WPA rock wall.”

By Kathy Thomson

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

Moran City Hall opened its doors to the public this Monday, May 4. The First Baptist Church of Moran is meeting in the sanctuary on Sundays, along with continuing online streaming of the service. DAs will be open and serving ribs, potato salad and red beans this Friday and Saturday. 

“Of course, we want everyone to observe proper social distancing,” said city employee Teresa King.

By Kathy Thomson

FFA and 4-H exhibitors who sold their project animals through the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association premium auction during the 2020 county stock show can drive by the Depot and pick up their checks this Friday, May 8 between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Pens at the ag barn used by exhibitors must be clean, and any bills, including auction pledges and concession stand charges incurred by exhibitors and their families, must be paid before the checks can be distributed.

By Kathy Thomson

A just-for-fun Cruise Night will take place in Albany this Friday evening, and organizer Chelsi Darnell is inviting anyone who wants to join to come downtown with their own choice of transportation.

“Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, or whatever you have to drive,” Darnell said. “New or old, just come to cruise and have a good time.”

Spectators can get out in their yards or watch along Main Street during the event.

By Lynsi Musselman

Honor students for the 2020 Albany High School senior class were announced on Monday, with Addison Asher officially recognized as valedictorian and Jaleigh Morales as salutatorian.

Asher, daughter of Stephanie and Sonny Asher, has earned a total grade point average of 97.9165 during her high school career.

The salutatorian, daughter of Melissa and Edward Morales, has earned an overall GPA of 97.1132.

 Local students earn the traditional grade point average based on the numeric grades for each class. 

By Kathy Thomson

Project Graduation organizers are hoping that donations will enable them to provide gifts to Albany High School’s graduating seniors, even though the traditional all-night graduation party is not expected to be able to take place under the social distancing requirements set in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Kathy Thomson

This school year is ending much differently than it normally does, but even with all of the unexpected changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, staff members at the Moran Independent School District are already preparing for next year.

By Kathy Thomson

According to Teresa King at Moran City Hall, local residents are ready to get “back on track” from coronavirus shelter in place precautions when rule changes allow that to take place.

Governor Greg Abbott had already relaxed some of the restrictions on church services, with restaurants and some other businesses across the state allowed to open to the public on Friday, May 1, as long as they observe the newly lowered capacity limits, increased disinfecting of surfaces, and follow social distancing protocols.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A positive case of COVID-19 reported to city officials in good faith by an employer on behalf of an employee Tuesday turned out to be premature, leaving the status of the case unclear at press time.

The employee is sheltering in place and not requiring hospitalization, according to the information reported to Albany mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery.