By Donnie A. Lucas

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Shackelford County was officially reported late last week to county judge Robert Skelton.

The positive test was for a female under the age of 40 and was reported to the judge by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The first positive test is also reflected on the DSHS website on the COVID-19 Dashboard.

By Lynsi Musselman

The annual Baccalaureate service for the Albany High School Class of 2020 will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. 

Baccalaureate will be held in conjunction with the Bible presentation hosted by First Baptist Church. 

Campbell Terry, youth minister at First Baptist Church, will be the keynote speaker. Terry will be introduced by valedictorian Addison Asher.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Drivers in Shackelford County will soon need to keep an eye out for new speed limit postings after the commissioners court approved a motion Monday setting speed limits on a number of county roads.

The court held a public hearing at 8:30 a.m. Monday prior to the regular meeting to hear comments about the proposed speed postings proposed at the April 27 meeting.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The end of what is probably the most unusual school year in decades is winding down this week, with students required to turn in all work for grading by Friday.

Various turn-in schedules have been established depending on grade level, with seniors starting Thursday (today) at 9:00 a.m. at the high school. All secondary students received an email that includes specific times in five-minute increments to turn in school computers, textbooks, calculators, library books, and athletic uniforms and equipment.

Elementary Returns

By Lynsi Musselman

While the Old Jail Art Center museum is closed to the public, there continues to be a variety of take-home and at-home activities for all ages.

“Museum Mix-tape” is a playlist inspired by works of art at the OJAC. Different Spotify playlists will post each Monday through June 1 on the OJAC Facebook and In-stagram pages, including images of the collection.

The playlists are intended to motivate those working or learning from home. Participants are encouraged to view the art and then enjoy the coordinating playlist.

By Lynsi Musselman

Even in a pandemic, online predators exploit the vulnerabilities of children.

Nancy Smith Elementary School counselor Susie Beard said parents have to pay attention and put safeguards in place. There are several programs with parental control filters.

“Parents are the main line of defense,” Beard said. “Kids can be unaware or are curious and click on the wrong thing.” 

Enough Is Enough, is a non-profit online organization designed to make the internet safer for children and families.

By Lynsi Musselman

Seniors will have the opportunity to be recognized    for their achievements today in an informal gathering at the high school gym lobby.

Albany High School superintendent Jonathan Scott said staff and coaches will be set-up into stations to receive textbooks and hand out academic and athletic awards.

Scott said that a back drop will be displayed for individual and group photos.

“This is a quick recognition to be followed up by a virtual banquet that will be shared once it is complete,” Scott said.  

Atmos Energy understands that the coronavirus outbreak may cause some customers to experience financial difficulty, whether because of illness, quarantine, or a disruption at work. As part of its commitment to serving and working with its customers throughout this difficult time, Atmos Energy has temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 83 Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans. 

The Texas counties with the primary natural disas-ter designation include Shackelford and surrounding counties.

By Lynsi Musselman

Checks were passed out last Thursday, May 7 to FFA and 4-H exhibitors who sold their animals through the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Association auction during the 2020 stock show.

Not all checks were able to be handed out due to a misprint about the date.

Participants who have yet to pick up their checks can contact Chris Beard at 325-762-4688. Beard said he is working on emailing and calling the students as well.