By Melinda L. Lucas With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. doubling every few days, and local leaders expecting more cases to show up in the Big Country in the near future, Albany city council members met in emergency session on Thursday, March 19 to take action on a declaration...

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany teachers have remained busy over the last week transitioning to alternate delivery methods of education materials and content in the wake of the school’s closure due to the COVID-19 concerns.

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 Albany restaurant owners are trying to adjust to a new and unprecedented normal brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and Shackelford residents are encouraged to help them keep their businesses open. 

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 Melinda L. Lucas Albany ISD’s school meal program started this week with pickup breakfast and lunch bags, and administrators are looking at possibly setting up remote locations if needed.

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 Donnie A. Lucas The University Interscholastic League has extended the current suspension of all UIL sanctioned activities, including both academic and athletic events, through May 3 due to concerns over the coronavirus.

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.