By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County Hospital District directors checked in via an “Uber conference” call for a brief meeting at noon on Monday, April 20, working through the business of both the district and the clinic in a quick 20-minute session.

Hospital district administrator Jera Fairley told board members that “drug diversion” investigations are ongoing by both the sheriff’s office and the Texas Rangers, commenting that “it is getting closer to resolution.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Still free of confirmed -COVID-19 cases at press time on Wednesday morning, local residents continue to practice social distancing and limited outings as the number of Texas deaths and positive tests rises.

Since last week’s issue, four more local tests have been administered for a total of 12. Eleven have come back with negative results, and one is pending.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Along with a long discussion about pandemic-related graduation ideas, Albany ISD trustees accepted a couple of resignations and renewed contracts at Monday’s April board meeting.

The resignations of elementary teacher Teri Antilley and band director Richard Murrow were both accepted after a 1-1/2 hour closed session.

In addition, the board voted to renew current term and probationary facility contracts, along with approval of letters of assurance for the support staff.

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.

After the governor’s announcement last week that schools will remain closed through the semester, several school events were formally put on the cancellation list.

CLOSED UNTIL 

FURTHER NOTICE

•All businesses except those considered essential, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, feed stores, health clinics, etc. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Up to $50,000 in aid to local small businesses was approved by the Albany city council in an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning, with council members expressing concern for the future of local retailers.

Last week, city manager Billy Holson said that he had asked the directors of the Albany Economic Development Corporation to release funding for a “Business Rescue Grant,” and they had agreed to support the program.

By Lynsi Musselman

Government restrictions and closures have made in-person group meetings tough to conduct. 

This includes local Alcoholics Anonymous and Life Recovery meetings. 

First United Methodist Church pastor Tim Tremble said no meetings are being held at the church at this time, but check-ins are being conducted. 

The AA website at www.aa.org suggests participants keep up with step program literature. It is also recommended that volunteers check on those who may be struggling.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following the announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott last Friday that all Texas schools are to remain closed for the remainder of the school year, the University Interscholastic League canceled all remaining 2019-2020 spring activities and state championships.

The cancellation means that all pending or postponed academic and athletic events for the current year have been scrapped in an effort to protect the health and safety of Texans in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

By Kathy Thomson

According to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller, everyone needs to be aware that scammers are using the current -COVID-19 pandemic to try and con people out of money and personal information.

“We haven’t had any cases here in the county that have been reported to us,” said Miller. “But we have sent out an alert on our Facebook page to give people a heads up on some of the scams that are out there.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Cancellations and suspensions of local events are ongoing through the coronavirus pandemic, and the News will continue to publicize these as they are reported.

After the governor said last week that golf courses should close, the state clarified that golf courses are not included on the list and are open under restrictions.

CLOSED UNTIL 

FURTHER NOTICE

•All businesses except those considered essential, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, feed stores, health clinics, etc. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Shackelford  County ResourceCare Community Health Center will be awarded $753,000 in coronavirus relief funds, according to an announcement last week by U.S. Senator John Cornyn. 

The funding comes from the $76,701,360 that was awarded to Texas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

On Friday, March 27 the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, into law. This piece of legislation makes support for local health centers available immediately.