By Lynsi Musselman Being bored, lethargic, and sedentary during the quarantine is a commonality for many residents, bringing to mind the old saying,“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.

By Lynsi Musselman Albany has several local energy companies that employ residents and help keep the area economy healthy.  Even before the coronavirus, there was a decline in oil prices only made worse by a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. H.R.

By Lynsi Musselman Shackelford County has remained at zero for the number of positive -COVID-19 cases, but residents feeling sick can still take precautions set by government restrictions and use a local resource for testing.

Working in family groups with just a few in attendance at a time, members of Friendship Baptist Church “flowered the cross” outside the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning.  Even while observing social distancing, Christians found ways to observe the sacred holiday.

By Lynsi Musselman Wedding season in Texas is typically in full swing by April.  With a pandemic this year, brides face extra challenges with planning. There are several moving targets involved in getting to the altar, along with additional special events during this time for the bride and groom.

By Kathy Thomson Last weekend, local churches used various means including drive-in, internet, email, and social distancing to celebrate Easter with parishioners while reducing the likelihood of spreading coronavirus, and Albany youth pastors are also using new ways to minister to their students.

By Kathy Thomson The city of Albany will receive a sales tax allotment of $30,781 from the state this April. The amount is down 8.29 percent from the $33,565 payment received in April of 2019. Payments to date for the 2020 year to the city of Albany are $158,000, down by 23.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany students and parents should receive report cards for the fifth six-weeks starting today for the junior/senior high campus and on Friday for elementary students.

By Kathy Thomson Representatives of local organizations and boards that award scholarships to Albany High School graduates are asked to contact administrative assistant Ann Riley or principal Edward Morales at the AHS office by next Wednesday, April 22, to pick up student application packets.

By Donnie A. Lucas Albany senior Jaleigh Morales earned places on All-Big Country basketball teams for both Class 2A and the overall Super Team, while two Albany Lions made the Class 2A second team.