Albany News customers should be on the lookout for a couple of changes over the next few weeks.

Both readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 6.

“There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 9,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “We hope we’re giving everyone ample notice that we’re going to take that week off to spend time with our families.”

This is only the third time in 43 years of Lucas ownership that there hasn’t been a weekly paper.

By Lynsi Musselman

Due to the coronavirus, the primary run-off elections originally scheduled for May 26 were postponed to July 14 by Gov. Greg Abbott’s proclamation back in March, with early voting for Shackelford County residents to get underway at the courthouse next Monday, June 29.

The last day to early vote in person for the primary run-off will be Friday, July 10.

Shackelford County clerk Cheri Hawkins said that the courthouse will be open during lunch hours for the early voting period to help reduce the number of voters coming in at the same time.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Only one new -COVID-10 test was administered in Shackelford County in the last week, bringing the total number to 31 since the pandemic began in March.

According to a county website, 30 of the 31 tests given over the last three months have been negative, with one test result still pending as of Monday.

The county recorded only one positive case back in April, which has long since been cleared and the person released from home isolation. That test was administered in a neighboring county.

Despite ongoing coronavirus restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, June 25.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

“Currently, our blood supply is stable,” said the blood center’s marketing manager Kelsey Caprio. “With summer starting though, it can change very quickly, and although the need is still there, we see a decrease in donors.”

By Lynsi Musselman

One meaning of the word fandangle is “ornate or fantastic ornament,” much like the cast and crew is to the Fort Griffin Fandangle. 

For over eight decades, the community of Albany has come together to perform the Fandangle for audiences, celebrating the history and heritage of the area. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees hired a new band director and accepted the resignation of a longtime employee at Monday’s monthly school board meeting. 

They also named a para-professional for the elementary campus and approved several waivers that may be needed in response to possible instructional and calendar changes because of the pandemic.

Band Director

By Lynsi Musselman

Fort Griffin State Historic Site is now open and operational after the -COVID-19 government shutdown, with restrictions for no more than six guests in the building at one time.

Admission prices are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, college students, adult tour groups, and those from the age of six to 18. Special pricing applies to families and school groups. Children five and under are free of charge.

Fort Griffin is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Dr. Donald Phillips of Aledo was named medical director of the Shackelford County EMS after the board met in closed session Monday, June 15.

Phillips replaces Dr. Mitch Moriber of Abilene, who has served as medical director since 2010.

The new medical director visited the local EMS station earlier this month and plans to be on site frequently for a “more hands-on approach,” according to EMS director Tina Ulbrich.

Ongoing Investigation

By Lynsi Musselman

Church doors are beginning to open a little wider with Sunday school, camps, and Vacation Bible School starting up in the next few weeks.

First Baptist Church

Sunday school will officially start back at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 1.

Worship service is at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday, as well as a live stream of the service on FBC Facebook page.

Camp JAM

 Camp JAM will be July 16 to 19 for campers going into eighth through 12th grades.

By Lynsi Musselman

Board members for the Shackelford County Senior Citizen Activity Center announced this week that a “soft opening” will take place on Monday, July 6.

Board secretary Mary Beth Jones said Tuesday that the opening is dependent on COVID-19 numbers prior to the event.

Senior center hours will be weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on weekends.

Jones said games will begin Friday, July 10, for seniors who feel comfortable coming to the center.