By Kathy Thomson

Pick-up dates for the May distribution of the commodity food program are expected to take place as scheduled, on May 7 and 8 using the same outdoor distribution protocols enacted last month so participants can more easily maintain proper social distancing.

The Albany distribution will once again take place outside of the building.

“We will set the bags out back on a table,” said Melissa Hobbs at the Justice of the Peace office. “We are relying on the integrity and honesty of people to only take their bag.”

By Lynsi Musselman

The 2020 Census for Shackelford County, and all of the United States, is facing challenges that puts everyone at risk for an undercount.

Currently, Shackelford County’s response rate is 26.2 percent. 

According to the census bureau, this is one of the lowest percentages in Congressional District 60. 

The response rate for the entire state is below 50 percent, ranking 38th in the nation.

By Lynsi Musselman

Social-distancing creates an environment for personal prayer and comteplation this year during National Day of Prayer. 

Albany churches will welcome all faiths for individual prayer on Thursday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Albany’s National Day of Prayer will be organized as a come and go event to avoid large gatherings. Individuals are encouraged to visit any church, or more than one church.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Eight local senior athletes who were chosen earlier in the year to compete in the 2020 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival set for June received the news last week that the event has been cancelled due to due to ongoing concerns with the Coronavirus -COVID-19 pandemic.

The 21st annual FCA Festival was scheduled for June 7-13 at various locations around the Big Country, including Abilene, Brownwood, Eastland, and San Angelo.

By Kathy Thomson

Communities across the country recognize those who help save lives in times of personal or national crisis during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, held April 12-18.

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller said that the work done by telecommunicators is very important, not only for those dialing 9-1-1, but also for him and other first responders.

“They’re the first person contacted by those calling in for help, and they are our life-line when we are on a call,” the sheriff said, “We depend on them.”

By Lynsi Musselman

Jo and Matthew Hise of Moran are Big Country East FCA’s Huddle Coaches of the Year.

“This is a big honor,” Jo Hise said. “We love being involved in FCA and going to the family coaches camp. It is an awesome time and a huge blessing.” 

Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes engages coaches and athletes from Abilene and surrounding areas to grow in their faith and sport.

By Lynsi Musselman

Moran Independent School District board is still awaiting approval to consider accepting a tax deferment proposal by a windmill company which intends to start a project south of Moran.

Part of the planned windmill farm will be in the MISD taxing district.

RWE Renewables Americas LLC claims to be one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, with around 3,500 employees. The company has applied for a value limitation agreement on property taxes for the first few years they are up and running.

 School Schedule

By Lynsi Musselman

The Shackelford County Library has an online resource making reading more accessible.

The doors might be temporaily closed due to the coronavirus but books are still available.

Children to adult books in a variety of generes can be located at https://shackelford.biblionix.com.

“It is like the whole library is at your fingertips without leaving the comfort of your home,” said Janna Ledbetter, Study Club library chair.

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.