By Melinda L. Lucas The staff at the Old Jail Art Center say that they are “physical distancing,” not “social distancing” as they continue working to serve area residents during COVID-19 constraints. The museum is currently closed to the public, with all group gatherings cancelled or on hold.

By Melinda L. Lucas Several more Albany offices and businesses have locked their doors in the last week, including the walk-in lobby at one local bank, limiting access to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are also a few more event cancellations on the growing list below.

By Donnie A. Lucas With almost three weeks of doing school work at home due to school closures prompted by the novel coronavirus outbreak, parents have mixed reactions to supervising the completion of assignments sent home by teachers during the shutdown.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder is officially extending the deadline to submit property renditions one full month to May 15, in light of the impact on local businesses by the coronavirus. The renditions were originally due by April 15.

By Kathy Thomson The 2020 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association’s Buyer-Seller Banquet has been cancelled, but checks will be delivered to livestock sellers as soon as all of the pledge money is turned in, according to SCYLA president Bronco Askew.

By Melinda L. Lucas The April 11 annual community Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Albany Volunteer Fire Department has been cancelled, with plans to possibly reschedule some event later in the spring.

By Kathy Thomson At least two local groups of women have been using their sewing skills to help battle the coronavirus by sewing masks for nurses and others on the front lines of this strange new “war.”

By Kathy Thomson Thursday, April 2 is the last day to register to vote or make a change of address effective for the May 2 local board elections.  Voter registration applications can be found online at votetexas.

Only a few local organizations have responded to Albany High School’s request to contact Ann Riley in the AHS office about upcoming scholarships to be given to graduating seniors. “We’ve already sent instructions to the seniors and they have to get their letters back in by April 15,” said Riley.

By Kathy Thomson Tornadoes hit several structures in Shackelford County early in the morning on March 19, causing extensive damage to structures, but sparing the residents living inside. Tornadoes caused damage at the Robertson Prison Unit before the storm crossed into Shackelford County.