By Kathy Thomson

This week Moran Independent School District superintendent Danny Freeman made his weekly trip to deliver school packets to students in Cisco, Breckenridge, and Albany a day earlier than normal.

“We’ll deliver earlier this week, probably on Thursday, because this Friday is Good Friday,” said Freeman on Monday night. “Teachers have been working hard to get their packets ready in time.”

Freeman said that delivering the school items went well last week, with most parents able to meet him at the designated times to pick up their packets.

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany High School’s senior class of 2020 is encountering situations that are different from any other class before them, with academic, athletic, and senior celebrations all on hold.

Albany ISD Superintendent Jonathan Scott stated that decisions by higher authorities must be honored. 

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County AgriLife agent Kloey Painter has encouraged local 4-H members to engage in fun, learning activities that they can do even while under quarantine, including fishing and baking.

Those who have followed her advice and then sent in pictures of the fruits of their labor include Ellis, James, and Johnnie Hise, Connor and Luke Smith, Hattie Jo Braly, and Charli Trail.

“There are not any rules or any prizes,” said Painter. “It’s all just for fun.”

By Kathy Thomson

Moran senior November Meredith was recently named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association 1-A Academic All State Team.

“I’m proud of November for getting this honor,” said athletic director and coach John Hughes. “She showed up every day and gave me everything she had. She not only took care of business on the floor, but in the classroom as well.”

Meredith scored 116 points and pulled in 49 offensive and 96 defensive rebounds during the 2019-20 basketball season. She was also credited with eight blocks and 50 steals.

By Kathy Thomson

Once every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau asks every household to fill out the census questionnaire by mail, online, or by phone, and local officials are requesting that everyone in Shackelford County complies.

“It is so important to get the census turned in to keep our numbers accurate,” said mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery. “Please take time to do that.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local banks are already being flooded with applications for loans available through the recently passed stimulus legislation know as the CARES Act in light of the impact on small businesses due to disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The legislation was passed relatively quickly and signed into law by President Donald Trump last week, offering a variety of sources of help for small businesses, which by definition includes companies with a workforce of 500 or less.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Taking advantage of the state’s new allowance for virtual public meetings, the Albany ISD board of trustees gathered on Zoom for a special session Monday evening to postpone the May election and to clarify temporary grading guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 school shutdown.

Earlier in the month, Gov. Greg Abbott took the unprecedented action for a limited time in order to maintain government transparency while reducing face-to-face contact for required public open meetings.

By Lynsi Musselman

Brookshire’s Grocery Company is striving to make a challenging time easier on the Albany community. 

Brookshire’s will be open on Easter Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., an unprecedented change that has not happened in the corporation’s 92 year history. 

This essential local business has also changed the regular store hours to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The first two hours are set aside for senior citizens and first responders. 

By Lynsi Musselman

Last month, the Old Jail Art Center announced a creative writing contest for teens, with entries due April 13. 

Because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus, the contest deadline is being moved back to Saturday, June 27. 

 “The contest is being extended due to the fact  the museum has been closed to visitors, and students may not have access to the artwork that was to inspire their writing,” OJAC executive director Patrick Kelly said. 

By Kathy Thomson

Moran City Hall is now closed to the public in an effort to help “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, the city’s essential services are still available.

“Folks can pay their water bill by depositing their payment in the drop-off box in the door, by signing up for direct deposit, or by mail,” said city worker Teresa King. “For emergency problems with water or sewer, folks can call 325-762-0643.”

King said residents can make an appointment if they need other assistance from the City of Moran.