By Kathy Thomson

Not unexpectedly with the increasing spread of coronavirus, this week Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially extended the statewide closure of schools through May 4, and the Moran Independent School District will continue providing distance learning for its students during the interim.

Teachers at MISD are making lessons available online or by hard copy depending upon the needs of the various parents and students. 

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.

According to fire chief Kyle Tischler, AVFD members decided last week that the event should be cancelled.

“We definitely want to do something for our kids since most will be unable to celebrate like they usually do, but we’ll decide on that later,” said Tischler.

He added, though, that there are more pressing issues to be considered.

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.gov, or by contacting county voter registrar Belinda Perez at the Tax Assessor-Collector office at the Shackelford County Courthouse. Access to the Courthouse is currently limited due to -COVID-19, so those needing to register should contact call 325-762-9420 or email at belinda.perez@shackelfordcounty.org.

Vote By Mail

By Donnie A. Lucas

With the spring turkey hunting season set to open this weekend, hunters will most likely find an abundance of birds in the county.

“I have seen quite a few birds already strutting and gobbling,” game warden Jacob Mort said. “There have been lots of jakes around, so I am expecting it to be an above average season.”

Social Distancing

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. “It will sure make it easier if they know what scholarships there are to apply for.”

Riley had originally asked that representatives call her by March 23 with the information, but that deadline has already passed.

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.

Donald and Patricia Muir’s farm house near Hamby on CR 152 received the brunt of the storm’s fury in this county.

Four members of the family, Donald, Paticia, and one of their sons, Arnold, along with a grandson, Jesse Muir, were at home. 

By Kathy Thomson

This Thursday and Friday, April 2 and 3, are the pick-up dates for the April distribution of the commodity food program, but the continued spread of coronavirus has resulted in a couple of changes that certified families need to know.

The Albany distribution will take place outside of the building in order to more easily allow recipients to observe social distancing.

Robert Benton Jones, 90, passed from this earth on March 28, 2020 after a brief illness. Benton’s wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned at this time.  Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Benton was born Sept. 3, 1929 in Woodson, Texas to John Copeland and Melissa Alma Tubbs Jones. He attended school in Breckenridge, Ibex, and graduated from Albany High School. 

Benton married Ava Ruth Burton on June 8, 1951 in Albany where they remained throughout their lives.

They had one daughter, Ginger Lee.  

By Melinda L. Lucas

Public access to the historic Shackelford County Courthouse is now restricted by order of the commissioners court, with action taken at a Monday, March 23 meeting and effective Tuesday morning.

The resolution allows exterior doors on both the Courthouse and the Justice of the Peace office to be locked during business hours, with signs posted to call the appropriate office if access is needed for permits, etc.