By Donnie A. Lucas

With no contested races as of Tuesday, residents only have two more days to toss their hats into the local political ring for several local elections to be decided May 7.

Only the Albany ISD trustee election had drawn a full slate of candidates as of Tuesday, with one or more positions still lacking candidates on five of six boards or councils with terms expiring for the election.

Without a contested race thus far, all six boards are looking at the possibility of being able to cancel their elections.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Early voting started on Monday for the March 1 primary elections, with about 24 voters showing up at the Courthouse first floor lobby on the first day alone to mark their ballots.

In-person early voting will continue at the Courthouse through Friday, Feb. 25.

The hours for voting are 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each weekday including Fridays, with the exception of Monday, Feb. 21 when the courthouse will be closed for the national observance of Presidents Day.

By Donnie A. Lucas

After being postponed for a couple of years due to the pandemic, the Old Jail Art Center will finally get to celebrate 40 years of collecting with a gala that will also mark the opening of three new exhibitions for the spring.

The “Jewel of the Prairie” will celebrate its Ruby Jubilee, marking 40 years since opening to the public, with an event postponed from 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Tickets for the fundraising gala are still available for $175 per person. Tables for 10 guests are also still available.

By Sam Waller

The final day of Albany’s youth basketball season and the opening of the Little Dribblers season, both scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 5, were postponed a week because of last week’s winter storm.

The fifth and sixth grade boys and girls teams will now wrap up their schedules Saturday, Feb. 12, at Eula. All four teams will play two games. League organizer Clint Chapman said some teams may play a third game.

Registration for Albany Little League has been extended two weeks to Feb. 25, according to league organizer Paul Hamilton.

Sign-up for Minor, Major, Intermediate, and Junior leagues is being conducted online at www.albanytxll.com.

Registration for T-Ball and Coach Pitch is also underway, Hamilton said.

For more information, contact Hamilton at 214-543-9947.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Chris Knight concert set for last Saturday at the Aztec Theater was postponed by the artist due to weather conditions.

The event, which was part of the singer/songwriter series offered by Albany Live, has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 11, with the same tickets still valid for the later show, or a complete refund is also available through the website where tickets were purchased.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite last Saturday’s weather-triggered cancellation of a family festival, the Old Jail Art Center has a lot going on this month and on into March.

The museum is in the midst of February’s member appreciation month, and Hearts for Arts Week will get underway next Tuesday, with preparations underway for an exhibition opening and the Old Jail’s Ruby Jubilee at the end of the month.

In the works is another family festival March 12 – Helidonismata, a Greek celebration of spring.

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions for area boys is set for Feb. 18-20 at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

FCA organizer Paul Johnston of Albany invites all boys from eighth grade through high school to attend the event.

There is a fee to attend, but there are scholarships available, said Johnston.

To contribute or to register, call 325-660-2347.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church has scheduled two events focusing on youth in the coming month.

The church will conduct a youth revival Friday-Saturday, Feb. 18-19, and a volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 12, according to youth minister Eduardo San Lucas.

In addition, First Baptist will hold its Valentine luncheon following services on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Youth Revival

The youth revival is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening with dinner following services each night.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church has scheduled two events focusing on youth in the coming month.

The church will conduct a youth revival Friday-Saturday, Feb. 18-19, and a volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 12, according to youth minister Eduardo San Lucas.

In addition, First Baptist will hold its Valentine luncheon following services on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Youth Revival

The youth revival is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening with dinner following services each night.