By Donnie A. LucasFiling opened last Wednesday, Jan. 19 for the local May 7 elections, with a few incumbents signing up for another term so far.Candidates have until Friday, Feb. 18 to have their names placed on the ballot of any of the local elections.

By Melinda L. LucasDuring a Jan. 24 session, Shackelford County commissioners took action on several agenda items that had been tabled for one or more meetings, including the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery (SLFR) funds to upgrade switches in the county’s technical infrastructure.

By Melinda L. LucasTaxes assessed during 2021 are officially due next week, on Monday, Jan. 31.Payments made in person at 132 Hill St. will be accepted through the end of that work day, as will mailed payments postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2022.Online payments at www.shackelfordcad.

By Donnie A. LucasTickets are still available for the upcoming Chris Knight concert set for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Aztec Theater.The performance is sponsored by Albany Live, a nonprofit organized last fall to bring live musical events to Albany.

By Sam WallerThe 2022 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association’s county livestock show, which was dedicated to the memory of Monte Lewis, wrapped up Saturday, Jan. 22, with a premium sale for show participants.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive ­COVID-19 test results dropped significantly last week to 68 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites.A total of 110 tests were given for the week of Jan.

By Sam WallerMoran will have a school holiday on Friday, Jan. 21, so students may participate in the county livestock show.It will be the second school holiday of the week, following Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 17.The next school holiday will be Presidents Day on Feb. 21.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County 4-H Club will have seven teams comprising almost  30 members competing on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the District 7 Food Challenge in San Angelo.

By Sam WallerShackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell  will offer a Private Pesticide Applicator Program on Wednesday, Feb. 2.Bell said the training  is specifically for those seeking a Texas Department of Agriculture private applicator license and is not continuing education unit training.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Cub Scout Pack 255 will hold its annual Pinewood Derby at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24 at the Scout Hut.Scouts from Tiger through Webelos are eligible to compete with cars carved from a standard pine block.