By Melinda L. LucasThere were times when it looked as though the Albany Chest wouldn’t come anywhere close to its 2024 goal, but donations flooded in at the end of the year, surging past the $48,000 goal and reaching what was possibly a record year with $53,310.75 in collections since October.

By David H. WallerBrookshire’s grocery store in Albany has made a generous donation of $1,100 to Resource­Care Community Health Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to underserved individuals in the area.

By Melinda L. LucasNo major skirmishes were recorded at the Jan. 20 meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors, with those present voicing a desire to move forward from the problematic sessions over the last four months.

By Melinda L. LucasAmending the 2024 capital improvement budget took most of a 45-minute Albany city council meeting held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, with city manager Billy Holson going over the capital improvement expenditures for the year in advance of the end of the city’s fiscal year on March 31.

By Melinda L. LucasFiling opened last Wednesday, Jan. 15 for the local May 3 elections, with several incumbents and one newcomer signing up as of Tuesday’s press deadline.Candidates have until Friday, Feb.

By Melinda L. LucasWith just about two weeks left before the official deadline, a large percentage of the county-wide tax levies will be collected in the next few days.Taxes assessed during 2024 are officially due on Friday, Jan. 31. 

By David H. WallerThe Shackelford County Commissioners Court held its regular meeting on Monday, addressing several important topics, including IT system upgrades, internet improvements, and road equipment replacement.

By Melinda L. LucasThe filing period for local elections opened Wednesday for several entities such as the school board, city council, and hospital board and will continue until Friday, Feb. 14.The election date set by the state for all local elections is Saturday, May 3.

By Sam WallerThe 2025 Shackelford County Livestock Show is set for Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 16-18, at the county show barn.

By Melinda L. LucasWith the Albany Chest goal now over the top, members of the board of directors originally planned to meet Wednesday, Jan. 8, to distribute funds collected during the 2024 campaign.However, with the weather forecast uncertain, the decision was made on Monday to postpone.