By Sandy Morris
Next week ends the filing period for local board elections, and as of press time on Tuesday, a total of nine candidates had turned in their paperwork for various positions that will be decided on May 1.
There is not a fee to run for the local offices, but prospective candidates must file by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 12 to have their names listed on the ballot.
Albany City Council
By Sandy Morris
Twenty-twenty will be remembered for many unusual things, but Shackelford County weather isn’t going to fall into that category.
According to Hector Guerrero with the National Weather Service out of San Angelo, local weather was not the big story of 2020.
“Overall, the weather just wasn’t that horrible last year,” said Guerrero.
Shackelford County saw snow on Jan. 11 with 2.0 inches and again on Feb. 6 with another 2.3 inches.
By Sandy Morris
A high school worship night has been scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10th The Feed Store.
Executive director Tisha Wilkins invites all high school students to attend.
“We will have more information as we get closer to the date, but we’d like the kids to get it on their calendars,” said Wilkins.
For more information or to help with the worship night, contact Wilkins at 325-660-7443.
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By Sandy Morris
The post-holiday coronavirus surge is still affecting many people and local businesses and organizations, including Closet Angels and Neighbors in Need.
Both organizations are available to help local residents when they need a helping hand, but hours and procedures have been changed for the safety of shoppers and volunteers.
Closet Angels’ director Lori Reames said that they had hoped to reopen for donations this past Monday, Jan. 25.
By Sandy Morris
The Big Country chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted the first event in their annual Weekend of Champions this past Saturday, Jan. 23.
This year the Weekend of Champions camps were designed to be a one-day only event with the girls gathering at the Solid Rock Christian Camp in Eastland.
FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston said the day was an amazing experience.
“It was wonderful to see the way the girls bonded,” said Johnston. “They really listened to the speakers and asked great questions.”
By Sandy Morris
The Albany Cub Scouts annual Pinewood Derby race was held on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Scout Hut with Matthew Key coming out the overall winner.
Cubmaster Jacey Shack and Den Leader Dan Key organized the event with the help of committee chair Terri Lucas.
“All the kids did a fantastic job building their cars,” said Shack. “We saw some different styles of cars that performed really well. We could tell the kids really spent some quality time on their own and with their parents working on the cars.”
By Sandy Morris
Thirteen pointers and one English Setter were entered in the sixth annual Region 7 American Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) Amateur All-Age Championship and the M.G. Perkins Amateur All-Age Derby Classic held on Friday, Jan. 22.
Trainers, owners, and highly skilled hunting dogs from across Texas and surrounding states traveled to the Crooked Tree Ranch in Shackelford County for the regional championship that is a qualifying trial for the AFTCA National Amateur Invitational Championship.
By Sandy Morris
Project Graduation organizers have one week left before wrapping up their first fundraiser to prepare for the annual celebration following graduation.
Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles have been distributed to both school campuses.
“The deadline for orders for the truffles is Monday, Feb. 1,” said class parent Tisha Wilkins. “The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Valentine’s Day.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
Taxes assessed during 2020 are officially due next week, on Monday, Feb. 1. With the due date falling during the weekend, Monday payments made in person will be accepted, as well as those placed in the drop box that day, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office.
The front door of the appraisal district office at 132 Hill St remains locked because of COVID concerns, but taxpayers can call ahead if they need to pay in person or talk to SCAD personnel.
By Sandy Morris
The last time Albany hosted the Hereford Ball was in February of 1921, but the Albany Chamber has plans to bring back the celebration 100 years later.
Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones said the ball is a dress-up celebration of Shackelford County’s ranches and history.
Plans are in place for the Hereford Ball set for Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Whitney Theater.
“All advertising tables are sold for the Hereford Ball,” said Jones. “Invitations to Chamber members went out and tickets were quickly purchased.
