By Melinda L. LucasThe filing period for local elections to  various entities such as the school board, city council, and hospital board will begin Wednesday, Jan. 18.The election date set by the state for all local elections is Saturday, May 6.

By Melinda L. LucasSeveral Shackelford County elected officials, including first-time county judge John Viertel, took the oath of office during a brief ceremony in the second floor courtroom of the Shackelford County Courthouse on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

By Sam WallerShackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell will host a continuing education program Friday, Jan. 13, at the Shackelford County Courthouse.Registration for Managing Wildlife as a Beef Producer begins at 8:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom.

By Donnie A. LucasDespite picking up just over $10,000 in the last two weeks, the Albany Chest is still short almost $8,200 of the $47,000 goal set for the year.While technically the fund drive ended on Dec.

By Sam WallerPreparations for the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show are picking up speed as the 2023 event draws nearer.Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association president Bronco Askew said fundraising letters have been sent out in advance of the show.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the January distribution of the commodity food program are set for today (Thursday) in Moran and tomorrow for Albany recipients.The monthly food program will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasPositive cases of both COVID-19 and the influenza were on the rise during the week prior to Christmas but slowed last week.A total of 16 positive COVID-19 results were reported for the week of Dec. 19-23, along with 22 positive tests for the flu.

By Sam WallerMore than 110 were served by volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and the rest of the community as part of the annual MMPC Christmas Feast.Event organizer Tamara Trail said there was only a slight dip from a year ago when approximately 120 meals were served.

By Melinda L. LucasThe first Chamber luncheon of 2023 is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6 at the Beehive.Chamber luncheons are held each Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and are open to anyone who would like to get involved and help with the various Chamber projects throughout the year.

By Sam WallerFort Griffin State Historic Site has a new look with the completion of work on its playground.Site manager Mitch Baird said the project took literally decades from conception to completion.“I have been trying for 20 years to get this new playground,” Baird said.