By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases slowed over the last week, with a total of just nine positives out of 23 tests administered, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

The testing figures are for the week of Dec. 13-17. The total number of positive results were down considerably from the week prior when 30 positive cases were reported.

However, the only numbers being reported for the week were from the Shackelford County Health Clinic and do not include the other two testing sites.

By Sam Waller

Chris Overton of Albany helped a Woodson Junior High School group finish first in One Act Play in the District 21-1A academic meet on. Nov. 29, earning a spot in the all-star cast.

Overton is the son of Chad and Bethany Overton and the grandson of Buford and Beverley Salters and Wade and Debra Overton, all of Albany.

Woodson performed “Why Do We Laugh?” by Stephen Gregg with Tracy Ellis directing.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two Albany sophomores earned spots on the All-Region Band during try-outs at Midland Greenwood High School on Dec. 11.

Ashley Sanchez was awarded 17th chair clarinet, and Trinity McBee was 26th chair flute, both earning seats in the All-Region Band.

According to band director William Vaughan, a third student, Chey’Anne Weaver, also tried out on flute, missing a chair by just of couple of spots.

The All-Region Band concert is scheduled for Jan. 15 at Big Spring High School.

During September, on the late Robert Nail’s birth date, and on through the Albany High School homecoming week, support was sought during the annual fundraising drive for “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships.” 

However, the fundraising effort continues all through the year, and members of the Albany Ex-Students Association are asking Albany graduates and others to rememeber the fund in their end-of-year giving.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany students and staff are currently in the midst of a two-week Christmas break, even though a limited number of activities are scheduled next week at the high school level.

The break started with an early-release on Friday, Dec. 17 and will continue until Monday, Jan. 3 for staff members. Students will return for the first day of class on Tuesday, Jan. 4 to start the second semester and the fourth six weeks.

Teachers are going back a day earlier for staff development and to plan for the new semester.

We want to thank everyone for all the love and kindness you have shown our family through our tremendous loss. Thank you for all the prayers, food, flowers, plants and kind words. Sarge was loved by many. We appreciate each and every one of you. 

A special thanks to Clint Chapman. It feels great to be in a town that makes you feel so loved in such a difficult time. Thank you all, 

Sargent family 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Republic Services, trash pickup contractor for the City of Albany, will run its regular schedule for the week of Christmas.

Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday, Dec. 23 will run as scheduled.

Trash pickup also will remain as scheduled the following week, with residential, business and industrial containers picked up  on the regular date.

By Sam Waller

City and county offices will close early this week and next for holiday observances,

Shackelford County offices will be closed Friday and Monday for Christmas. The Courthouse will also close Friday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve.

City of Albany offices will close at noon Thursday (today) for Christmas and reopen Monday. City offices will also be closed Friday, Dec. 31, for New Year’s Eve.

The Shackelford County Library will be closed Friday through the end of the year. The library will resume its regular schedule on Monday, Jan. 3.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors heard the 2020 audit report and also took action to temporarily replace EMS supervisor Tina Ulbrich because of an upcoming medical leave during the regular December meeting on Monday night.

The directors delayed a decision on creating a new nurse manager position at the clinic and made plans to move forward with interviews for the district’s administrator job, which has been vacant since last June.

Audit Report

By Sam Waller

A tractor-trailer carrying concrete conduits overturned and spilled its load on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 16, shutting down at least two lanes and at times all four lanes of U.S. Highway 180 on the east side of Albany for several hours.

Albany Police Chief Mike House said the driver of the westbound truck, registered to Man Transportation of Breckenridge, lost control, and the vehicle turned over as it negotiated the curve where 180 merges with Hill Street near the Allsup’s convenience store.