By Kathy Thomson

With only one day left to file for local offices, as of press time on Tuesday, there was still a shortage of candidates for several of the local boards.

The only person to file for an office since press time last week is Shackelford County Hospital Board incumbent Chris Beard.

Already on the slate of candidates is mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery for Albany mayor, along with newcomer Ragan Riley and incumbents Lester Galbreath and James Waters for Albany city council positions.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two directors were re-elected to the Albany Chamber of Commerce board at the organization’s annual membership meeting on  Friday, Feb. 7, at Ft. Griffin Gen. Mdse. restaurant., and one new board member was selected.

Officers for the upcoming year were chosen on the same day.

New to the board is Robin Balliew, who will fill Randall Palmore’s final year.

Ramby Anderson and Clayton Snyder were both elected to serve another three-year term, according to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. 

By Kathy Thomson

Several Shackelford County youth, parents, and advisors are in the middle of one of the busiest times of the stock show season, with Fort Worth, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin all underway over the next few weeks.

Thirteen local students showed barrows and steers at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo last week, and among the local winners was Slayton Parsons, who took reserve champion light weight cross barrow with his pig, and Kenzie Neve who placed fifth in her class of Shorthorn steers.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The first Winter Encampment at Fort Griffin State Historic Site is being hosted this Saturday, Feb. 15 by members of the park’s Living History Association.

The event is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to come and learn more about life on the Texas frontier.

Also planned that day is the final trout fishing day of the winter from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a staff member on hand to provide asistance.

Kindergarten teacher Chloe Early (l) and students (l-r) London Dye, Nolan Turner, and Cyrus Snyder admire some of the boxes that will be used for Friday’s Valentine parties. Designs range from castles and unicorns to Godzilla and Patrick Mahomes.

By Kathy Thomson

The Parent Teacher Organization’s Scholastic “Book Fair Jungle: Elephants, Tigers, and Books, OH MY!” is set to wind down to a close tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 14, at the Nancy Smith Elementary School cafeteria, but purchases can still be made between now and then.

“It was a little slow today, but it usually is on Monday,” said PTO president Ginny Ivy after the first day of the Book Fair. “It typically builds up momentum as the week goes on.”

Albany Independent School District has scheduled a student holiday for Monday, Feb. 17, in honor of Presidents Day. 

Schools at both Albany campuses will release at the normal times on Friday, Feb. 14, and will resume classes at the normal times on Tuesday, Feb. 18, according to superintendent Jonathan Scott.

Presidents Day is not a district holiday, but is scheduled as a staff development day.

Moran ISD will have a school holiday for both students and staff on Monday, Feb. 17.

Shackelford County senior adults (60 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s February senior luncheon to be held on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Youth Center beginning at 11:15 a.m.

Friendship Baptist will be hosting the meal this month, according to program assistant Ragan Riley.

The menu for the February luncheon is pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cheese casserole, and hot rolls, with a “Valentine’s Day” theme.

by Kathy Thomson

Tuesday, Feb. 18 is the first day of early voting for the March 3 primary election, with balloting taking place at the Shackelford County Courthouse, in the lobby area on the first floor, through Friday, Feb. 28. 

Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, closing one hour earlier on Fridays to correspond to normal business hours at the Courthouse. 

“Voting is not open during the lunch hour,” said election clerk Cheri Hawkins. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions locked down third place in the district race last week with a pair of victories at home, earning a spot in the playoffs Monday, Feb. 17.

Albany will face Eldorado in the bi-district game, set to be played at Bronte on Monday, Feb. 17 with a 6:30 p.m. tipoff. Ticket prices have been set at $4 and $2 with all regular passes accepted.