By Kathy Thomson Moran High School tracksters opened the season in Santa Anna on Thursday, Feb. 27. Results of the meet were not available at press time and will be reported next week. The junior high teams will head to May for a meet on Tuesday, March 2.

By Kathy Thomson One of five candidates for three Moran city council positions withdrew from the race during the past week, and Moran officials clarified that a sixth candidate had filed for a one-year unexpired term rather than a full two-year term, as had been previously reported.

By Kathy Thomson The National Weather Service (NWS) encourages all residents, businesses and schools across West Central Texas to practice a tornado drill on Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. or at a time that is more convenient.

By Kathy Thomson Almost 200 local Republicans and Democrats participated in the first week of early voting in the Texas primaries, around 100 less than at the comparable time during the last presidential election race in 2016. Election Day is next Tuesday, March 3.

Pick-up dates for the March distribution of the commodity food program are March 5 and 6. On Thursday, March 5, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

By Kathy Thomson Local youth ministers Kathryn Hamilton (The Feed Store) and Spencer Newsom (Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church) have invited all interested parents to come to an informative presentation about social media next Wednesday evening, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. at The Feed Store.

By Kathy Thomson Albany High School students were the second place journalism team and the second place science team at the Stamford UIL Invitational meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, and Luke Ivy won the chemistry section of the science contest.

By Kathy Thomson Juniors Sidney Bartee and Tristan Edgar both competed at the UIL Region 6 East Zone Band Solo and Ensemble competition held at Abilene High on Saturday, Feb. 22. Bartee earned a Division 1 rating, and Edgar was given a Division 2 rating, with both girs playing Class 1 solos.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County elected officials are combing through three IT bids opened Monday, Feb. 24, with plans to meet with each vendor separately in the next couple of weeks before making a decision. Sealed bids were received from Computer Transition Services Inc.

By Kathy Thomson Everyone is invited to attend next Monday’s public performance of The 39 Steps, the one-act play Albany High School students will take to district competition next week. The free production will be given at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, in the AHS auditorium.