By Kathy Thomson The Albany Independent School District and the Shackelford County hospital district will both hold elections on May 2, as will the Moran city council.

Archie Jean Elkin Buchanan, age 95, of Carlsbad, NM went into the arms of Jesus on Feb. 8, 2020 at Abilene Regional Hospital. She was born Aug. 31, 1924, in Tonkawa, OK to Albert Buller and Auttie Belle Wade (Buller).

Barbara Palmore, age 80 of Albany, passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2020.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Albany Cemetery with Rev. Paul Johnston officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

By Melinda L. Lucas Albany city manager Billy Holson proposed a balanced budget of $2,936,850 at Monday’s regular meeting of the city council, and elected officials expect to approve the budget at a March 9 session following the required public hearing.

By Melinda L. Lucas Courthouse security was the main topic of discussion during Monday morning’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners and other elected officials.

By Kathy Thomson A winter storm moved through the area last week, dropping temperatures, cold rain, sleet, and snow. On Monday, Feb. 3, the high was 73 degrees, while thermometers struggled to reach 37 degrees just one day later.

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.

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.

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.

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.