By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 test results dropped significantly last week to 68 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites.
A total of 110 tests were given for the week of Jan. 17-21, according to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.
The number of new cases reached a one-week high the prior week with 116 positive results out of the 235 tests administered Jan. 10-14.
By Sam Waller
The 2022 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association’s county livestock show, which was dedicated to the memory of Monte Lewis, wrapped up Saturday, Jan. 22, with a premium sale for show participants.
A total of 236 animal projects were exhibited by 130 Shackelford County 4-Hers and FFA students from Albany and Moran. The numbers were very close to last year’s 240 projects and 132 exhibitors.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Tickets are still available for the upcoming Chris Knight concert set for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Aztec Theater.
The performance is sponsored by Albany Live, a nonprofit organized last fall to bring live musical events to Albany. Knight’s show is the second in an ongoing singer/songwriter series that will continue monthly through July.
“There are still a little over 100 seats remaining for the Chris Knight concert,” said Trey Davis, a committee member handling band relations and ticket sales for this performance.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Taxes assessed during 2021 are officially due next week, on Monday, Jan. 31.
Payments made in person at 132 Hill St. will be accepted through the end of that work day, as will mailed payments postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2022.
Online payments at www.shackelfordcad.com can be made any time before midnight on Jan. 31.
Anything in the drop box by the start of business of Tuesday, Feb. 1 will not be considered delinquent.
By Melinda L. Lucas
During a Jan. 24 session, Shackelford County commissioners took action on several agenda items that had been tabled for one or more meetings, including the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery (SLFR) funds to upgrade switches in the county’s technical infrastructure.
County judge Robert Skelton said that it seems clear in the finalized SLFR rules that monies can be used for the four multiport switches recommended as cybersecurity upgrade by the county’s IT consultant at a cost of $41,000.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Filing opened last Wednesday, Jan. 19 for the local May 7 elections, with a few incumbents signing up for another term so far.
Candidates have until Friday, Feb. 18 to have their names placed on the ballot of any of the local elections.
The three Albany ISD board incumbents have each filed for another three-year term, according to the superintendent’s office on Tuesday.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting after the noon luncheon on Friday, Feb. 4 at the Beehive to elect two directors.
“Everyone is welcome,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said. “The two expiring board members are willing to stay on, but if there are any other nominations, there will be a vote.”
Jones said once the board election by the general Chamber membership is completed, the directors will meet to elect officers.
By Sam Waller
The reopening of the Landreth Dam bridge was delayed after an incident caused more damage to the historic structure, according to Tanya Brown, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation Abilene District.
Brown said that early on the morning of Friday, Jan. 14, a vehicle went through the barricades, striking a piece of equipment and pushing it into the concrete railing, causing damage.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An Albany blood drive is set for today, Jan. 27.
Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Blood center officials said that there is an urgent need of blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.
This is the first blood drive of 2022, with the next collection date scheduled for Thursday, March 24, eight weeks from now.
Donors with questions can call 325-670-2880.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A small contingent of just eight students kicked off the 2022 UIL academic season last Saturday in Haskell, with three journalism competitors bringing home awards.
Seniors Sarah Cotter and Ty Everitt both picked up a pair of medals at the contest, while junior Ashley Richards earned a first place.
“We actually had only eight kids attend the meet, which is a rough way to start the season,” UIL coordinator Rick Davis said. “There were conflicts with the local stock show on Saturday that kept several of our regular competitors from attending.”
