By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy stretch, starting with its annual meeting rescheduled for next week on Friday, Feb. 11.

By Donnie A. LucasWith about two weeks remaining in the filing period for local May 7 elections, a few incumbents have signed up for another term but no challengers have signed up yet.

By Donnie A. LucasWith about two weeks remaining in the filing period for local May 7 elections, a few incumbents have signed up for another term but no challengers have signed up yet.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Melinda L. LucasRegular pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program were Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4.However, in anticipation of bad weather, Moran families received their food a day early on Wednesday.

By Melinda L. LucasNormally held the first Friday in February, the annual meeting of the Albany Chamber of Commerce membership is being postponed until the following Friday, Feb. 11.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the number of new cases dropping to less than half of those recorded the prior week, the peak of the latest ­COVID-19 surge appears to be in the past.The number of positive test results decreased significantly during the week of Jan.

By Melinda L. LucasIf this week’s winter storm weather lets up in time, the staff at the Old Jail Art Center will welcome families into the Stasney Center on Saturday, Feb. 5 for a three-hour celebration of the Lunar New Year.

By Donnie A. LucasTickets are still on sale for the Chris Knight concert set for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Aztec Theater, and they will probably be available at the door, according to organizers.

By Melinda L. LucasEven though it looked as if the Albany Chest would fall short of its 2021 goal, donations poured in at the end of the year, surpassing the goal of $46,000 and closing out at $50,751.Chest board members met Wednesday, Jan.