By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases administered locally continued to drop last week as the spike earlier in the month seems to be subsiding.

The number of positive test results dropped to 22 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites. However, the testing period was limited to only three days with the testing sites closed on Thursday and Friday due to the weather.

A total of 45 tests were given for the week of Jan. 24-28, according to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Resound Networks, the company that was awarded a substantial bid to provide expanded and improved internet services in Shackelford County, has begun offering plans to both residential and commercial customers.

The company, headquartered in Pampa, Texas has completed at least initial steps to provide internet services in an eight-mile radius of Albany.

No information was available from the company on when services might be expanded to more rural areas of the county.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County residents, as did the rest of the state, had plenty of warning before last week’s winter storm moved through the area, and for the most part, there were fewer problems than during last year’s “deep freeze” that occurred at almost exactly the same time of the year.

Sleet and then snow coated streets and highways on Wednesday evening, as expected, with freezing conditions continuing through Thursday and Friday before warming up on Saturday.

By Donnie A. Lucas

In-person early voting for the March 1 primary elections starts Monday, Feb. 14 and continues until Friday, Feb. 25, with balloting taking place in the first floor lobby of the Shackelford County Courthouse.

Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each weekday including Fridays during the period. The Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21 for Presidents Day.

“Voting will be available through the lunch hour this year,” election clerk Cheri Hawkins said.

Cynthia Ann Alexander Wade, 61, of Moran passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. A memorial service was held Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the Moran Community Center.

Carroll Wayne Hogan Sr., age 89, went to his heavenly home Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 9, followed by graveside service at Murray Cemetery in Carbon, Texas. A complete obituary will be published next week.

John Wallace Palm, 86, of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. A graveside service is set for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 in Albany, Texas, with a reception following at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.

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Sue Peacock, age 81 of Albany, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Albany Cemetery with Rev. Dannie Lee officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Sue Hollen Peacock was born June 17, 1940 in Gorman, Texas to her parents Samuel Joseph Fonville and Katherine Thurman Fonville. Sue grew up in Breckenridge, Texas.

By Sam Waller

Registration is winding down for the upcoming youth baseball season with information available at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Albany Little League organizer Paul Hamilton said the program is shifting to online registration this year, but information on how to register is available through the school.

Registration deadline for Little League Majors and Minors, Intermediate, and Junior leagues is Feb. 11.

Competition is also offered in T-Ball and Coach Pitch age groups.

By Sam Waller

The Moran FFA meat judging team finished 36th last week at the Fort Worth stock show in its first competition of the year.

Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said the six-person team placed solidly in the middle of the field of about 60 entries.

“For their first contest of the year, I feel good about it,” Denson said.

The team consists of Alayna Baker, Cotten Campbell, Allen Hebel, Ellis Hise, Johnnie Hise, and Hannah Rogers.