By Melinda L. LucasThe filing period for local elections opened Wednesday for several entities such as the school board, city council, and hospital board and will continue until Friday, Feb. 17.The election date set by the state for all local elections is Saturday, May 6.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department selected Lt. Casey Kimbrough as its 2022 Firefighter of the Year last month at its annual Christmas party.“The department appreciates Casey’s service, and we’re proud that he received the award this year,” Albany VFD Chief Travis Gardenhire said.

By Melinda L. LucasAt the end of Monday night’s meeting, following the routine closed-session evaluation of AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott, a unanimous motion among the four board members present extended Scott’s contract by one more year to January 2026.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany resident Brandi Lehew has been named as the new manager of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, starting the position this week with regular office hours.

By Sam WallerApproximately 150 Shackelford County youth will exhibit around 250 animals this weekend at the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show.This year’s show runs Thursday, Jan. 19 (today), through Saturday, Jan. 21.

By Sam WallerMoran Independent School District began its spring semester Tuesday, Jan. 10, with 117 students for all grades.The enrollment figure has increased by more than 20 students since the first day of class back in August.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs’ first basketball outings of 2023 resulted in a pair of lopsided road losses last week, including their district opener.The Lady Bulldogs returned to action Tuesday, Jan. 10 when they hosted Rising Star for their first district home game.

By Sam WallerRegistration for Albany’s Little Dribblers youth basketball program is wrapping up this week.Organizer Joe Tidwell requests that registration forms and fees be returned by Friday, Jan. 13 if possible with a final deadline of Monday, Jan. 16.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs resume their seasons following the Christmas break this week with the girls teams hosting a tournament in addition to their regular games.On Thursday, Jan. 12 (tonight), Albany takes on Cisco with the boys at home and the Lady Cubs on the road.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Parker Henry made his first foray into strongman competition a successful one, winning his weight class in the Big Country Showdown.The event was held Saturday, Dec. 17 in Abilene, hosted by Riley Rodriguez of Heathen Training.