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.”

By Sam Waller

General Education Development  (GED) classes have resumed with the start of the spring semester and are being held on  Mondays and Tuesdays at the Shackelford County Library.

Instructor Kenzie Fairchild said anyone interested in registering for classes may still do so. Registrants will need to bring an acceptable form of identification such as drivers license and Social Security card. The classes are open to students age 17 or older. Students who are 17 must have parental consent to register.

By Sam Waller

Project Graduation has two fundraising projects going through the end of January.

Organizer Kenzie Fairchild said orders for the Valentine’s Sale should be turned in on Monday, Jan. 31. Orders may be place with any Albany senior.

A chicken spaghetti takeout lunch is still planned for Sunday, Jan. 30. Lunches will be served to go from 11:30 a.m. until sold out at The Feed Store. There is no set charge for the meals, but donations will be accepted.

Fairchild said a decision on more projects will be made after the end of the month.

By Sam Waller

Registration is ongoing for the upcoming youth baseball and softball seasons season with information available at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Albany Little League

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

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

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

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions football team will be presented bronze medals for reaching the 2021 state semifinals of the Class 2A Division II playoffs in a cere­mony at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the high school gym. The brief ceremony will take place prior to the varsity basketball games against Hamlin.

The University Interscholastic League presents gold and silver medals to members of the state champion and runner-up teams on the field at the state final in December. Both teams that lose in the semifinals receive bronze medals.