By Sandy Morris
The Old Jail Art Center found unique ways to continue offering programming to a variety of patrons during the restrictions from COVID during 2020.
As the year came to a close, the board of trustees and staff reached out to OJAC patrons for contributions through the Annual Fund Appeal that would allow them to continue current offerings in 2021.
The Appeal is the OJAC’s single most important fundraiser to support operations and programs.
By Sandy Morris
For the 12th year in a row, volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and several others from the community made sure nobody missed the opportunity to enjoy a free holiday meal with all of the trimmings on Christmas Day.
Even though the volunteers had to deal with the restrictions from COVID, workers were quick to proclaim the meal a success with a total of 120 people being fed.
One of the organizers, James Breeden, along with his family, has been involved in this mission for the past five years.
By Sandy Morris
With COVID making its mark on several major livestock shows, local students have been preparing themselves and their pigs by attending jackpot shows.
Albany High School senior Carli Edgar brought home a Senior Showmanship award from the Lonestar Classic in Abilene in November.
Edgar placed first in several other categories along with her siblings who also participated in the Lonestar Classic, which is a jackpot show that draws hundreds of pigs from around the state.
By Sandy Morris
The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show is just two weeks away, with weigh-in for hogs, lambs, and goats on Thursday, Jan. 21, and classes judged on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22-23.
According to organizers, donations are still needed in order to offset show expenses and provide prizes and premiums to the exhibitors.
“We are currently at $15,000,” said SCYLA treasurer Molly Cauble on Tuesday, Jan. 5. “All donations go toward the expenses of the stock show, such as ribbons, belt buckles, supplies, and premium money.”
By Sandy Morris
Local residents who want to run for the various city council, hospital district, or school board positions in the Saturday, May 1 election may begin filing the required paperwork on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Filing closes a month later on Friday, Feb. 12 at 5:00 p.m. There is no filing fee.
Albany City Council
Three of the two-year city council positions expire this cycle, including the seat currently filled by Don Taggart, along with the position left vacant by the late Carolyn Waller.
By Sandy Morris
The Albany Chamber of Commerce ended a successful year of promoting the community when the winners of the Holiday House Decorating Contest were announced on Christmas Eve.
Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones announced the winners live on Facebook on Thursday, Dec. 24.
The first place award for the most “Beautiful” home went to Samantha Isbell, earning her a prize of $100 in Albany Bucks.
Second place went to Red and Shirley Alexander with a prize of $50 in Albany Bucks.
By Sandy Morris
Pick-up dates for the January distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 8.
Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7.
Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the November food distribution program may pick up their food on Friday, Jan. 8, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.
The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Jan. 13, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.
The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.
The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler.
SEVERE WEATHER
By Melinda L. Lucas
This time last year, local residents were worried about catching the flu.
In 2021, following several weeks of holiday travel and family gatherings, the expected surge of COVID-19 cases is hitting Shackelford County, and local residents are beginning to look for options as the vaccine becomes available in other areas.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Several new Shackelford County elected officials took the oath of office for the first time during a brief ceremony in the second floor courtroom of the Shackelford County Courthouse on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
Newly elected county attorney Rollin Rauschl and constable Xavier Perez were among those who started new four-year terms that day.
The oaths were administered by county judge Robert Skelton, who had just returned to work after being quarantined over Christmas.
