By Melinda L. LucasAt a Dec. 27 meeting, Shackelford County commissioners heard an update from 259th Judicial District chief probation officer Jon Cooke about the possible need for additional funding to pay housing of a local juvenile placed in Hayes County.Cooke reported that a $25,000 grant had...

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a week of fewer positive test results just before Christmas, the number of COVID-19 cases rose again last week, according to a report issued by Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton on Monday.For the week of Dec. 27-31, a total of 52 ­COVID-19 tests were administered at...

By Melinda L. LucasJust a couple of days before Christmas, almost $12,000 was still needed to reach the Albany Community Chest’s 2021 record goal of $46,000.Then, with last-minute reminder cards in the mail and local residents winding up their year-end giving, the campaign surged, and a report...

By Donnie A. LucasThe filing period for local elections to  various entities such as the school board, city council, and hospital board will begin Wednesday, Jan. 19.The election date set by the state for all local elections is Saturday, May 7.Candidates will have 30 days to sign up for spots on...

By Sam WallerThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department presented Chief Travis Gardenhire with the 2021 Firefighter of the Year merit award at its annual Christmas party and meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.The annual award is voted on by department members to honor an individual whom they believe has best met...

By Sam WallerThe Old Jail Art Center is going straight from its holiday programs into planning its next big event, the Jewel of the Prairie gala fundraiser in February.Current exhibits will close Jan. 29, the Lunar New Year Family Festival will be Feb. 5, and new exhibits will open Feb. 26 in...

By Sam WallerA Shackelford County landmark was damaged and a well-traveled road in the county cut off just before Thanksgiving.The Landreth Dam bridge has been closed to traffic since Nov. 23, when an excavator collided with the crossbeam of each portal, cutting off access to the southeastern part...

By Melinda L. LucasThe start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the festivities are handled safely and legally.

By Sam WallerShackelford County FFA and 4-H members are in the final month of getting animals ready for the county stock show, and members of the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association are doing their parts to make the event a success.Members of the association met Dec. 7. to discuss...

Moran ISD offices and schools are closed for the holiday break.Teachers and staff will return to work on Monday, Jan. 3, with a staff development day.Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4.School holidays are scheduled for Monday, Jan, 17, and Friday, Jan. 21. The end of the six weeks is Friday, Feb. 11.