By Sandy Morris

Early voting for the May 1 local election will begin next Monday, April 19 and run through Tuesday, April 27.

The hospital board has the only locally contested race in Shackelford County, 

Four candidates have filed for the three available at-large seats on the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors. 

The ballot will list incumbents Mike Folsom, Jo Ann Estridge, and Leslie Belcher, along with challenger Mary Boland. 

Directors on the hospital board serve two-year terms. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Typically, local business owners would have to come up with more money if they hadn’t filed renditions by today, according to Shackelford CAD County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“Under normal circumstances, taxpayers would be required to file their personal property renditions by Thursday, April 15, 2021,” said Snyder. “However, I’ve decided to extend the deadline to May 15, 2021 due to the natural disaster declaration for the Texas winter storm.” 

By Sandy Morris

The second week in April is traditionally designated as national Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and this week, April    11-17, local dispatchers were recognized for the work they do behind the scenes of public safety.

Many people don’t realize the training and discipline necessary to become a public safety dispatcher, according to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller.

A new dispatcher is required to take the basic telecommunicator licensing course within the first year of being hired.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An in-depth report and some requests from new Albany fire chief Travis Gardenhire, along with a description of deterioration at the Albany Visitors Center and approval for a Chamber-sponsored cookoff at the city park later in the year were the main subjects at Monday night’s city council meeting.

The elected officials also authorized AMKO Advisors to be able to solicit bids from underwriting firms as one of the first steps toward refinancing the bonds for the water plant.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 15.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals. 

Those who have eligibility questions can call Freddie Sosa at 325-670-2880. Other concerns or questions can be directed to Kelsey Caprio at 325-670-4271. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County still lacks more than 25 percent of the targeted response number of 306 surveys in an effort to expand access of high speed internet in this area.

Community leaders in Shackelford and Throckmorton counties began the “broadband initiative” in mid-March, with a special online survey open through the end of May.

“Response has slowed down, and we haven’t reached our goal yet,” said county judge Robert Skelton, who is serving on the local committee. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

A request by John Tate to erect a granite monument inscribed with the 10 Commandments on the Courthouse Square was granted by Shackelford County commissioners after a lengthy discussion on Monday morning, April 12.

Tate said that he and other Albany citizens would fund the project, and there would be no cost to the county.

Another local resident, Jane Hooker, expressed concern that approving the monument could lead to other requests, although she emphasized that she is not against the 10 Commandments or what they stand for.

By Sandy Morris

Plans are in place for the 14th annual Albany Classic Car Show on Saturday, April 17, and everyone is invited to come downtown and view the entries. 

Organizer Robert Snyder said activities will begin on Friday, April 16.

“We will have the traditional Friday night cruise from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by the burnout between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.” Snyder said. 

Even with the forecast calling for rain, Snyder said he isn’t worried about cancelling the show.

By Sandy Morris

Just a few days remain before the traditional Fort Griffin Fandangle membership Sampler returns to Reynolds Bend, on the Lambshead Ranch.

For decades, the annual Sampler was held on the ranch, hosted by the late Watt Matthews, but the last time was more than 20 years ago. 

Since then, it has moved around to various locations, including the Bank Park, Courthouse Square, Prairie Theater, and most recently, at the original townsite of Griffin Flat on Collins Creek Ranch.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, April 15.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center offers ­COVID-19 antibody testing at no charge for donors who successfully donate.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.