By Sandy Morris

The post-holiday coronavirus surge is still affecting many people and local businesses and organizations, including Closet Angels and Neighbors in Need. 

Both organizations are available to help local residents when they need a helping hand, but hours and procedures have been changed for the safety of shoppers and volunteers.

Closet Angels’ director Lori Reames said that they had hoped to reopen for donations this past Monday, Jan. 25.

By Sandy Morris

The Big Country chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted the first event in their annual Weekend of Champions this past Saturday, Jan. 23. 

This year the Weekend of Champions camps were designed to be a one-day only event with the girls gathering at the Solid Rock Christian Camp in Eastland. 

FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston said the day was an amazing experience.

“It was wonderful to see the way the girls bonded,” said Johnston. “They really listened to the speakers and asked great questions.”

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Cub Scouts annual Pinewood Derby race was held on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Scout Hut with Matthew Key coming out the overall winner.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack and Den Leader Dan Key organized the event with the help of committee chair Terri Lucas. 

“All the kids did a fantastic job building their cars,” said Shack. “We saw some different styles of cars that performed really well. We could tell the kids really spent some quality time on their own and with their parents working on the cars.”

By Sandy Morris

Thirteen pointers and one English Setter were entered in the sixth annual Region 7 American Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) Amateur All-Age Championship and the M.G. Perkins Amateur All-Age Derby Classic held on Friday, Jan. 22.

Trainers, owners, and highly skilled hunting dogs from across Texas and surrounding states traveled to the Crooked Tree Ranch in Shackelford County for the regional championship that is a qualifying trial for the AFTCA National Amateur Invitational Championship.

By Sandy Morris

Project Graduation organizers have one week left before wrapping up their first fundraiser to prepare for the annual celebration following graduation. 

Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles have been distributed to both school campuses.

“The deadline for orders for the truffles is Monday, Feb. 1,” said class parent Tisha Wilkins. “The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Valentine’s Day.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Taxes assessed during 2020 are officially due next week, on Monday, Feb. 1. With the due date falling during the weekend, Monday payments made in person will be accepted, as well as those placed in the drop box that day, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office. 

The front door of the appraisal district office at 132 Hill St remains locked because of COVID concerns, but taxpayers can call ahead if they need to pay in person or talk to SCAD personnel.

By Sandy Morris

The last time Albany hosted the Hereford Ball was in February of 1921, but the Albany Chamber has plans to bring back the celebration 100 years later.

Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones said the ball is a dress-up celebration of Shackelford County’s ranches and history.

Plans are in place for the Hereford Ball set for Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Whitney Theater. 

“All advertising tables are sold for the Hereford Ball,” said Jones. “Invitations to Chamber members went out and tickets were quickly purchased. 

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will hold its regular weekly Chamber luncheon on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Beehive.

Chamber luncheons are held each Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and are open to anyone who would like to get involved and help with the various Chamber projects throughout the year.

Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones said all February meetings also will be held at the Beehive. 

For more information on any current or future Chamber events, contact Jones at the Chamber office at 325-762-2525. 

By Sandy Morris

Employees at the local Dollar General had a scare on Tuesday, Jan. 26 around 10:15 a.m. when a pickup truck rolled onto the sidewalk in front of the store. 

Dollar General assistant manager Trisha Reyes said all of the employees were pretty shaken up but there were no injuries.

“I had a girl working the register when the truck struck the front of the building,” Reyes said. “The cigarette case was behind her, which shielded her from the shattered glass when the front window was broken.”

By Sandy Morris

There are only a little over two weeks left in the  filing period for local board elections, and as of press time on Tuesday, a total of eight candidates had turned in their paperwork for various positions that will be decided on May 1.

Albany City Council

All incumbents currently serving on the Albany City Council have filed for re-election including Mayor Susan Montgomery and council members Don Taggart, Austin Sherwood, and Lynsi Musselman.