By Sandy Morris

Many people are limiting their outings and social activities and looking for new ways to have fun and spend quality time together at home.

In order to continue to provide patrons an opportunity to participate in some type of workshop, The Old Jail Art Center has created a virtual workshop subscription series. 

The series includes four workshops during the spring semester plus a free summer bonus. 

Two options are available with #StayHomeStudio for teens and adults and #StayHomeStudioKIDS for ages seven to 12. 

By Sandy Morris

Local 4-H members participated in a special farrier program on Thursday, Jan. 28, according to Shackelford County Extension Agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter.

Local county commissioner Lanham Martin presented the program to about 20 4-H members. 

“He talked to the kids about different types of horseshoes and why horses have shoes,” said Painter. “He also talked about the confirmation of horses and a little bit about the anatomy of a horse in their feet and legs. 

Photography Clinic

By Sandy Morris

The month of February is typically the peak month for flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

A quick search of the Texas Department of State Health Services reports that the flu season began on Sept. 22, 2020 this year and that influenza activity is low across the state of Texas. 

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 5 immediately after the 12:00 noon luncheon at The Beehive. 

The annual meeting is typically held on the first Friday in February with an agenda that includes reviewing the finance report and electing directors and officers. 

Each year, several of the board members’ terms come up for election on a rotating basis, and the new directors are chosen at the annual membership meeting. 

By Sandy Morris

February is member appreciation month at the Old Jail Art Center, and there are some special opportunities available to OJAC members.

OJAC members will receive free giveaways during their visit to the museum, and they will receive a 20 percent discount off of one item in the OJAC store. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

& Sandy Morris

An Albany clinic started administering the Moderna vaccine Wednesday, and with at least 200 more doses expected in the next week, ResourceCare staff members hope to work their way down the list of those who want the vaccine.

Even though some county residents have already received the vaccine in other locations, quite a few are still waiting for their names to come up.

By Sandy Morris

Next week ends the filing period for local board elections, and as of press time on Tuesday, a total of nine candidates had turned in their paperwork for various positions that will be decided on May 1.

There is not a fee to run for the local offices, but prospective candidates must file by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 12 to have their names listed on the ballot.

Albany City Council

By Sandy Morris

Twenty-twenty will be remembered for many unusual things, but Shackelford County weather isn’t going to fall into that category.

According to Hector Guerrero with the National Weather Service out of San Angelo, local weather was not the big story of 2020.

“Overall, the weather just wasn’t that horrible last year,” said Guerrero.

Shackelford County saw snow on Jan. 11 with 2.0 inches and again on Feb. 6 with another 2.3 inches. 

By Sandy Morris

A high school worship night has been scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10th The Feed Store. 

Executive director Tisha Wilkins invites all high school students to attend. 

“We will have more information as we get closer to the date, but we’d like the kids to get it on their calendars,” said Wilkins. 

For more information or to help with the worship night, contact Wilkins at 325-660-7443. 

— —

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.