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.

By Sandy Morris

It was a photo finish, but the Albany Community Chest campaign surged ahead and met the campaign goal a little after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. 

Right before Christmas, donations jumped, which allowed the organization to go over the 50 percent mark, but Chest directors were still concerned about how many contributions were still needed to meet the 2020 fundraising goal of $41,000. 

By Sandy Morris

The Moran Independent School District will be closed for the Christmas break through Friday, Jan. 1. Classes will resume at their regular time on Monday, Jan. 4.

Lady Bulldog 

Basketball

The varsity girls basketball team traveled to Graford on Friday, Dec. 15. The Lady Bulldogs came up short losing 47-19, bringing their record to 0-5.

Dariann Hawley was Moran’s leading scorer with 15 points, followed by Emily Murk and Chloe Hendricks with two points each.

By Sandy Morris

The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association met on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to finalize plans for this year’s stock show, and with a large number of entries expected, the annual fundraising drive is underway. 

Livestock show fundraising letters were sent out to the community two weeks ago, according to association treasurer Molly Cauble.

“Our goal is to have all donations in by Friday, Jan. 8, so final preparations can be made,” Cauble said. 

By Sandy Morris

The 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. 

Dry conditions and high winds sparked the county commissioners to reinstate the county burn ban at their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 14. 

By Sandy Morris

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 

Beverly Rogers who heads up “Team Albany” was recently recognized in several categories for her fundraising efforts in the Abilene Regional District of the North Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Rogers first became involved in the organization in 2002 after providing in-home care for a patient suffering from dementia. 

By Sandy Morris

Pick-up dates for the upcoming 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 a.m. 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 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.