By Kathy Thomson The filing period for local board elections began last Wednesday, Jan. 15, and as of press time on Tuesday, a total of four candidates had turned in their paperwork for one of the various positions that will be decided on May 2.

By Melinda L. Lucas The resignation of Shackelford County EMS director Mary Quintero was accepted after an hour-long closed session of the hospital district’s board of directors on Monday, Jan. 20.

By Kathy Thomson Lifelong Shackelford County resident Lari Dee Guy was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth last Thursday, Jan. 16.

By Melinda L. Lucas With just a week left before the official deadline, a large percentage of the county-wide tax levies will be collected in the next few days. Taxes assessed during 2019 are officially due next week, on Friday, Jan. 31.

By Kathy Thomson The public is invited to visit Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday, Jan. 25, for two separate  and very different special events.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany High School student body selected eight class members as royalty for Albany High School’s Winter Formal.

By Kathy Thomson Around a dozen local Cub Scouts are expected to compete in the annual Albany Pinewood Derby on Monday, Jan. 28, and the race will feature a couple of firsts for the local Scouts. Most notably, this will be the first time the Pinewood Derby will take place in the new Scout Hut.

By Melinda L. Lucas City council members acknowledged the work of Albany mayor Rodney Alexander, who died suddenly earlier this month, during their meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, commenting on his service to the community and the time he spent to make improvements for his fellow citizens.

By Kathy Thomson One of the biggest annual events in the county, the local stock show, takes place next week, and final preparations are underway.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County’s IT consultant, Sam Goldsmith, presented a technology update for the elected officials and also answered questions about billing charges and other issues during a Monday morning meeting on Jan. 13.