With a much earlier sunset than during warm weather star gazing events, the staff at Fort Griffin State Historic Site will host its annual Winter Star Party this Saturday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be held in the astronomy area behind the visitor center, which is on the west side of Hwy. 283 near the fort. In the past, the star parties have been held mostly in the campground area. 

In addition to the night time observation of the skies, hot cocoa will be available, according to program specialist Eric Abercrombie.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Jan. 9, 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. 

Contributions are needed for the Shackelford County Youth Livestock show, with the annual show set to be held over a three-day period Jan. 31-Feb. 2, less than one month away. 

Donations of $12,600 were deposited in the bank as of Wednesday morning, according to Molly Cauble. A bare minimum of $18,000 to $20,000 is required to fund the show. 

Donations to the association are used for ribbons, belt buckles, show supplies, premium monies, and other expenses associated with hosting the annual event.

Texas Rangers are continuing to investigate the death of a Moran man, Jack Tabor, who was killed at his girlfriend’s apartment in Cisco by her estranged husband, who then shot and killed himself.

Doyle Seabourn, 50, went to the home of his wife, from whom he had reportedly been separated for a number of months, about 1:45 a.m. last Thursday, Dec. 27.

An argument between Seabourn and Tabor resulted in Seabourn shooting Tabor, then himself, according to the preliminary investigation. 

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“We are still busy processing and posting the many payments that were mailed in to us at the end of 2018, as well as the electronic transactions through the district’s website,” said Snyder on Monday night. “Unfortunately, there is not an accurate way to estimate the collection rate until we finish processing December payments, and close out the month in our collection system.”

Over a dozen volunteers gathered on Christmas Day to prepare about 75 lunches for local residents, during the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s 10th annual Christmas Feast.

Christmas meals were cooked, boxed, and delivered by church members to the people on the Vittles by Vehicle list, and take-out plates were provided for other members of the community who called in requests.

This year, first responders at the sheriff’s office and the EMS were also included, as well as employees at Allsup’s Convenience store – the only retail store open on Tuesday.

With New Year’s Day falling on Tuesday, an earlier deadline has been set for the Jan. 3 issue.

All copy and advertising is due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 rather than noon on Tuesday, in order for the News staff to get the pre-press work done in a timely manner.

Even with this week’s rainfall, local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the celebration of the New Year’s Eve holiday are handled safely and legally. 

Dry conditions in the fall sparked the county commissioners to continue the county burn ban at their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 17, and as of Wednesday morning, it was still in place.

The board of trustees at the Old Jail Art Center has asked potential donors to consider contributing now, during the museum’s current ongoing Annual Appeal, to double the effect of their generosity.

“An anonymous donor recognizes the importance and successes of the OJAC and has issued a generous challenge,” said executive director Patrick Kelly. “They will match contributions to the OJAC’s Annual Appeal dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Accept this challenge and double the impact of your gift!”

This holiday season, TxDOT is focusing on the issue of impaired driving by encouraging people to save a life by making a plan to get home safely before the holiday festivities begin. 

The Plan While You Can impaired driving campaign encourages drivers statewide to plan for a sober ride before enjoying festivities where drinking may occur. 

The campaign will run through Jan. 1, 2019 and coincides with an enforcement period in which DWI patrols will be at increased capacity looking for drunk drivers on Texas roadways.