By Melinda L. LucasAn Albany blood drive is set for today, Jan. 27.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.Blood center officials said that there is an urgent need of blood donors of all types.

By Sam WallerThe reopening of the Landreth Dam bridge was delayed after an incident caused more damage to the historic structure, according to Tanya Brown, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation Abilene District.Brown said that early on the morning of Friday, Jan.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting after the noon luncheon on Friday, Feb. 4 at the Beehive to elect two directors.“Everyone is welcome,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.

By Donnie A. LucasFiling opened last Wednesday, Jan. 19 for the local May 7 elections, with a few incumbents signing up for another term so far.Candidates have until Friday, Feb. 18 to have their names placed on the ballot of any of the local elections.

By Melinda L. LucasDuring a Jan. 24 session, Shackelford County commissioners took action on several agenda items that had been tabled for one or more meetings, including the use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery (SLFR) funds to upgrade switches in the county’s technical infrastructure.

By Melinda L. LucasTaxes assessed during 2021 are officially due next week, on Monday, Jan. 31.Payments made in person at 132 Hill St. will be accepted through the end of that work day, as will mailed payments postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2022.Online payments at www.shackelfordcad.

By Donnie A. LucasTickets are still available for the upcoming Chris Knight concert set for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Aztec Theater.The performance is sponsored by Albany Live, a nonprofit organized last fall to bring live musical events to Albany.

By Sam WallerThe 2022 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association’s county livestock show, which was dedicated to the memory of Monte Lewis, wrapped up Saturday, Jan. 22, with a premium sale for show participants.

By Donnie A. LucasThe number of positive ­COVID-19 test results dropped significantly last week to 68 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites.A total of 110 tests were given for the week of Jan.

By Sam WallerMoran will have a school holiday on Friday, Jan. 21, so students may participate in the county livestock show.It will be the second school holiday of the week, following Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 17.The next school holiday will be Presidents Day on Feb. 21.