By Melinda L. Lucas Only a couple more responses are needed before Shackelford County organizers reach the goals they set for a special broadband initiative that began in mid-March, with the intent of expanding access of high speed internet in this area.

 By Sandy Morris Shackelford County voters have the opportunity to participate in the local hospital board election this coming Saturday, May 1. A total of 84 early voters had already cast ballots by the end of the early voting period at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27.

By Sandy Morris The list of honor students in the 2021 Albany High School senior class was released last week, naming Hannah Trail as valedictorian and Sidney Bartee as salutatorian. Trail, daughter of Justin Trail and Tamara Trail, has a four-year average of 98.74.

By Sandy MorrisAlbany High School will send three students to the University Interscholastic League state academic meet this Saturday, May 1.Because of COVID precautions, the event is being held at Abilene Wylie High School rather than in Austin.

By Sandy Morris Shackelford County residents who have not previously been eligible for local home delivery meal service now have an option available to them. Mom’s Meals is a monthly food delivery service offered through the Area Agency on Aging courtesy of the CARES grant.

By Sandy Morris Anyone who would like to add a veteran’s name to the Shackelford County veterans memorial marker is asked to contact Mary Kay O’Connor at 325-660-2498 by Monday, May 10 at the latest.

By Brad McBee This past week, an interesting bird has been migrating through our area and has elected to settled down for a while.  The Yellow-headed Blackbird winters in Mexico and migrates in the spring north all the way to the upper regions of Canada.

 By Sandy Morris Early voting for the May 1 local election is underway and will continue through Tuesday, April 27.

By Sandy Morris The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association met on Tuesday, April 13 to begin making plans for next year’s county livestock show. The 2022 SCYLA show will be held Jan. 20-22, 2022, with a Pig Sale scheduled for Sept. 12, 2021.

By Sandy Morris Parents who would like to see if their children qualify for the Head Start program for the 2021-2022 school year can go to the Nancy Smith Elementary School lobby for a second registration day on Tuesday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.