By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County taxpayers will save more than $800,000 over the next 11 years after county commissioners finalized new bonds for the Law Enforcement Center during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Vince Viaille, managing director for Specialized Public Finance, reviewed the bidding process, stating that BNY Mellon Capital Markets submitted the winning bid at a true interest cost of 0.89 percent, resulting in a savings of $842,569 as a result of the refinancing.

By Sandy Morris

The filing period for local board elections is now underway and as of press time on Tuesday, a total of six candidates had turned in their paperwork for various positions that will be decided on May 1.

There is not a fee to run for the local offices, but prospective candidates must file by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 12 to have their names listed on the ballot.

Albany City Council

By Sandy Morris

After months of preparation, the annual Shackelford County Livestock Show will take place starting Thursday, Jan. 21 and ending Saturday afternoon, Jan. 23 after the premium sale.

Albany and Moran FFA and 4-H exhibitors are expected to show close to 250 entries at the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Show barn this week.

Weigh-In

The livestock show will start on Thursday, Jan. 21 with weigh-in for hogs, lambs, and goats followed by weigh-in for poultry, rabbits, and cattle on Friday, Jan. 22. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year and have continued to come in steadily even with limited access at the SCAD lobby, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“We’ve been busy since the first part of December, and it’s picked up this month,” said Snyder, who added that the front door remains locked because of COVID concerns.

The youth basketball league boys played at home last Saturday.

The sixth grade team lost to Hawley 41-14 in their first game. Scoring were Connor Smith 6, Colter Edgar 4, Zane Green 2, and Levi New 2.

The team won their second game against Jim Ned Red, 25-13. Scoring were Green 9, Edgar 8, Smith 6, and Jayden Green 2.

The fifth grade team won both games Saturday, defeating Jim Ned 37-8 in the first round. Scoring were Clay Chapman 18, Aiden Vickers 14, Graham Ceder 3 and Senio Togia 2.

In the second game, Albany picked up a 31-4 win over Eula White.

By Sandy Morris

For the sixth year in a row, trainers, owners, and highly skilled hunting dogs from across Texas and surrounding states are expected to travel to the Crooked Tree Ranch in Shackelford County for the Region 7 American Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) Amateur All-Age Championship and the M.G. Perkins Amateur All-Age Derby Classic.

The competition will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22. The winner of the championship will receive an original painting of the winning dog by artist Leah Brigham. 

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Band Boosters met on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to discuss a possible high school band trip.  

In order for the band to take a trip, there must be some type of educational component, and AISD band director Will Vaughan shared ideas of what those components might be, such as working with another band or band director or giving a performance. 

The boosters also discussed taking the junior high band on a trip. 

Typically, the junior high band takes a trip as a reward for participating or performing in a contest. 

By Sandy Morris

Specialized subscription boxes are in big demand as many people are limiting their outings and social activities.  

In order to continue to provide patrons with opportunities to participate in some type of workshop, the Old Jail Art Center has created a virtual workshop subscription series. 

The series includes four workshops during the spring semester plus a free summer bonus. 

Two options are available with #StayHomeStudio for teens and adults and #StayHomeStudioKIDS for ages seven to 12. 

By Sandy Morris

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released January state sales tax revenue amounts for counties across the state of Texas, including Shackelford County.

The City of Albany will receive a sales tax allotment of $31,549.36 from the state this month. This amount is down 15.06 percent from the $37,143.45 payment received this time last year.

The City of Moran will receive a net payment of $1,633.48 this period for a 13.13 percent increase from the $1,443.83 received this time last year. 

By Sandy Morris

In addition to preparing for upcoming livestock shows, members of the local 4-H chapter continue to stay busy in other areas of interest. 

Farrier Program

Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter announced a special horse program slated for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the show barn.

“A farrier will come show the kids how to shoe a horse,” said Painter. 

Shotgun Practice