By Melinda L. Lucas A “lock-out” at both Albany school campuses on Friday morning, Jan. 31, called by administrators because of parent concerns, lasted less than an hour, and even though local law enforcement picked up an Albany man as a result, it was not thought that students or staff were ever...

By Kathy Thomson The deadline to file for local offices on the May 2 ballot is only one week away, and as of press time on Tuesday, only seven candidates had turned in their paperwork, leaving plenty of opportunities for additional civic-minded locals to volunteer to help lead their community.

By Kathy Thomson Although the Shackelford County stock show is over, the “Majors” are just getting started, and several local youth have recently placed well with their project animals at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth and/or the San Angelo Livestock Show.

By Kathy Thomson One Act Play (OAP) co-director Jenny Scott and 18 Albany High School students are preparing for their University Interscholastic League district competition next month. The 2A District 8 OAP meet will be held in Stamford on Thursday, March 5.

By Kathy Thomson Albany Sports Center took three cheer teams to the Varsity Spirit Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders National Championship in Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 1, and along with the team awards, one Albany participant was named for an individual honor.

Next Friday, Feb. 14, is an optional/required fifth day at Moran. Monday, Feb. 17 MISD will be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day. MISD will be closed for spring break on the week of March 9-13.

By Kathy Thomson The last day to register to vote in the upcoming March 3 primary election is next Monday, Feb. 3. According to Belinda Perez, who is in charge of voter registration in Shackelford County, everything is going well.

By Melinda L. Lucas As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) office accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

By Kathy Thomson Albany High School students competed at the Haskell Pow Wow, a University Interscholastic League academic invitational meet, on Saturday, Jan. 25, and several Albany students brought home individual medals. In addition, Albany students won second place in journalism.

By Kathy Thomson Literacy Night is taking place at Nancy Smith Elementary School this evening, Jan. 30, starting at 6:00 p.m.  “We will have three readers from our community come in and read stories to our students,” said principal John Gallagher. “All students and parents are welcome.