Antone Bernstein, age 90 of Albany, passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Chandler officiating. Interment followed in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Antone Benjamin Bernstein was born Sept. 7, 1931 in Shackelford County, Texas to Paul Oswald Bernstein and Olga Ziehr. He grew up in Shackelford County and later graduated from Albany High School. He married Betty Fay Dodd in Breckenridge on April 1, 1961.

Joye “Loraine” Edgar, age 77 of Sweetwater, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. A memorial service was held Friday, Jan. 28 at the Albany Cemetery with Pastor Luke Spraberry officiating. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Joye Loraine Fancher was born Nov. 16, 1944, in Rotan, Texas to Donald Earl “Man” Fancher and Richard “Kate” Coan Fancher. She married William Cecil “Sonny” Edgar on July 4, 1965.

Bart “Randy” Hobbs, age 72 of Albany, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 29 at Albany Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Pleasant officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Bart “Randy” Hobbs was born May 24, 1949 in Olney, Texas to Bart T. Hobbs and Tressie Florene Byrd Hobbs. He graduated high school and later enlisted in the United States Army. He served until he was honorably discharged in 1971.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 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. 17-21, according to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

The number of new cases reached a one-week high the prior week with 116 positive results out of the 235 tests administered Jan. 10-14.

By Sam Waller

The 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.

A total of 236 animal projects were exhibited by 130 Shackelford County 4-Hers and FFA students from Albany and Moran. The numbers were very close to last year’s 240 projects and 132 exhibitors.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Tickets 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. Knight’s show is the second in an ongoing singer/songwriter series that will continue monthly through July.

“There are still a little over 100 seats remaining for the Chris Knight concert,” said Trey Davis, a committee member handling band relations and ticket sales for this performance.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Taxes 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.com can be made any time before midnight on Jan. 31.

Anything in the drop box by the start of business of Tuesday, Feb. 1 will not be considered delinquent.

By Melinda L. Lucas

During 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.

County judge Robert Skelton said that it seems clear in the finalized SLFR rules that monies can be used for the four multiport switches recommended as cybersecurity upgrade by the county’s IT consultant at a cost of $41,000.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Filing 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.

The three Albany ISD board incumbents have each filed for another three-year term, according to the superintendent’s office on Tuesday.

By Sam Waller

The 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. “The two expiring board members are willing to stay on, but if there are any other nominations, there will be a vote.”

Jones said once the board election by the general Chamber membership is completed, the directors will meet to elect officers.