By Melinda L. LucasIf this week’s winter storm weather lets up in time, the staff at the Old Jail Art Center will welcome families into the Stasney Center on Saturday, Feb. 5 for a three-hour celebration of the Lunar New Year.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the number of new cases dropping to less than half of those recorded the prior week, the peak of the latest ­COVID-19 surge appears to be in the past.The number of positive test results decreased significantly during the week of Jan.

By Melinda L. LucasNormally held the first Friday in February, the annual meeting of the Albany Chamber of Commerce membership is being postponed until the following Friday, Feb. 11.

By Melinda L. LucasRegular pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program were Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4.However, in anticipation of bad weather, Moran families received their food a day early on Wednesday.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Donnie A. LucasWith about two weeks remaining in the filing period for local May 7 elections, a few incumbents have signed up for another term but no challengers have signed up yet.

By Donnie A. LucasWith about two weeks remaining in the filing period for local May 7 elections, a few incumbents have signed up for another term but no challengers have signed up yet.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy stretch, starting with its annual meeting rescheduled for next week on Friday, Feb. 11.

By Donnie A. LucasThe seventh annual Region 7 American Field Trial Club’s Amateur All Age Championship was held Jan. 28-29 at the Crooked Tree Ranch outside of Albany.Following the championship, the M.G. Perkins All Age Derby Classic followed with nine dogs entered.

By Melinda L. LucasTxDOT bridge engineer Tracy Jones helped Shackelford County commissioners get closer to resolving  the repair of the Caldwell Lane Bridge on CR 179 when he met with them in a special session that included a “field trip” last Wednesday, Jan. 26.