By Melinda L. LucasLess than 200 local voters turned out for this week’s Constitutional Amendment Election, about 8.6 percent of those registered in Shackelford County. About 80 of those voted early or by mail, with the Shackelford County Courthouse the only polling site in the county.

By Sam WallerThe downtown area and a large section of Albany was left without power for several hours early on Oct. 27 because of a thunderstorm that downed a tree.“All of downtown from the courthouse and the southwest part of town was out from about midnight until about 5:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasSeveral blocks within the Albany city limits will be “moved” to a different voting precinct if  changes made by commissioners last week are approved as part of the state’s redistricting requirements.A public hearing has been set for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasA grass fire that originated on the Matthews’ Lambshead Ranch quickly raced out of control due to winds in excess of 40 to 50 mph last Thursday, eventually consuming over 18,600 acres on four ranches in southern Throckmorton County and northern Shackelford County.

By Melinda L. LucasFamilies are invited to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights at the Old Jail Art Center’s free family festival this Saturday, Nov. 6, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasAll veterans in Shackelford County are invited to join local students for a Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the high school gym.The event will start at 11:00 a.m. with several special patriotic musical presentations, according to organizer Ann Riley.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 5.Certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 4.

By Sam WallerStudents at Albany Junior/Senior High School and Nancy Smith Elementary School concluded Red Ribbon Week with the announcement of contest winners from both campuses.The campaign educates students and the general public about drug and alcohol abuse.

By Donnie A. LucasAbout 100 runners clad in black attire scattered across Albany last Saturday for the 24th annual “Running Man”  sponsored by the Feed Store.The junior class won the event, with all 13 of their runners returning to home base at The Feed store without being caught by spotlighters.

By Sam WallerStudents from Albany and Cross Plains spent last month collecting food in a friendly competition between the school districts with results to be announced during Friday’s football game between the two high schools.