By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County Hospital District administrator Jera Fairley was given a raise, and board members were updated about intensified “drug security” policies during the hospital board’s regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 17.

By Kathy Thomson Various Shackelford County 4-H and FFA members showed project animals at the San Angelo Stock Show and at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo last week, and local students are still competing with market steers and market barrows at San Antonio this week.

By Kathy Thomson Sixteen Albany students are registered for an academic invitational practice meet at Stamford this Saturday, Feb. 22, but according to UIL coordinator Rick Davis, the actual number who can go and compete may be a few less.

By Kathy Thomson First Baptist Church youth minister Campbell Terry has invited everyone to come to The Feed Store to eat lunch at a summer camp fundraiser this Sunday, Feb. 23 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Meal tickets are $20 each for adults, and are available from campers.

by Kathy Thomson Tuesday, Feb. 18 was the first day of early voting for the March 3 primary election, with balloting taking place in the foyer on the first floor of the Shackelford County Courthouse. As of press time on Tuesday afternoon, 22 voters had cast ballots.

By Donnie A. Lucas Staying even for three quarters of the Class 2A bi-district battle, the Lady Lions scored 12 unanswered points in the fourth to surge ahead for a 50-39 win over Eldorado on Monday in Bronte.

By Donnie A. Lucas The varsity Lion basketball team sewed up a playoff berth last week with a win over Cross Plains, finishing the regular season at home Tuesday against Stamford. Albany lost the finale to the undefeated district winning Bulldogs 75-57. Complete results will be reported next week.

By Kathy Thomson Seven local Little Dribblers teams continued their season, playing two games each in the old Albany High School gym last Saturday, Feb. 15. The next set of matches will take place this Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. with a match between the Boys’ Blue and Grey teams.

by Kathy Thomson Eight Albany seniors are among the more than 320 top athletes and cheerleaders of the area who make up the 2020 all-star class for Big Country Chevy Dealers Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Festival, announced Sunday, Feb. 16 at Beltway Church South in Abilene.

By Melinda L. Lucas About 30 local residents of all ages attended a no-cost self-defense clinic Feb. 8 with a chance to continue training as part of a newly formed local organization.