By Melinda L. LucasAs Shackelford County begins to throw off the blankets and move from winter into spring, preparations are being made for severe weather that often accompanies warmer temperatures.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the March distribution of the commodities will be Thursday, March 2 in Moran and Friday, March 3 in Albany.Distribution will be at Moran City Hall on Thursday and at the rear door of the JP office on Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m. on both days.

By Melinda L. LucasAs expected, tax collections for local entities were down considerably as of the Jan. 31 deadline for 2022 taxes, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office.

By Melinda L. LucasThe camera system approved two weeks ago by the Shackelford County commissioners for the Law Enforcement Center has been installed, it was reported Monday at the most recent meeting.

By Sam WallerFor the second year in a row, the Albany Lions were eliminated from the Class 2A boys basketball playoffs in the area round, falling 49-42 to Itasca on Friday, Feb. 24, at Dublin.The Lions advanced with a 54-53 overtime victory against Seymour in bi-district, played Tuesday, Feb.

By Sam WallerEvery member of the Albany Lions varsity boys basketball team received mention on the All-District 10-2A team, which was released this week.The team was selected by vote of district coaches.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Briley Tabor and Kiana Roberson were named to the All-District 10-2A girls basketball team after a vote by district coaches.Both were first-team selections. Tabor, a three year starter, was the lone senior on the Albany roster.

By Sam WallerAlbany track and field athletes came away with three gold medals Thursday, Feb. 23 in varsity divisions at the Breckenridge relays meet.Albany junior high teams competed at Breckenridge on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerAlbany tennis players claimed titles in two draws Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Hawley Invitational.The tournament was played at Rose Park Tennis Center in Abilene.The Albany netters returned to Rose Park Tuesday for a three-team meet with Hawley and Abilene Christian.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions went 3-3 in their second tournament outing of the season Friday-Saturday, Feb. 24-25, reaching the consolation finals at the San Angelo tournament.The Lady Lions (5-6-1)play their final tournament this weekend at Clifton.