By Donnie A. LucasSeveral high school students and sponsors will compete in the Abilene Wylie Valentine UIL Classic on Saturday at Wylie High school.UIL director Rick Davis said that this is the second practice meet of the season in preparation for the district contest set for March 22 at Stamford.

By Sam WallerRegistration is ongoing for Albany Little League.Registration forms are available at Nancy Smith Elementary School and Albany Junior/Senior High. Online registration is available at albanytxll.com.

By Melinda L. LucasBecause of road conditions on Feb. 2, the regular pick-up date for Moran and Albany recipients of the commodity food program was rescheduled to this week, according to Shackelford County Justice of the Peace James Breeden, who coordinates the program.

By Sam WallerDr. John Denson of Moran has been selected to a seat on the board of Masonic Children and Family Services Board of Texas by the Grand Lodge of Texas.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County residents, as did the rest of the state, had plenty of warning before this week’s winter storm moved through the area, and for the most part, there were fewer problems than during the 2021 “deep freeze” that occurred at almost exactly the same time of the year.

By Donnie A. LucasAfter a final weekend that well may have broken all records during a 40-year run, the doors on an Albany institution – Fort Griffin General Merchandise Restaurant and Beehive Saloon – swung shut for the final time Saturday.

By Melinda L. LucasBecause of bad weather, the deadline for taxes assessed during 2022 will not be delinquent until Feb. 3.Instead of Jan. 31, the deadline for payment is now Thursday, Feb. 2, according to Shackelford County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.Payments made in person at 132 Hill St.

By Melinda L. LucasWeather permitting, the staff at the Old Jail Art Center will welcome families into the Stasney Center on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a three-hour celebration of the New Year of the Trees, known as Tu BiShvat.Starting at 1:00 p.

By Melinda L. LucasAn Albany blood drive is set for tomorrow, Feb. 3.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.Local donors are reminded that drives will be held on Fridays this year rather Thursdays.

By Melinda L. LucasBecause of winter weather, the pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program are being pushed back a week to Thursday, Feb. 9 and Friday, Feb. 10, according to Justice of the Peace James Breeden, who coordinates the program.