The Albany Softball Association will meet at the Shackelford County library at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, June 18 to elect officers.

Although the president and vice president were both chosen at the last meeting on May 28, due to a light turnout the remainder of the elections did not take place at that time.

Parents of girls who will be playing in the local softball association are encouraged to attend the meeting.  

According to returning vice president Amy McDaniel, the officer elections are only the item on the agenda. 

Shackelford County sheriff’s department deputy Quinton Lee is recovering from emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and his family, friends, and co-workers have organized fundraisers to help him and his family get back on their feet.

Lee’s niece Khloe New has opened a Facebook fundraiser for Lee at facebook.com/donate/337602353526665/, and sheriff Edward Miller said that a fundraiser has also been organized at bluefamilyfund.com.

Dorothy Smith, age 71 of Alvin, Texas passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Webster, Texas. 

Dorothy was born on Aug. 21, 1947 in Knox City, Texas and was a resident of Alvin for 50 years. She was a homemaker and was Baptist by faith. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Alyce and Glen Vickers.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Wayne Smith; daughters Stephanie Babovec and husband Jimmy, and Betsy Stapp; sister Glynda Vickers; grandchildren Joshua Roark and Joszef Babovec; numerous step-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Standing water resulting from plentiful rainfall over the last few months coupled with the recent warm temperatures create ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes to quickly increase in numbers, and Albany city employee David Bales has already begun spraying for the pesky insects.

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department hosted a Ground Search and Rescue I (GSAR-I) class in Albany last Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, which was attended by 20 volunteer firemen from Albany, Eastland, Hubbard Creek, Coke County, and Hamby fire departments.

“The certifications and curriculum are through Rescue Training International,,” said local fire chief Kyle Tischler.

The class was taught by 2Js Rescue Training instructors Joe Ringnald and Joel Viertel. Viertel is a member of the Albany VFD.

Albany rancher Watt Casey Jr. is also a professional photographer, and last weekend he was the featured artist at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. 

The Center hosted a gallery talk, book signing, and opening reception for Showtime: Photographs of Music Legends by Watt Casey, Jr. on Sunday, June 2.

In addition to taking photographs of ranch scenes, in the 1970s Casey began photographing countless musicians who either lived in Austin or came to Austin on tour. 

For a couple of reasons, the tent for the local farmers market has not yet been assembled at its usual site on Main Street next to King & Robertson.

Albany city manager Billy Holson said this week that a new tent had to be ordered for the site to replace the one purchased several years ago.

“Summer weather just takes a toll on the tent, and we’ll have to replace it every few years,” said Holson.

He expects the new tent to arrive by the end of the week.

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

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

Opening night of the 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is in just two weeks, and preparations for the annual summer show were visible around Albany this week.

The traditional white Longhorn heads and green banners were put up on telephone poles, membership letters were mailed out, rehearsals continued at the Prairie Theater, costumes were handed out at the Boxcar, and two seasonal workers joined the Fandangle office staff. 

Artistic director Lorna Ayers still has one big concern that is beyond the control of her assistants. 

The Chamber of Commerce promoted community-wide clean-up day has been scheduled for Saturday, June 15.

The community-wide clean-up day is a time for all citizens of the community to come out and help make the town of Albany look pristine. All are encouraged to volunteer their time and energy to clean up the town.

“Volunteers can meet at the Depot at 8:00 a.m.,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

Those who volunteer may bring personal equipment or supplies, including lawn mowers, chain saws, and weed eaters.