CECIL “SONNY”  TAYLOR

Cecil “Sonny” Taylor, age 57 of Big Spring, passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 14 at the Albany Cemetery. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Cecil Eugene Taylor was born Dec. 7, 1961 in Abilene, Texas to parents Wayland Eugene Taylor and Patsy Edgar Taylor. He graduated from Lake Highlands High School in Dallas and went on to serve in the United States Army. 

Allen Davis

Funeral services for Allen Davis were held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. A graveside service was held on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Moran Cemetery in Moran, Texas. Allen went to be with the Lord on the morning of Oct. 6, 2019.

Allen Davis was born in Wichita Falls on Feb. 21, 1950 to parents Linnie and Carlie Horton Davis. He lived in Wichita Falls through his childhood and then moved to Graham, Texas where he graduated from Graham High School. Following his graduation, Allen attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls. 

Taxpayers should be on lookout for statements

By Melinda L. Lucas

About 25,000 tax statements will be mailed in the next couple of weeks, as local property owners find out what they will owe in taxes for this year.

Assistant appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office stated that tax rates for all eight county taxing entities are being entered and calculations are scheduled to be finished by the end of October.

“We’re in the process of generating the tax statements this week, so that we can send the file to the printer,” said Snyder on Tuesday. 

Albany News

3rd Thursday set next week

By Melinda L. Lucas

October’s Third Thursday Studio will continue its fall schedule next Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Old Jail Art Center.

Participants can spend a couple of hours creating a clay “milagro” or wall pocket.

The event will be held in the Stasney Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Albany News

Murder Mystery planned Oct. 17

By Kathy Thomson

The third annual Albany Mainstreet Players’ Murder Mystery Dinner will take place at the Blue Duck Winery next Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

“This year’s theme is ‘Murder at Sea’, so come dressed in your best cruise ship attire,” said organizer Ragan Riley. “Leis will be provided at ‘dock’. Space is limited, so book your tickets as soon as possible.”

Tickets will not be available at the door, added AMP representative Lorna Ayers.

Albany News

Funds earmarked for restoration

By Kathy Thomson

A big crowd attended the 16th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala at the “Flat” on the Collins Creek Ranch last Saturday, Oct. 5, and organizers declared this year’s event a success.

“It was a wonderful night,” said event organizer Susan Waller. “We had lots of fun, danced to a talented band, and enjoyed first-rate food!”

The Gala, held the second weekend of October each year, is sponsored by Friends of Fort Griffin as a fundraiser. 

Local firemen continue to sharpen skills

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department not only contribute their time by responding to emergency calls when needed and maintaining their equipment, they also spend precious hours in training, learning how to better protect and serve their community, and teaching fire safety.

Last month, firefighters Paige Thompson and Casey Kimbrough went to the 23rd annual Red River District SFFMA Fire Protection School in Decatur.

Local FFA leaders attend training

By Kathy Thomson

Albany FFA officers attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training in Abilene on Monday, Oct. 7.

Guest speakers at the event included a former Texas FFA state officer, a former national FFA officer, and community and business leaders.

Among those attending from the Albany FFA chapter were officers Tyler Beard, Brayden Sullivan, Blaine Kayga, Mady Connally, Conner Clark, Seth Hale, Cade Neve, Susie Cormack, and Kam Browning, along with local FFA sponsor and ag instructor Chris Beard.

Local entries place at State Fair

By Kathy Thomson

Moran senior J.T. Holland won the Champion Brahman Prospect steer banner at the Texas State Fair last Wednesday, Oct. 2, and he also claimed seventh place in the lightweight AOB youth market steer class the following day.

Albany junior Hannah Snyder took third place in a very tough class of Hampshire youth market barrows on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The top two pigs in her class were eventually chosen as overall Grand and Reserve Champion barrows of the show. 

Volunteers needed for Fall Fest

By Kathy Thomson

The Parent Teacher Organization sponsored Fall Fest will take place at Nancy Smith Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 26, and parents of students attending Albany schools need to make sure they are signed up to work a shift at the annual fundraiser.

“The sign-up sheets are out,” said coordinator Malarie Sutton. “They are due back on Friday, Oct. 18, so please get signed up.”

Parents who haven’t already signed up or heard from someone about requirements for their child’s class should contact a room mother. 

Albany News