By Melinda L. Lucas

A “lock-out” at both Albany school campuses on Friday morning, Jan. 31, called by administrators because of parent concerns, lasted less than an hour, and even though local law enforcement picked up an Albany man as a result, it was not thought that students or staff were ever in any danger.

According to Shackelford County sheriff Edward Miller, Lino Martinez was taken into custody a little after 10:00 a.m. on an “emergency detention order for psychiatric services,” and was transported that afternoon to a medical facility.

By Kathy Thomson

Tomorrow, Feb. 7 the Albany Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual membership meeting at the Beehive Restaurant immediately after the 12:00 noon luncheon, and all members are encouraged to attend.

The agenda is expected to include a financial report and electing of directors.

Each year, several of the board terms come up for election on a rotating basis, and directors are chosen at the annual meeting.

By Kathy Thomson

The deadline to file for local offices on the May 2 ballot is only one week away, and as of press time on Tuesday, only seven candidates had turned in their paperwork, leaving plenty of opportunities for additional civic-minded locals to volunteer to help lead their community. 

Incumbent Lester Galbreath filed for reelection as councilman for the city of Albany this week and Ragan Riley turned in her paperwork to join the Albany city council.

Grant Head of Albany was recognized on the Dean’s Honor Roll for the fall semester by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Head is the son of Kelly and Sara Head of Albany.

By Kathy Thomson

Although the Shackelford County stock show is over, the “Majors” are just getting started, and several local youth have recently placed well with their project animals at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth and/or the San Angelo Livestock Show.

Connor Clark’s lamb was chosen as the reserve champion Texas Stars fine wool wether dam at San Angelo over the weekend.

Also placing at the Texas Stars show was Paisley Clark, who took fourth place with her Southdown wether dam.

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Fort Griffin Living History Association are hosting a Winter Encampment at Fort Griffin State Historic Site on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to come and learn more about life on the Texas frontier.

“Winter Encampment will give a unique perspective into life during the winter months on the Texas frontier,” said Fort Griffin program specialist Eric Abercrombie. “There will be numerous presenters covering a range of topics.”

By Kathy Thomson

Books, posters, and educational products for next week’s annual Scholastic Book Fair were expected to arrive at Nancy Smith Elementary School this morning and as of press time on Tuesday, volunteers were still wanted to work during a few slots during the book fair, as well as assistants for set-up and take down, according to Parent Teacher Organization president Ginny Ivy.

The Albany PTO’s traditional fundraiser is set for next week, Feb. 10-14 in the grade school cafeteria and is also available online. 

By Kathy Thomson

One Act Play (OAP) co-director Jenny Scott and 18 Albany High School students are preparing for their University Interscholastic League district competition next month.

The 2A District 8 OAP meet will be held in Stamford on Thursday, March 5.

The Albany thespians will be performing scenes from The 39 Steps adapted by Patrick Barlow from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock.

By Kathy Thomson

In response to recent inquiries by readers who were wondering if Albany currently has a food pantry, The Albany News contacted ResourceCare program assistant Ragan Riley for information about the assistance they offer.

According to Riley, the food bank at ResourceCare is open Monday through Friday, and receives part of its food from the food bank in Abilene.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 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