By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite a report late Wednesday morning about the first confirmed coronavirus case at Nancy Smith Elementary School, a spike in local occurrences during the last half of September seemed to be on a downward trend this week. No other information about the newest case was available at press time. 

According to Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton, Tuesday’s list from the Texas Department of State Health Services showed one confirmed active case and two probable active cases, with only three total in isolation.

By Lynsi Musselman

Plans for Fandangle 2021 are soon to be discussed at the upcoming annual membership meeting for the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association.

Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons said there seems to be a lot of excitement, with members ready to talk about the upcoming season after not having the 2020 show. 

The meeting will be held  at the Albany Visitors Center on  Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 p.m.

The Fandangle board of directors whose terms are up for election this year will be Cody Leech and Lanham Martin.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Processing of local tax statements is “on hold” until final information is received from Callahan County’s appraisal district office about property tax rates in the Moran ISD, according to Shackelford chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“The new truth in taxation laws have slowed the adoption of tax rates for some units,” said Snyder, “and as of Tuesday, we hadn’t gotten any information from Callahan County for Moran ISD.”

The local CAD’s original plan was to have a file delivered to the printer by Friday.

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany stock show participants have been on the road the last few weeks exhibiting in Anson, Dallas, and Waco.

The State Fair of Texas youth stock show joined the Heart O’ Texas livestock show in Waco this year as a result of the pandemic social distancing rules.

Swine

Albany senior Hannah Snyder showed at the State Fair in Dallas on Sunday, Sept. 27 and took home first place in the heavy weight Hampshire class, then went on to claim the title of Champion Hampshire.

Dear Editor:

We lost a good friend this week. Jackie Lynn Mitchell was on the Class A State Championship team that won consecutive crowns in 1960 and 1961. He went to Texas Tech with a freshman scholarship.

Nine years ago, he and his wife Carolyn (Maxwell) moved to Albany. He supported the Albany Lions as a loyal fan. We thank him for the good example he set for us as a good father, husband and friend.

The AHS Classes of 1961 and 1962

By Lynsi Musselman

The Shackelford County 4-H horse program will have its first horse clinic on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m., after rescheduling last week’s Oct. 1 clinic.

The clinic will be held at the county show barn.

Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter said the clinic will be a great overall introduction to horses.

“We will go over horse safety and provide smores for everyone during the event,” Painter explained.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Despite ongoing coronavirus restrictions, blood is still needed, and a blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, Oct. 15.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

By Lynsi Musselman

Albany High School Homecoming 2020 festivities will not be as extensive this year, but the community is gearing up to cheer for the Lions against the Ranger Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 12.

The homecoming game is planned for 7:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium, after the initial Oct. 2 date was rescheduled.

Albany Independent School District super-intendent Jonathan Scott said the homecoming festivities this year will include the game and halftime program with the homecoming court.

AHS Homecoming Royalty 

By Lynsi Musselman

The Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society will induct 17 new members this Sunday.

A recognition ceremony for the new members will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Albany High School auditorium.

Albany students and staff will enjoy a break from classes on Columbus Day, Monday Oct.  12, with a student and staff  holiday scheduled.

Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the normal 7:55 a.m. time for the start of the school day at NSES and 8:00 a.m. for the secondary campus.

The second six weeks period is already underway and ends Nov. 6.

The long weekend for the Thanksgiving holidays  will begin Nov. 25, with an early release on Nov. 24.