By Sandy Morris

The deadline for writing thank you notes to buyers from the county stock show is Friday, March 26. 

Show participants will need to write their notes and place them in stamped, addressed envelopes so they are ready to mail.  

Notes will need to be verified by bringing them to Albany FFA sponsor and ag instructor Chris Beard who will then mail them. 

Stock show participants are reminded that they must send a thank you note before they will receive their checks.

By Sandy Morris

As Shackelford County begins to throw off the blankets and move from winter into spring, preparations are being made for severe weather that often accompanies warmer temperatures. 

School Drill

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School will practice their severe weather preparedness next week.

According to NSES principal John Gallagher, a tornado drill will be held on campus during the day on Tuesday, March 9.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, March 10, 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

By Sandy Morris

The March distribution pickup dates for the commodity food program will be Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 4. 

Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the February food distribution program may pick up their food on Friday, March 5, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office. 

By Sandy Morris

The Whitney Theater was the site of the Albany Chamber’s Hereford Ball on Saturday, Feb. 27, 100 years after the original ball in 1921.

Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones said she and other organizers enjoyed having such a diverse group of people together for the evening.

“It was fabulous seeing all the past, present, and future residents and Shackelford County supporters join together to celebrate our heritage,” said Jones.

By Melinda L. Lucas

At this time last year, the ­COVID-19 crisis just was beginning to affect Texas, and local school teachers were preparing to teach remotely for “a couple of weeks,” never dreaming that they would not see their students in person for the rest of the school year.

County restaurants, salons, and other businesses shut down as well, and when they reopened after a few months, there were state mandated restrictions and limitations.

Gerald Dean Braddy passed peacefully on Feb. 20, 2021. A viewing and celebration of his life was held at the First Christian Church of Albany, Tx on Mar. 1. Graveside services followed under the direction of Girdner Funeral Home of Abilene, Tx. 

Gerald was born Feb. 16, 1946 to Berlin Louis and Mary “Pace” Braddy in Albany, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 54 years, Patsy Lynn Braddy.