By Jillian Lucas Nine members from the First Baptist Church returned from their annual mission trip in Del Rio this past week. The team left June 27 and returned July 1. Albany FBC mission groups have worked with a program called River Ministry in Del Rio for many years.

By Sidney Bartee Community Vacation Bible School will begin Sunday, July 25 and end on Wednesday, July 28. Volunteers from several local churches are helping with the event, which is sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and hosted this year by First Baptist Albany.

By Sidney Bartee The deadline to sign up for the Old Jail Art Center children’s summer workshops is tomorrow, July 9, in order  to have time for materials to be mailed. This year, workshops are being held virtually for students in first through sixth grade.

By Sandy Morris The City of Albany received a sales tax allotment of $35,973.14 from the state in June. The amount is down 1.15 percent from the $36,394.22 payment received in June 2020. Payments to date for the 2021 year to the city of Albany are $230,247.46, down by 2.

By Jillian Lucas Albany cheerleaders spent three days together recently in a “home” cheer camp, with several earning All-American honors, and they are now getting ready for an upcoming event for younger girls.

Shirley Hale, age 78 of Whitney, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021. Graveside funeral services were held Wednesday, July 7, at the Albany Cemetery. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.  Shirley Jean Evans was born Dec.

Marsha Ann Ledbetter Sievers Whitehead, born in Abilene, Texas on April 26, 1948 to Oran Harrell and Nell Jean Ledbetter, passed away on June 29, 2021. Graveside services were held at the Albany Cemetery Thursday, July 1, under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

By Melinda L. Lucas Several Albany residents spoke at the Shackelford County commissioners meeting on Monday morning, June 28 concerning the smell emitted by a new rendering plant on the edge of town.

By Jillian Lucas The 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle came to a close this past weekend after its final performance of the year. Performance Recap “I thought that this year’s show was very well received,” said director Lorna Ayers.

By Melinda L. Lucas Shackelford County Hospital District board members started the process of hiring a new administrator at a meeting on Monday, June 28 after Jera Fairley opted not to sign a new contract and left the district’s employment about a month ago.