Max Balliew earns honors at Tarleton

Max Balliew of Albany was named on Tarleton State University’s Scholastic Honors Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester.

Max, the son of Tim and Candy Balliew, is majoring in Biomedical Science and should graduate May of 2023. He plans to go to Physicians Assistant school after he gets his bachelor’s degree. Currently, he is a student instructor for the statistics program at Tarleton.

Albany News

County camper tells about Brigades

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was written by Shackelford County resident Faith Fry, who attended a Texas Brigade camp last summer.]

By Faith Fry

Education is what sets apart the leaders from the followers. A good leader is confident with what they have been taught and about what they have learned, which makes them more willing to teach others what they know.

Albany News

4-Hers place at Food Challenge

By Sam Waller

Seven teams of Shackelford County 4-Hers brought home ribbons from the District 7 Food Challenge held Wednesday, Jan. 26, in San Angelo.

“That contest is really difficult,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “The kids have to learn some serious nutrition information.”

The event was held in conjunction with the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, so each team placed twice.

Bell said one factor is the 4-Hers must be able to prepare a wide variety of dishes at the district level.

FCA draws 127 girls for weekend

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions girls camp drew 127 campers from eighth grade through high school for last weekend’s gathering at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

FCA organizer Paul Johnston of Albany said the group, which included 14 from Albany and four from Moran, represented 28 FCA chapters.

“We had kids from as far east as Van, which is four hours east of here,” Johnston said. “We had seven from Benjamin, which was was the farthest north.”

Albany News

Blood drive slated at school

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany student council is sponsoring a second blood donation drive on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the high school. Students and community members are urged to participate by signing up for appointments at the high school office.

The drive will be held from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. in front of the gym.

A check-in table will be set up in the gym foyer.

Students as young as 16 years old can donate if they have a permission form completed by a parent. Older students can sign up on their own.

Albany News

Cub Scouts race at annual Pinewood Derby

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Albany Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby was held Monday at the Scout Hut, with Jonathan Key taking the overall winner’s spot.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack and Den Leader Dan Key organized the event, along with the assistance of committee chair Teri Lucas.

“All the kids did a great job building their cars,” Shack said. “After the official races, we all had some fun with the adults racing each other, and the Scouts got to challenge an adult to a race.”

Vaping program rescheduled Monday

By Donnie A. Lucas

A presentation for students, parents, and the public on the dangers  of  using vaping products and synthetic drugs is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7, according to AHS principal Glen Hill.

The program will be presented to students during an 11:00 a.m. assembly, with a second presentation at 5:30 p.m. for the public and surrounding schools.

Albany News

Neve places in 2 national shows

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA member Kenzie Neve ended 2021 and got the 2022 stock show season off to a strong start with her placings at two major national shows.

Neve closed out 2021 by finishing second in Class 1 All Other Cross Steers at the Arizona National Livestock Show held Dec. 27-31 in Phoenix. She also won Champion Intermediate Cattle Showman at the Arizona show.

County officers study bridge repair

By Melinda L. Lucas

TxDOT bridge engineer Tracy Jones helped Shackelford County commissioners get closer to resolving  the repair of the Caldwell Lane Bridge on CR 179 when he met with them in a special session that included a “field trip” last Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Two different contractors have been hired over the last two years to get the bridge open to traffic again, but neither completed the contract.

Jones reviewed two options, one using concrete and the other utilizing rocks in gabions (wire baskets) to stabilize the structure.

Albany News

Annual dog trials hosted by county ranch

By Donnie A. Lucas

The seventh annual Region 7 American Field Trial Club’s Amateur All Age Championship was held Jan. 28-29 at the Crooked Tree Ranch outside of Albany.

Following the championship, the M.G. Perkins All Age Derby Classic followed with nine dogs entered.

The event serves as a qualifying trial for the ­AFTCA National Amateur Invitational Championship, drawing trainers, owners, and dogs from across the state and beyond.