By Sam WallerRehearsals for next month’s Fandangle Sampler at Reynolds Bend have begun with director Lorna Ayers stressing the importance of attendance.“We don’t have a lot of rehearsal time, so make sure to come to all of the rehearsals,” Ayers said.The first rehearsal was held Tuesday, March 8.

By Donnie A. LucasAbout 30 members of the Albany High School Band traveled to West Cliff, Colorado last week to help prepare for the upcoming concert contest and to have some fun.

By Sam WallerCloset Angels will be closed over spring break, as it typically follows the school closure schedule, but the facility will also be closed on Saturday, March 12, according to director Lori Reames.

By Sam WallerThe Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions boys camp drew 94 campers from eighth grade through high school for the Feb. 18-20 gathering at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment, including some from Albany.

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said eight or nine teams are expected to participate in a fundraising volleyball tournament this weekend.The double-elimination tournament will be held Saturday, March 12, at the Albany High School gym, starting at 9:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasRepresentatives of local organizations and boards that award scholarships to Albany High School graduates are asked to contact Ann Riley at the AHS office by Monday, March 21 if at all possible.

By Donnie A. LucasSeveral members of the newly reinstated Albany FCCLA Chapter competed at the Regional Leadership Conference in Waco last week, with all 10 high school and junior high students who attended earning one of the top three places to advance to the state conference in April.

By Melinda L. LucasA 4.5-hour meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on March 1 was conducted mostly in closed session, but there were a few action items during the evening.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany city manager Billy Holson reported last week that city employees, along with workers contracted from Raydon Construction, had located the source of a major leak at the municipal water plant after a search that lasted several days.

By Donnie A. LucasA morning house fire on Kenshalo Street in northeast Albany last Friday completely destroyed the home of a local family and took most of their possessions.The fire started in the attic and was reported about 9:00 a.m.