By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High tennis team got its first taste of outside competition Wednesday, April 20, with more than 30 players competing against opponents from Winters at the Albany courts.

“The junior high tennis season is very short,” coach M.J. Reneau said. “It’s about  getting racquets in their hands, learning some rules, getting on the court, and just trying to get them some experience to see if this is something they’d like to do in high school.”

By Sam Waller

Moran’s freshman and junior students participated in an aquatic biology field day earlier at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Moran science teacher Matthew Hise said the program provided a general overview of different kinds of environments. The freshman students are taking biology, with the juniors involved in an aquatic science class.

“We  don’t have aquifer water in our area,” Hise said. “It was an experience to see aquatic organisms that are totally different from what we have in our area.”

Sandra Janette Warren, 77, of Gorman, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, Apr. 18, 2022, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Wichita Falls, Texas, after a long and hard-fought illness.

Sandy was born in Gorman on July 17, 1944 to Frank and Clara Midkiff of Moran, Texas. Sandy attended all 12 years of school at Moran where she made lifelong friends.

William “Bill” Edward Booker, respected and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend died on April 18, 2022. He was surrounded by family at his home.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Local paramedic Mateo Millan was offered and accepted the position of EMS director after members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors met in closed session for about 30 minutes Monday night, April 18.

Mike Folsom made the motion to employ Millan as permanent director, seconded by Janna Ledbetter. The four directors present were all in favor of the motion. John Peterson had been in the closed session, but had to leave for another engagement before the vote was taken.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Thanks in part to perfect spring weather, spectators and vintage car and truck owners came out in droves to downtown Albany last Saturday for the 15th annual Albany Classic Car Show.

Organizer Robert Snyder reported that 90 vehicles were entered in the show, up considerably over the numbers from the last couple of years that were held down by COVID-19 and the weather.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Thanks in part to perfect spring weather, spectators and vintage car and truck owners came out in droves to downtown Albany last Saturday for the 15th annual Albany Classic Car Show.

Organizer Robert Snyder reported that 90 vehicles were entered in the show, up considerably over the numbers from the last couple of years that were held down by COVID-19 and the weather.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After meeting in closed session, Albany ISD trustees hired a new IT director and renewed all staff contracts at the end of the regular meeting on Monday, April 18.

Matthew Howard was hired on a 6-0 vote to fill the vacancy left when Dan Key resigned several weeks ago as the district’s technology director. He was the top finalist of the 10 applicants and is expected to start full-time in June.

Howard has been IT director for Winters ISD since 2018.

Contract Renewals

By Melinda L. Lucas

Anyone who would like to add a veteran’s name to the Shackelford County veterans memorial marker is asked to contact Mary Kay O’Connor at 325-660-2498 by Monday, May 5.

O’Connor hopes to have any new names engraved on the marker in time for Memorial Day on May 30.

Proof of military service is required.

The cost of engraving each name is currently $95, but there may be funding available if money is preventing someone from adding a name to the marker, according to O’Connor.

By Donnie A. Lucas

In-person early voting for the May 7 constitutional amendment election and the Shackelford County Hospital District trustee election begins on Monday, April 25.

Next Tuesday, April 26, is also the deadline for requests for mail ballots to be received in the clerk’s office.

In-person early voting will continue through Tuesday, May 3 at the county courthouse.

Applications to request a ballot by mail can be found on the Shackelford County website at www.shackelfordcounty.org.