By Melinda L. Lucas

A meeting about next year’s dual credit offerings at Albany High School, originally planned for this Friday, June 3, has been postponed because of the regional final baseball game scheduled for that day in Snyder.

Local counselor Jenny Scott, who will present the options to students and parents along with fellow counselor Michaela Bradford, said Tuesday that they will reschedule the meeting in the near future.

AHS currently partners with Cisco College to provide opportunities to concurrently earn academic credit in high school and college.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Although the regular school year ended last week, some Albany ISD students will be returning for three weeks of summer school starting Monday, June 6.

Summer school classes will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Monday through Friday, ending on Friday, June 24. Both campuses will follow the same schedule.

Parents of students who are required to attend should have been notified already, according to school officials. However, anyone who has questions can contact either the elementary or secondary offices for assistance.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Fort Griffin Fandangle parade is just over two weeks away, and organizers are looking for both sponsors and entries.

This year’s parade is scheduled to roll down Main Street at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Groups, families, and individuals, as well as sponsors, are urged to sign up by filling out an entry form at the Fandangle office located in the depot building.

By Donnie A. Lucas

After graduating last Friday night, members of the Albany High School Class of 2022 celebrated at the annual Project Graduation event that started and ended at The Feed Store.

According to organizer Kenzie Fairchild, 31 of the 34 seniors took part in the all-night party that featured activities, food, and prizes all donated by local businesses and individuals.

“It all went well,” Fairchild said. “I think the kids really had fun and were able to get some nice gifts and prizes.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The opening sound of the bugle call marking the first of four performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is just over two weeks away, with ticket sales and rehearsals now in full swing.

Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons said that ticket sales for May are up from a year ago.

“We still have seats tfor each of the four performances, but anyone planning to attend should get tickets as soon as possible,” she said.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Dallas artist Colette Cope­land was busy this week putting together a multi-faceted installation in the upstairs galleries of the Old Jail Art Center, joining the staff of the local museum as they prepare for this weekend’s opening of three summer exhibitions.

The opening will start with a members’ viewing and dinner reception on Saturday, June 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 tests increased to nine last week, more than doubling the number of cases reported by the two local health clinics the previous week.

County Judge Bob Skelton reported Tuesday that nine positive results out of 16 tests administered were reported to him for the week of May 23-27, an increase over the prior week when four positives were recorded and 12 tests given.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour will start Tuesday, June 7, and run every Tuesday morning through the end of the month.

Organizer Janna Ledbetter said the program, geared toward preschool and early elementary children, will have a theme of service to the community. Every week, a different speaker from the community, such as a police officer or fireman, will present a program for the children.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local property owners are currently receiving new property value notifications for the year, and some may well be suffering some sticker shock.

In general, Shackelford County property owners, including homeowners, can expect up to a 20 percent increase in values when the notices arrive.

However, chief appraiser Clayton Snyder says that there are a couple of built-in safeguards that will help lessen the blow to taxpayers.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Dozens of local scholarships were presented to members of the Albany High School Class of 2022 during commencement exercises held in the Albany High School gymnasium before a large crowd of friends and relatives last Friday, May 27.

There were well over 100 separate awards for the class of 34, with some scholarships split among more than one recipient, amounting to more than $120,000.

The awards were given by about 40 local churches, clubs, organizations, foundations and individuals.