By Melinda L. Lucas
This weekend’s Fandangle Sampler at the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering could mean a future performance in a bigger venue.
More than 40 cast members are making final preparations for a show on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, to be staged at 2:00 p.m. in the Stampede Room.
Fandangle creative director Lorna Ayers is enthusiastic about the invitation to perform at the Cowboy Gathering.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A large crowd was on hand Saturday at Nancy Smith Elementary for the annual Fall Fest, with organizers calling the event a big success.
Several changes were made this year in an attempt to draw more interest, including larger prizes that were “purchased” with points earned at the various booths. There were also changes made to the bingo and cake walk, and unlimited play wrist bands were also introduced.
Exact figures of the success of the project, which is sponsored by the Albany PTO, were not yet available.
By Melinda L. Lucas
The cultural traditions of el Día de los Muertos will be celebrated at the Old Jail Art Center for the 15th year with a free family festival for all ages, featuring an Ofrenda honoring people who have been important to the museum.
The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
“This colorful and joyous event is an opportunity for local families to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones and ancestors,” said Erin Whitmore, director of education at the Old Jail.
By Melinda L. Lucas
All parents, teachers, and administrators of Albany students are being asked to attend an important session of the Albany PTO on Monday, Nov. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.
The meeting has been set during the evening hours so that hopefully more people will be able to attend, according to local PTO officer Ragan Riley.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Nov. 3 and Friday, Nov. 4.
Moran families should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 3.
Albany families eligible for the November food distribution program can pick up their food on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the the JP office. If the Courthouse parking lot is still closed due to construction, the distribution will be beside the JP office on Walnut Street.
By Melinda L. Lucas
During Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners, elected officials eliminated an option of applying for a low-interest HVAC loan program and talked about the unsecured internet access at the county library.
Observing the session were 11 local 4-H officers, along with county extension agent Kelsey Bell.
Bell explained that the 4-Hers were attending in order to learn more about parliamentary procedure.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Only two new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, as the number of local cases continues to decline based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.
The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued on Tuesday showed two positive test results out of 12 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Oct. 17-21.
There were two positive cases out of six tests for the week of Oct. 10-14.
By Melinda L. Lucas
About 25,000 tax statements were mailed last week, as local property owners find out what they will owe in taxes for this year.
Chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (CAD) office stated that tax rates for all eight county taxing entities were entered earlier this month, and statements from the mailing service started going out Oct. 17.
Statement Details
For the eighth year, statement files were uploaded electronically to a mailing company for processing and distribution.
By Donnie A. Lucas
After a four-year absence, the “Albany Nativity” will be presented for two performances on Dec. 10 and 11.
The show depicts the birth of Christ and was written by Albany playwright Robert Nail, who also wrote and directed the Fort Griffin Fandangle.
Normally produced on even years, it has been four years since the production was presented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Donnie A. Lucas
For the second year in a row, the Albany Ragin’ Red Band will compete in the Area UIL Marching Contest on Saturday after earning a trio of Division I ratings on Oct. 17 at the regional contest.
The band will get a send-off at 4:45 p.m. Friday on their way to perform at the Albany vs. Hamlin football game in Hamlin.
Band members will present their contest show at 6:45 p.m. as a pre-game performance.
