By Melinda L. LucasDue to the Good Friday holiday on April 7, the April distribution pickup dates for the commodity food program have been pushed back one week.Pickup dates are scheduled for Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches are preparing for a busy Easster  week with services and special events planned.Easter Sunday falls on April 9 this year.Trinity LutheranTrinity Lutheran Church has a full slate of services starting with Maundy Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6.

By Sam WallerGuy Caldwell made his living as a rancher, but serving his alma mater – Hardin-Simmons – was a key part of his life.The former Albany resident, who died in 1987, was remembered by the institution earlier this month with induction into HSU’s Hall of Leaders.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H’s senior horse judging team qualified for state competition Friday, March 24 at the District 7 contest in San Angelo.The team of Faith Fry, Madailein Beard, Riley Reames, and Paisley Clark will compete at the State 4-H Roundup in June at College Station.

By Sam WallerDeadline for exhibitors from the 2023 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show to have thank you notes to buyers written and ready to mail is Saturday, April 1.Show participants must place their finished notes in a stamped, addressed envelope ready for mailing.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the annual Membership Sampler just two weeks away, rehearsals are well underway at the Prairie Theater to prepare the preview of the summer show in June.

By Melinda L. LucasA total of 34 teams were entered in AZE’s third annual Scholarship Cornhole Tournament last Saturday, with cash prizes handed out to the top three two-person teams in three different divisions.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions and Lady Lions track and field teams hosted the Roaring Lion Relays on Thursday, March 23, in one of their final meets before district competition.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions split a pair of District 8-2A softball games last week as the district schedule neared the midway point.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions bounced back from a loss in their District 8-2A baseball opener to even their league record last week.The Lions (10-2 overall, 2-1 district) then hosted Haskell on Tuesday, March 28, winning 15-0. Details will be reported next week.