By Sam Waller

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s 37th annual Polo on the Prairie enjoyed a nearly flawless day Saturday, April 29, raising more than $1 million for cancer research.

The event drew more than 1,300 attendees to the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch.

“Everything worked beautifully together,” Melinda Musselman said. “We had the weather on our side, which is always the hardest thing to deal with. The weather was beautiful so games could be played outside and enjoyed by everybody.”

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H is winding down its year with the final meetings scheduled for Sunday, May 21, but summer programs will be starting soon.

The Horse Club and Sewing Club will meet together at 3:00 p.m. at The Feed Store to make tailbags for horses.

That will be followed at 4:00 p.m. by the regular club meeting, during which officer elections will be held for next year.

“That will wrap up our year, but we do have summer activities on the agenda,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.

We would like to say thank you for all the calls, cards, and texts. The overwhelming support from the community is appreciated.

From the family of Justin Rodriguez (JRod)

James Rodriguez

Heidee & Stan Lail

Brenda Kidd

By Sam Waller

The first Shackelford County Horse Show under the auspices of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association drew 15 participants to Fikes Arena Saturday, May 6.

“It went well,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “I think every kid came away with at least one placing. We gave cash for first through sixth places.”

In the Stock Horse Division, Gage Burton claimed the high point award with Cameron Burton taking reserve honors.

In the English Division, Baigh Bell was high point with Cameron Burton taking reserve.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will host its annual Bible Presentation for members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the church.

A Coke float reception will follow the service.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels and The Local Exchange will both be open Saturday, May 13.

Director Lori Reames said The Local Exchange, located at 609 Railroad St. next to the fire station, will be open 9:00-11:00 a.m., with Closet Angels operating under its usual “second Saturday” hours of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Local Exchange will also be open from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 14 for shopping or receiving.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store is taking another shot at playing its Powder Puff  flag football game at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The event was postponed from Sunday, May 7, after rain left the field unplayable.

“I’ll never complain about rain,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said, “I know we’ve got rain in the forecast for the next several days, but I do hope we can get the game in.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany school bands will present a spring concert on Thursday, May 18 in the high school auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the sixth grade band.

The fifth grade band will take the stage at 6:45 p.m., followed by the seventh grade and the high school band at 7:30 p.m.

The concerts will mark the end of the band performances for the school year. The public is invited to attend, and no admission will be charged.

Band director William Vaughan said he will present awards to outstanding musicians in each group.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Over 140 students will be recognized for academic achievement during the Albany Junior/Senior High School Academic Banquet on Monday, May 15 in the main gym starting at 7:00 p.m.

The annual event is sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store and the AJSHS Academic Booster Club, with the Feed Store’s executive director Tisha Wilkins taking the lead to organize the event.

About 350 students and parents are expected to attend, with almost 60 students being recognized in at least two areas, and 20 in three or more.

By Donnie A. Lucas

It truly was a “Night to Remember” for Albany High School juniors and seniors along with their guests at the 2023 Prom held Saturday night at the Whitney Theatre.

Attendees were hit with rain and even dodged small hail as they arrived for the festivities, and again had to contend with the elements while leaving.

Seniors London Fuentes and Presley Green were named Prom King and Queen, selected from a list of four senior nominees for each post. Only members of the junior and senior classes were eligible to vote for the honors.