Wilma Jo Tucker Mitchell died on Friday, June 23, 2023. Burial will be in the family plot, at the cemetery in Albany on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial reception and lunch at The Old Jail Art Center at 11:00 am. All are welcome. Services are under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.
Wilford W. Noack, long-time Abilene resident, passed away on June 25, 2023, in Horseshoe Bay, TX. He was just five weeks shy of his 95th birthday.
He was born on July 27, 1928, in Shackelford County, TX to Willie and Frieda Noack. He attended public schools in Albany TX. Wilford proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict, drafted in February 1951. He was on Active Duty until 1953 and Active Reserve until 1956.
By Donnie A. Lucas
With one of the longer list of entries in several years, the 2023 Fandangle Parade rolled through downtown Albany last Saturday before a large home crowed and several celebrity judges.
The call that went out early and often for entries this year in celebration of the Fandangle’s 85th anniversary, evidently paid off with over 50 entries.
“Local people really stepped up and increased participation this year,” co-chairman John Ayers said. “It was a great parade, and we thank everyone who turned out both with entries or as spectators.”
By Donnie A. Lucas
With two shows under their belts including one sellout, the cast and crew of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle are gearing up for the final two performances set for Friday and Saturday, June 23-24 at the Prairie Theater.
Tickets are still available for both shows of the 85th anniversary edition of the outdoor musical.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Teacher pay raises were approved for those who have “topped out” on the state salary scale during the June 19 meeting of the Albany ISD school board.
Trustees also heard about several staff candidates who had been interviewed, and even though some of those came with administrator recommendations, the board ultimately gave superintendent Jonathan Scott the authority to make final decisions about filling vacancies rather than voting individually on the applicants.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Pet owners will get a chance to show off a bit at the annual Fandangle Pet Parade Saturday, June 24 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Bank Park.
The prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Most Creative, Most Unique Pet, and Best Fandangle Costume.
Pet owners are encouraged to dress pets up in their best wild west attire.
Early registration is recommended by looking for the Google form on the Fandangle’s Facebook page. Otherwise, registration will begin at the Bank Park at 9:30 a.m. the morning of the parade.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany’s municipal swimming pool at Webb Park will be closed on Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1 due to a shortage of lifeguards, according to information from Albany City Hall.
“Because of various conflicts, we just don’t have enough workers to cover those two days,” said city secretary Kenisha Lucas. “For safety reasons, the decision was made to close the pool.”
The facility will open for normal hours of 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, then be closed as usual on Monday, July 3.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Visitors and locals alike will be able to partake of a variety of activities offered in Albany this weekend prior to the final two performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle.
Free events will be offered on Friday and Saturday including a quilt show, tracker organ concert, calliope concert, car museum, viewing the Picket House, longhorns on the Courthouse Square, exhibits and craft kits at the Old Jail Art Center, plus several other activities.
Shopping will be available at downtown stores and at a few non-food vendors will be at the Bank Park.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The registration period for the annual summer Day Camp sponsored by ResourceCare is open online through until June 30.
The program will be held on July 10-14 and July 24-28 this year for Albany area residents.
ResourceCare is also looking for additional sponsors to help meet the cost of program, which also has a June 30 deadline.
“We’re taking sponsorships through the end of next week,” Resource Care’s Mindy Ary said. “The name of all sponsors will be printed on the back of the camp t-shirts, and the printing deadline is June 30.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County Hospital District board members were in closed session for much of their three-hour meeting time on Monday, June 19 concerning an appeal by a former employee about his termination.
New board member Maggie Viertel, who was approved at the May meeting, was sworn in at the beginning of Monday’s session.
Employee Appeal
Kent Stewart, who worked for the local EMS, presented his appeal in closed session with the district’s legal counsel John Montgomery also present.
