After closing its doors about a year ago, a local convenience store is slated to reopen on April 8 under new ownership and management following renovations and repairs. Known for the last 24 years as Prairie Star, the business will continue to operate under the previous name and will be managed by local resident Shana Hogue, who herself has over 16 years of experience in the grocery store business.

Troy Don Shirley, 59, of Albany passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024, in anAbilene hospice facility. Memorialserviceswere held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Rehearsals for the 2024 edition of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle will start next week with a couple of changes affecting cast members.

— Warnings helped avoid wreck scene — Dear Editor: I just wanted to give a shout-out to the folks around here that were driving towards Abilene this early this morning and flashed their lights at me as I was traveling towards Albany. They were giving me a warning about the bad wreck that was ahead of me in the fog.

Plans for several events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of Shackelford County have been announced by a special Sesquicentennial CommitteeoftheChamber of Commerce. The county’s 150th birthday will be commemorated through a series of history-themed events showcasing the “rich heritage and vibrant community spirit that defines Shackelford County,” according to a announcement made by the committee.

William Beckmann, Pat Green Albany Live announced two more artists this week for their current series,includingGrammy-nominated Pat Green who will play at the Aztec on June 8. Tickets are currently on sale for the Shinyribs concert set for March 23 at theAztec and James McMurtry onApril19,withthepriceforreserved seats available at $75 and general admission set at $50.

Albany Little League will be playingonanewsurfaceduring its 2024 season. Work began this week on installing new sod and infield dirt at the Little League complex.

Albany’s participation at the Lobo Relays on Thursday, March 7 was cut short by thunderstorms at Cisco. The Lions and Lady Lions return to competition Saturday, March 16 at the Possum Kingdom Relays at Graham.

The Albany Lions baseball team had to battle the elements for the second week in a row, but managed to get in two games in the shortenedAlbany Varsity Tournament. The Lions (6-0) return to action at noon Friday at Snyder in their final outing before the start of the District 8-2A schedule.Albany opens district at 7:00 p.m.

The Albany golf team stepped into a new environment March 6 at the Millsaptournamentplayed at Lipan’s Sugar Tree. The Lions return to the links Monday-Tuesday, March 18-19.