With June underway, the Old Jail Art Center is preparing to launch two new exhibitions that will carry visitors through the summer months.

Opening Saturday, June 7, the 2025 Summer Exhibitions feature work by Texas painter Bob Stuth-Wade and Dallas-based sculptor Saba Besier. The exhibitions will remain on display through September 6.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A case of rabies has been confirmed in Shackelford County, the first one in 2025, after a local resident was recently bitten by a pet cat that later tested positive for the virus, prompting public health warnings from local and state officials.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Registration for the 2025 ResourceCare Day Camp has officially closed, but organizers say they are in desperate need of at least 10 more female workers – high school and college age – to help staff the two-week summer program.

“We really need the help,” said programs assistant Ragan Riley. “This is a great opportunity for young people to gain experience, have fun, and make a difference in the lives of local kids.”

Over the years of being in the ministry I have had some people approach me about how to hear the Lord speak.  So in this article I want to share one of the ways that I have taught some in the body of Christ about listening for the voice of the Lord.  

First of all, John 10:27 says “the sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.”  There are some keys in this verse, and they are listening, hearing, and following. 

Penny Montgomery was spirited away by her Heavenly Father at age 96 on May 21, 2025. She was born on December 7, 1928, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Arthur and Annallee Pennington, in the home of her grandfather, Norman Hobgood. Known by her middle name, Camille, throughout her early life, she became “Penny Pennington” when she left for college—and from that point on, she began making her mark on the world.

Entries are being sought for the annual Quilt Show hosted by the Albany Study Club and will be displayed at the Whitney Theatre on Fandangle performance days.

Quilts on loan for the show should be taken to the Shackelford County Library during business hours.

The quilt show is set for June 20-21 and June 27-28. Admission is free and open to all visitors from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

Fit Life Gym in Albany has new owners. Kelli and Jesse Jennings officially purchased the business on May 1 from Lori and Spencer Balliew, who operated the gym for the past four and a half years.

Kelli Schkade Jennings, an Albany native, said she’s excited to be part of something local. “It’s nice to be involved in something in Albany, especially since this is my hometown,” she said.