Last week, junior journalists were given a creative challenge: write a story based on the discovery of a mysterious object in an unexpected place. The goal was to craft a compelling narrative about what the object might be, where it came from, and how people reacted to its discovery.
By Payton Crump
5th Grade
A group of Albany’s fourth and fifth graders will take the stage this week to present Big Bad, a one-act courtroom comedy that puts the Big Bad Wolf on trial. The play, directed by Cali Rose, will be performed March 7 and 8 at 6 p.m. at the high school auditorium, and admission is free.
The production is part of All the World’s a Stage, a children’s theater group that Rose continues from a program originally started by her mother, Lorna Ayers. This marks the first full play put on by the group, following a smaller drama showcase last fall.
By David H. Waller
The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse will open its production of Neil Simon’s Rumors this weekend at the Aztec Theater, marking the first time in two decades the fast-paced comedy has been performed on the local stage.
By Lynsi Musselman
Four Albany locals won second place out of 812 teams in the statewide February 2025 West Texas Big Bobcat Contest, held in San Angelo this past weekend. Ryder Wilkins, Laithe Leech, Will LeMay, and Jack Nail came home big winners after their 28.5-pound male bobcat earned them one of the top two spots with prize money of $32,380, with an additional $500 paid to Nail for the highest placing youth hunter.
Rehearsals for the 2025 Fandangle Sampler will begin on March 17, marking the start of preparations for the April 19 performance at Collins Creek Ranch, the historic site of Fort Griffin.
The Fandangle Sampler serves as a preview for Fandangle members, allowing both new and returning cast members to rehearse songs and scenes before the full-scale Fort Griffin Fandangle in June. This year’s 87th anniversary of the Fandangle will take place June 20, 21, 27, and 28 at the Prairie Theater.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Officials at Moran ISD clarified that Jason Price, who filled out paperwork for the school board before the Feb. 14 deadline, filed specifically for a two-year unexpired term rather than a full three-year term, left vacant when longtime trustee Sug Roller resigned.
The school will still conduct an election on May 3 to decide between three candidates for two seats – incumbents Alice Branham and Sam Snyder, along with Chris Leonard.
The two candidates who get the most votes will win the two at-large seats.
By Lynsi Musselman
In January of this year, the Albany News came out with a character for young readers to locate each week in the newspaper. Waylon the Pesky Cowboy, hidden in every issue, has quickly become a fan favorite with the youth in Albany. Novel idea to increase readership, especially with an audience not as familiar with the idea of holding an actual paper.
The Albany ISD school board met last week to discuss key issues, including the purchase of new buses, facility improvements, and contract extensions for district employees.
Two New Buses
Approved
One of the primary topics was the need for new school buses to replace aging vehicles. The board approved the purchase of two 72-passenger Thomas buses, priced at $140,000 each, using foundation funds. The buses are expected to arrive by mid-March, sooner than anticipated.
By Melinda L. Lucas
At Monday’s Shackelford County commissioners meeting, Shackelford County 4-H representatives reviewed a detailed proposal to enhance the Courthouse flower beds as a community service project.
After a brief introduction by 4-H advisor Kelsey Bell, Riley Reames and Kerrigan Howard took over the presentation, with multi-page handouts to explain their plans.
By Sam Waller
Shackelford County 4-H members Riley Reames and Kerrigan Howard submitted their plan for a community service project Monday, Feb. 24 to the Shackelford County Commissioners.
“Our senior officers each have a community service project they do each year,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “Our 4-H club has been approached several times about doing some work on the courthouse square, and that was something Riley wanted to take on. She’ll be heading that up, and Kerrigan is her junior partner.”
