By Donnie A. Lucas

Nancy Smith Elementary students will once again observe National Read Across America Day on Thursday with special activities scheduled for all age groups.

The day set aside to celebrate reading on a national level is March 2, held annually in conjunction with the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss. The event is sponsored by the National Education Association.

Locally, community members are brought in to read to various grade levels.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A good-sized group of seasoned and new performers showed up at the first practice for the 2023 version of the Fort Griffin Fandangle on Monday, but director Lorna Ayers says there is still a need for more community members to attend.

The second general rehearsal for the Sampler of the summer show is set for Monday, March 6 at the Aztec Theater.

“The first rehearsal went really well, with a really good turnout,” Ayers said. “But we still need more people, and everyone is welcome.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two artists will be featured in the Old Jail Art Center’s new spring exhibitions, which open this weekend with a members’ preview and reception on Saturday.

The exhibitions include “Dreams of You” by Los Angeles-based, artist Luke Harnden and “Company Retreat” by Keer Tanchak of Dallas.

Both of the artists were in Albany during the past week installing their works, Tanchak’s as part of the ongoing Cell Series.

By Melinda L. Lucas

As Shackelford County begins to throw off the blankets and move from winter into spring, preparations are being made for severe weather that often accompanies warmer temperatures.

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School will practice their severe weather preparedness this week, according the NSES principal John Gallaher.

“We will complete our tornado and additional weather-related school safety drills this week,” he said on Tuesday.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the March distribution of the commodities will be Thursday, March 2 in Moran and Friday, March 3 in Albany.

Distribution will be at Moran City Hall on Thursday and at the rear door of the JP office on Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m. on both days.

Judge James Breeden said families who have not returned applications for the 2023 program must turn in paperwork before they receive commodities.

“They can bring the application with them and turn it in or fill one out on site, but we have to have one,” said Breeden.

By Melinda L. Lucas

As expected, tax collections for local entities were down considerably as of the Jan. 31 deadline for 2022 taxes, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office.

Even counting the eligible payments coming in for the first couple of weeks in February, the collection rate for all six entities was 81.48 percent, compared with over 90 percent for most years at the same time.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The camera system approved two weeks ago by the Shackelford County commissioners for the Law Enforcement Center has been installed, it was reported Monday at the most recent meeting.

County judge John Viertel said that since the last session, Big Country Surveillance of Hawley had gotten the system operational in the juvenile interview room, where a camera is now required by the state, as well as in the room where DWIs are processed.

The quote for a little under $3,500 is expected to be the final price, Viertel said.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Little Dribblers basketball league completed its third week of play Feb. 24, with eight games. Results follow:

Boys Gray 18, Black 10

Scoring for Gray – Wyatt Brown 14, Oakan Hawkins 2, Kurt Straus 2.

Scoring for Black – Ryder Anderson 7, Grayson Tidwell 2, Barrett Milligan 1.

Boys Red 14, Black 9

Scoring for Red – John Mark Johnson 6, Finn Viertel 2, Josh Knight 2, Tanner Swert 2, Sutton Shoaf 2.

By Sam Waller

Members of Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church will hold a fish fry fundraiser Friday, March 3 at the Albany Youth Center.

Organizer Jeff Bezner said food will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m. and continue until either suplies or demand runs out.

Donations will be accepted in lieu of a set price.

“We do have a suggested price of about $10,” Bezner said.

Service is takeout only. The menu will include fish and sides such as beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and hush puppies. Dessert, mainly cookies or brownies, is also available.

By Sam Waller

For Moran’s Samantha Hinkle, being a good citizen is an outgrowth of being a good Christian.

Hinkle, along with Albany’s Presley Green, received the Good Citizen award last month from the Lee’s Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Hinkle has served as a counselor at church camp and was named a youth leader in her church.

“I get to help grow and create young Christians in this day and age, and just overall mentor them into being good people in our society,” Hinkle wrote in her DAR application.