By Melinda L. Lucas
Both Albany competitors at the State UIL Academic Meet came home with medals last Friday in journalism events.
This was the first time since May of 2019 that the state meet was held in person at Austin. In 2020, the meet was cancelled altogether due to the shuttering of schools at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 contest was held remotely due to the virus.
By Donnie A. Lucas
One incumbent and three other candidates from a field of seven were elected to the Shackelford County Hospital Board, along with two statewide constitutional amendments were approved by voters.
Only 202 ballots were cast in the hospital board election, representing about nine percent of the county’s 2,266 registered voters.
By Melinda L. Lucas
The spring health fair hosted by Shackelford County ResourceCare returns to the Albany Bank Park on Friday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. after missing last year due to COVID concerns.
The event, for which this is the 18th year, is often held on the Friday closest to Cinco de Mayo, but because of numerous conflicts with school and other events, including test preparations, it was moved to this coming Friday morning.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Albany school board accepted five resignations and hired one teacher at their May 9 meeting.
The resignations of four teachers and one staff person were accepted “with regrets” on a motion by Joe Tidwell.
Teachers resigning included Kevin Hill, Andre Raymond, Lauren Peacock, and Robbin Westmoreland. Staff member Shelia Hogan’s resignation was also included.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are underway, with various scene practices set for Sunday through Thursday nights until opening night June 17.
“We had a good response at rehearsals last week, but there is still time for people to join us if they don’t wait too long,” artistic director Lorna Ayers said. “There were a ton of kids on Sunday night for the Indian Prairie and square dancing.”
Ayers stressed that all children in the show must be registered in advance using a form at fortgriffin fandangle.org.
By Melinda L. Lucas
The staff of The Lions Roar, the student newspaper for Albany High School, earned a 17th consecutive Star Award along with a Tops in Texas and almost 50 individual honors announced by the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) last weekend.
The annual state-level journalism convention was held in Austin for the first time in two years, although judging was held and awards issued in both 2020 and 2021 despite the pandemic.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Academic achievement will be recognized during the Albany Junior and Senior High School Academic Banquet on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.
The annual event is sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store, and the Academic Booster Club.
The theme for the event is “Education is the Most Powerful Weapon to Change the World,” according to organizer Tisha Wilkins.
Ticket sales ended Tuesday for the event, with recognized students being provided a free ticket. All other tickets were $15 each.
By Sam Waller
The Calling – Come & See Revival will offer three nights of worship for all faiths this weekend at Moran City Park.
The revival, hosted by First Baptist Church of Moran, is a cooperative effort with Albany Methodist Church.
Services will start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 14-16.
The Calling is for those who have never known God, those who have strayed away, or those who have a close walk with God every day – in other words for everyone – and can recharge one’s faith, according to Dora Leonard of FBC Moran.
By Sam Waller
Capt. Kurtis Bueltmann, chaplain at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, will serve as a guest speaker Sunday, May 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Bueltmann, an ordained Lutheran minister, has been involved in the ministry for more than 30 years. He was recently posted to Dyess.
“I asked Kurtis to preach on the theology of what he does as a chaplain,” Trinity Lutheran pastor Tom Chandler said. “We’re looking to hearing what he has to say, and we invite everyone in the community.”
Services start at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Callahan-Shackelford County Farm Bureau, in partnership with Texas Farm Bureau, presented $500 donations to all Volunteer Fire Departments in both counties.
“The public service provided by the fire departments is vital to all citizens and property owners, and during the recent devastating fires in Eastland County, area VFDs provided very important support,” said local board member Ace Reames. “Cal-Shack Farm Bureau is pleased to show appreciation for all they do.”
