By Melinda L. Lucas

TxDOT has announced that a bridge across Hwy.  576 between Moran and Hwy. 283 that leads to Baird will be closed and rebuilt starting later this year.

“The letter from TxDOT says that they will let the bids for the Deep Creek bridge in September 2023, and it will take about a year to construct,” said Pct. 3 commissioner Lanham Martin during Monday’s meeting of county officials.

He added that the bridge replacement is needed, but would prove to be an inconvenience for quite a few county residents.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Thunderstorms during the past week unleashed destructive hail across Shackelford County on May 3 and dropped a little more on May 6, but also brought more than two inches of welcome moisture to the area.

There is more rain in Albany’s future, with the National Weather Service predicting precipitation percentages as high as 90 percent over the weekend and lasting through Monday night. Shackelford County could see as much as five to six inches of rain and possibly more severe weather before the event is over.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are underway, with various scene practices being held on Sunday through Thursday evenings at the Prairie Theater.

The dates for the 85th anniversary shows are June 16-17 and June 23-24.

By Sam Waller

The city of Albany made a favorable impression on those taking part in the 34th leg of the Old Glory Relay when it passed through town on Thursday, May 4.

The Old Glory Relay is a coast-to-coast trip with military veterans carrying a U.S. flag. The 34th of 50 legs covered 130 miles from Abilene to Weatherford. The relay will conclude May 20 in Atlanta, Georgia.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Names of veterans who are deceased are being sought to add to the veterans memorial markers located on the Shackelford County Courthouse square.

Anyone who has family or friends who were veterans and who have now passed on should contact Mary Kay O’Connor as soon as possible. O’Connor said she has heard from only one family about adding a name, and she is hoping that more will come in quickly so they can be added prior to Memorial Day on May 29.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County cattle producers have the opportunity to take part in a range management program being offered by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

The program, which offers three continuing education units, will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at Abilene Christian University’s Rhoden Field Labratory near Hamby.

“People should contact the Taylor County extension office at 325-672-6048 if they need directions to the ACU ag farm,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “It is in Shackelford County, but just barely.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany High School students will be among the best in the state next week in the UIL Academic Meet at the University of Texas in Austin.

Junior Sidney Russell and sophomore Avery Everitt will both compete in the feature writing contest at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17.

The awards ceremony is at 7:00 p.m. that night.

Russell won second in feature writing at the Region II Academic Meet last month, while Everitt placed third.

The top three places in each event at the regional contest advance to the state meet.

By Donnie A. Lucas

It truly was a “Night to Remember” for Albany High School juniors and seniors along with their guests at the 2023 Prom held Saturday night at the Whitney Theatre.

Attendees were hit with rain and even dodged small hail as they arrived for the festivities, and again had to contend with the elements while leaving.

Seniors London Fuentes and Presley Green were named Prom King and Queen, selected from a list of four senior nominees for each post. Only members of the junior and senior classes were eligible to vote for the honors.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Over 140 students will be recognized for academic achievement during the Albany Junior/Senior High School Academic Banquet on Monday, May 15 in the main gym starting at 7:00 p.m.

The annual event is sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store and the AJSHS Academic Booster Club, with the Feed Store’s executive director Tisha Wilkins taking the lead to organize the event.

About 350 students and parents are expected to attend, with almost 60 students being recognized in at least two areas, and 20 in three or more.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany school bands will present a spring concert on Thursday, May 18 in the high school auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the sixth grade band.

The fifth grade band will take the stage at 6:45 p.m., followed by the seventh grade and the high school band at 7:30 p.m.

The concerts will mark the end of the band performances for the school year. The public is invited to attend, and no admission will be charged.

Band director William Vaughan said he will present awards to outstanding musicians in each group.