FCA draws 127 girls for weekend

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions girls camp drew 127 campers from eighth grade through high school for last weekend’s gathering at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

FCA organizer Paul Johnston of Albany said the group, which included 14 from Albany and four from Moran, represented 28 FCA chapters.

“We had kids from as far east as Van, which is four hours east of here,” Johnston said. “We had seven from Benjamin, which was was the farthest north.”

Albany News

4-Hers place at Food Challenge

By Sam Waller

Seven teams of Shackelford County 4-Hers brought home ribbons from the District 7 Food Challenge held Wednesday, Jan. 26, in San Angelo.

“That contest is really difficult,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “The kids have to learn some serious nutrition information.”

The event was held in conjunction with the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, so each team placed twice.

Bell said one factor is the 4-Hers must be able to prepare a wide variety of dishes at the district level.

County camper tells about Brigades

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was written by Shackelford County resident Faith Fry, who attended a Texas Brigade camp last summer.]

By Faith Fry

Education is what sets apart the leaders from the followers. A good leader is confident with what they have been taught and about what they have learned, which makes them more willing to teach others what they know.

Albany News

Max Balliew earns honors at Tarleton

Max Balliew of Albany was named on Tarleton State University’s Scholastic Honors Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester.

Max, the son of Tim and Candy Balliew, is majoring in Biomedical Science and should graduate May of 2023. He plans to go to Physicians Assistant school after he gets his bachelor’s degree. Currently, he is a student instructor for the statistics program at Tarleton.

Albany News

FFA meat judging team competes

By Sam Waller

The Moran FFA meat judging team finished 36th last week at the Fort Worth stock show in its first competition of the year.

Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said the six-person team placed solidly in the middle of the field of about 60 entries.

“For their first contest of the year, I feel good about it,” Denson said.

The team consists of Alayna Baker, Cotten Campbell, Allen Hebel, Ellis Hise, Johnnie Hise, and Hannah Rogers.

Baseball registration continues

By Sam Waller

Registration is winding down for the upcoming youth baseball season with information available at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Albany Little League organizer Paul Hamilton said the program is shifting to online registration this year, but information on how to register is available through the school.

Registration deadline for Little League Majors and Minors, Intermediate, and Junior leagues is Feb. 11.

Competition is also offered in T-Ball and Coach Pitch age groups.

Albany News

Numbers move in positive direction

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive ­COVID-19 test results dropped significantly last week to 68 positive cases based on tests administered at the three local testing sites.

A total of 110 tests were given for the week of Jan. 17-21, according to the weekly report issued by county judge Bob Skelton.

The number of new cases reached a one-week high the prior week with 116 positive results out of the 235 tests administered Jan. 10-14.

Albany News

Stock show donations expected to be on par with last year’s totals

By Sam Waller

The 2022 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association’s county livestock show, which was dedicated to the memory of Monte Lewis, wrapped up Saturday, Jan. 22, with a premium sale for show participants.

A total of 236 animal projects were exhibited by 130 Shackelford County 4-Hers and FFA students from Albany and Moran. The numbers were very close to last year’s 240 projects and 132 exhibitors.

Albany Live concert to feature Chris Knight

By Donnie A. Lucas

Tickets are still available for the upcoming Chris Knight concert set for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Aztec Theater.

The performance is sponsored by Albany Live, a nonprofit organized last fall to bring live musical events to Albany. Knight’s show is the second in an ongoing singer/songwriter series that will continue monthly through July.

“There are still a little over 100 seats remaining for the Chris Knight concert,” said Trey Davis, a committee member handling band relations and ticket sales for this performance.

Property taxes due Monday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Taxes assessed during 2021 are officially due next week, on Monday, Jan. 31.

Payments made in person at 132 Hill St. will be accepted through the end of that work day, as will mailed payments postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2022.

Online payments at www.shackelfordcad.com can be made any time before midnight on Jan. 31.

Anything in the drop box by the start of business of Tuesday, Feb. 1 will not be considered delinquent.

Albany News