By Donnie A. Lucas
The 16th annual Albany Classic Car Show is revved up and ready to go in downtown Albany on Saturday, April 15, with the public urged to come see dozens of vintage cars and trucks from around the Big Country.
Organizer Robert Snyder said activities will actually begin on Friday, April 14, starting with a hamburger supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the car museum on Main Street.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Mary Quintero, former supervisor of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s ambulance service, appeared before District Judge Brooks Hagler last Thursday, April 6 and pled guilty to a two-year-old charge of theft of a controlled substance.
Quintero, who lives in Stephens County, and her attorney David Wimberly waived the right to a jury trial, opting instead to accept the judge’s ruling.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An Albany blood drive is set for tomorrow, April 14.
Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., but local donors are reminded to note that the drives will be held on Fridays this year rather than Thursdays.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An estimate of $275.725 for a new ambulance to replace a 2009 unit that has “become a liability” was reported during Monday’s session of the Shackelford County Hospital District directors.
Chad Havens of the EMS, who has been researching options and obtaining bids for the vehicle, recommended a 2024 Chevrolet. Any of the vehicles will take roughly a year to complete.
The item was tabled until the May meeting in order to research grants to help with the purchase.
Other Business
By Sam Waller
Albany’s Prairie Star Deli & Grill will be closed for at least two weeks to undergo remodeling following the sale of the business.
Eddie Edington, who co-owned the business with his wife, Deneen, and sister, Treca Edington, sold the local convenience store and lunch spot to AllStar Fuel of Plainview with the change of ownership taking place this month.
While the store is closed, the gas pumps will remain open. All transactions must be by card at the pump.
By Melinda L. Lucas
New Albany Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joel Viertel gave a report to Albany city council members during their regular April meeting on Monday night, stating that he and Captain Travis Gardenhire plan to fly to Oregon later this month to finalize the $220,000 purchase of a 2022 Dodge diesel 5500, which will serve as both a “rescue truck” and a “brush/utility truck.”
The vehicle is being paid for with $175,000 from an anonymous donor, added to $45,000 from the fire department’s “restricted account,” which is regulated by the city council.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners worked through a fairly routine agenda when they met on Monday, April 10, adjourning after only about 30 minutes.
County judge John Viertel stated that there had still been no response from WesTex Connect concerning a new lease to continue renting space on the county-owned tower.
Precinct 4 commissioner Cody Jordan reported that he had turned in an insurance claim for a truck with a bent frame.
In other business, there was no action on the county-wide burn ban, leaving it inactive for the time being.
By Sam Waller
Project Graduation is selling raffle tickets for a PS5 gaming system to raise funds for the Class of 2023 graduation party.
Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20, with the drawing to be held May 8.
To purchase tickets, contact Project Graduation organizer Amanda Tabor at 325-762-0320.
The 33 members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will hold commencement ceremonies Friday, May 26. The graduation party will follow.
By Sam Waller
Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will hold a fundraising concert and auction Sunday, April 16 in support of its youth mission trip this summer to Belize.
Tickets for the Christian concert by The Well and E-Grace are $25 and available at the Albany Chamber of Commerce, Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church office, Blanton-Caldwell, or by texting or calling MMPC youth minister Becky Wills at 325-669-9804.
“Youth going on the mission trip are also selling tickets,” Wills said.
By Sam Waller
The First Baptist Church youth ministry has two fundraising events on the schedule to help cover costs of attending summer camps.
At 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, FBC youth will hold a bake sale at Bank Park.
“Sales will all be by donation,” FBC youth pastor Eduardo San Lucas said. “The kids will be working. It’s for our bus for transportation to church camp.”
On Sunday, May 7, the youth group will serve pulled pork sandwiches at the church.
“I’m still working on details for that one,” San Lucas said, “but it will be happening.”
