By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD students, facultyand staff are scheduled to be dismissed at the regular times on Friday, March 10 for the week-long spring break holiday.

The preschool classes will release at 2:30 p.m. as usual. All other classes will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. at both campuses, with buses running at that time.

A regular “Friday schedule” will be observed.

Cheerleading try-outs will be held on the secondary campus during the morning, with results posted on the front door of the high school by the end of the school day at 3:00 p.m.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H members Faith Fry and Grace Fry were the first locals to come away with awards from the Houston Livestock Show as both posted top-10 finishes in the horse judging contest.

In the senior division, Faith Fry placed seventh overall and second in reasons. In the junior division, Grace Fry was second overall and eighth in reasons.

The sisters were the only Shackelford County 4-H participants at the show. Several Albany FFA students are preparing to exhibit animal projects beginning this week.

By Sam Waller

For former Shackelford County judge Ross Montgomery, a brief stint in the National Football League was just a precursor to his true calling.

After two seasons as a running back with the Chicago Bears, Montgomery left the gridiron behind to take a job with Exxon in Houston. Along the way, he married his wife, Martha, whom he met while in college at TCU. The couple will celebrate their 52nd anniversary in June.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Cub Scout Pack 255 held its annual Blue and Gold Banquet on Monday, March 6, at the Scout Shack.

Four Scouts received accomplishment badges as well as receiving $50 gift cards to Academy Sports and Outdoors for raising more than $250 each by selling popcorn.

Connor Walser received the Lion Badge, which has five requirements, and finished seven electives.

Lennon Lucas received the Bobcat Badge and completed Tiger Circles: Duty to God, which is a requirement for Tiger Cub, the rank on which she is working.

By Sam Waller

Entry deadline is drawing closer for the First Baptist Church youth ministry’s fundraising volleyball tournament.

Deadline is Sunday, March 19, and entry fees are due by then.

The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 at the Albany High School gym. Proceeds will help cover expenses for local youth to attend church camp this summer.

Entry fee is $20 per person. Players must be incoming eighth graders or older.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels will be closed over spring break, which this year is Monday-Friday, March 13-17.

The ministry typically follows the school closure schedule and shuts down during school holidays.

Closet Angels director Lori Reames said volunteer workers will continue to sort items during the break.

Closet Angels relies on volunteers and some will be out of town or devoting time to family activities during spring break.

Closet Angels will reopen Monday, March 20.

By Sam Waller

Exhibitors from the 2023 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show have until Saturday, April 1 to write thank you notes to bidders and complete other obligations.

Show participants must place their finished notes in a stamped, addressed envelope ready for mailing. Notes must be verified by Chris Beard, Kelsey Bell, or Minnie Denson.

Bell said FFA and 4-H members who took their animals through the sale ring have received their lists of the bidders they should thank.

By Sam Waller

Moran senior Emily Murk, who was recently named Outstanding Performer at the District 13-1A One Act Play contest has committed to Cisco College for theater.

“Emily is our very first student to commit for theater for any school,” Moran teacher Bryce Hughes said.

Murk played the role of Jo March in Moran’s OAP production of “Little Women.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Fans of the Albany Live series of concerts at the Aztec Theater will be treated to a double dose of strong country music female performers in March and April.

Tickets are on sale for both concerts at the local non-profit’s website: www.albanylive.org.

Sunny Sweeney will headline a show on Saturday, March 18 at the Aztec. The doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show starting at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, April 22, Kaitlin Butts will be featured in concert at the Aztec, with the same show time.

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.