By Sandy Morris

Albany High School  seniors are on the final countdown to graduation,and their parents and community members are finalizing plans for the traditional Project Graduation party.

Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free and alcohol-free party following commencement exercises and has been an annual tradition in Albany since 1988.

This year’s fundraising drive has been completed, and plans for the night’s activities have been finalized with the Class of 2021 deciding to stay in Albany, rather than travel out of town.

By Sandy Morris

A community-wide clean-up day, promoted annually by the Albany Chamber of Commerce, has been scheduled for Saturday, June 12.

All area citizens are encouraged to come out and help work on projects aimed at beautifying the town of Albany, and the annual clean-up day is a good way for many people to get volunteer hours.

“Those who would like to volunteer can meet at the Depot at 8:00 a.m.,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees took the next step toward applying for a $756,562 federal grant and reviewed preliminary taxable values during a regular meeting on Monday, May 17.

They also awarded a two-year bank depository contract to First National Bank of Albany following a presentation by FNB officer Zach Maberry.

Board president Robert Montgomery thanked the  bank for all that it does for the community and school, a lot of which “goes under the radar,” he said.

ESSER III Grant

By Melinda L. Lucas

A Cisco man who had been missing for three days was found dead in a remote part of northwestern Shackelford County on Monday evening, May 17, according to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller.

The body of Samuel Ray Woody, 79, was spotted by pilots of a DPS helicopter about 6:15 p.m. after law enforcement officers, fire department members, and volunteers had been searching the area for most of the day.

By Sandy Morris

The annual Baccalaureate service for the Albany High School Class of 2021 will be held Sunday, May 23 at the AHS auditorium. 

Former Albany youth minister Grant Zeller will be the keynote speaker, delivering the message at the 7:00 p.m. ceremony. He will be introduced by valedictorian Hannah Trail.

A total of 35 local seniors are expected to participate in the service and subsequently receive their diplomas during commencement exercises set for Friday, May 28.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After a two-hour closed session on Monday night, members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors hurriedly passed a motion to amend district administrator Jera Fairley’s job description, as well as approving the bills, before hail that came along with an expected spring storm interrupted the last part of the May 17 meeting.

The directors also changed the date of the next regular meeting to June 28 because of a conflict with Fandangle practice.

Job Description

By Sandy Morris

The school year is almost over, and students of Moran Independent School District are busy with a host of end-of-year activities.

State-mandated ­STAAR testing took place this week for many of the grades.

Pre-K through fifth grade students will attend ResourceCare’s health fair in Albany on Friday.

Next Week

On Monday, May 17, both the Moran PTO and the Moran ISD school board will hold meetings.

STAAR testing will continue May 18 to May 20.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Property renditions are due in less than a week, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder, with the original April 15 deadline extended after the devastating Texas freeze in February.

Anyone who didn’t receive a rendition form or who has misplaced theirs can contact the local tax office or download a form by clicking on the forms tab on the CAD website, shackelfordcad.com. 

Anyone with questions can call 325-762-2207.

By Sandy Morris

Members of the local 4-H horse club have several opportunities in upcoming weeks, according to Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter.

Horsemanship Clinic

Texas A&M will put on a horsemanship clinic May 28 to May 30, hosted by Coleman and Callahan counties. 

Shackelford County club members have been invited to attend, and an email with the flyer for the clinic has been sent to all members. 

Contact Kelsey Bell for more information at 325-513-5818.

Field Trip

By Sandy Morris

Nancy Smith Elementary School preschool through sixth grade students will enjoy their annual field day on Monday, May 24, to be held at Webb City Park this year instead of the high school track.

Starting at 9:00 a.m., students will be bused to the park, and activities will start afterward. 

Competitions for the students will include sack races, hurdles, tug-of-war, water kickball, and water relay.