Senior Center nears long-awaited launch

By Sandy Morris

After a year’s delay, the doors of the Albany Senior Citizens Activity Center are finally about to be opened.

Board president Tracy Sullivan said board members met on Monday, April 5 to discuss details about getting the facility into operation.

The board was gearing up to launch last year when the pandemic hit. Senior adults were among those most at risk, and plans were put on hold.

FFA judging teams prepare for competition

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members have been competing in area Career Development Events (CDEs) to prepare for district and area meets. 

AHS ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students competed at Tarleton on Thursday, March 25 and at Weatherford College on Thursday, April 1.

Students competed in Horse Judging, Land, and Livestock.

“The kids are doing a great job at these meets,” said Beard. “We are going against a large number of other teams, and I’m pleased with the results I’m seeing.”

Albany News

County 4-Hers enter state archery contest

By Sandy Morris

Local 4-H Club members recently participated in the state archery competition at the Young County Arena in Graham on Friday and Saturday, April 2-3, according to Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter. 

Archery team members who competed include Johnnie Hise, Ellis Hise, James Hise, Emmie Hise, and Carly Kreitler. 

4-H Sewing Clinic

Local 4-H members will meet at the Shackelford County Courthouse at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 11 for a sewing clinic. 

Albany News

Ag students get their hands dirty

By Sandy Morris

As the temperatures begin to warm up, local gardeners are anxious to get their hands in the dirt and get plants in the ground.

Albany High School ag students have the same itch and recently began work on their yearly spring garden.

AHS ag teacher Chris Beard said students have been tilling and weeding the ag department’s plot of land in preparation for a garden.

Stock show event planned

By Sandy Morris

The 2021 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association Buyer-Seller Reception will take place this Saturday, April 10 at The Feed Store, starting at 6:00 p.m., and all those who have not yet paid for their pledges are asked to settle their accounts as soon as possible. 

“We still have almost $14,000 outstanding,” said association treasurer Molly Cauble. “If these bidders had children or grandchildren who showed, the participants will not get their checks until every­thing has been paid.”

Albany News

Car show set Apr. 17

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Classic Car Show is set to take place Saturday, April 17, and everyone is invited to come downtown and enjoy various body styles and polished chrome that reflect memories of past decades. 

Organizer Robert Snyder said after cancelling the event in 2020, he wasn’t sure the show would happen this spring.

Albany News

Murder Mystery dinner to benefit Resource Center

By Sandy Morris

The ResourceCare Community Health Center will hold a Murder Mystery Dinner fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22.

A “Roaring 20s Murder Mystery Dinner” will be performed by the Albany Mainstreet Playhouse Traveling Troupe with attendees encouraged to wear “Roaring 20s” attire.

The event will take place at the Albany Youth Center, which has been transformed into the “Gatsby Speakeasy,” an undercover tavern.

ResourceCare programs assistant Ragan Riley said the game will be explained to the guests when they arrive.

Albany News

Bronze Star

By Sandy Morris

Albany resident Senior Master Sgt. Francis (Frank) Dawson, Jr. was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in the United States Air Force. 

Dawson received the award for his time serving as the group superintendent and air advisor for the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group inAfghanistan  from Oct. 24, 2019 to Oct. 11, 2020.

Crawfish Boil to promote membership

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Membership Drive and Crawfish Boil at the Albany Golf Course next Thursday, April 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Chamber members, along with potential members, are encouraged to attend.

“All Chamber members are invited,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “And if you’re not a member, you can come and join at the party.” 

The Chamber will provide crawfish, fish, chicken, all the fixings for the meal, and water to drink. Other beverages can be brought by participants.

Fire Dept. officers to be honored

By Sandy Morris

After years of fighting fires, a pair of Albany firefighters have decided to hang up their gear, with a retirement reception set for this Sunday, April 11.

Kyle and Shawnee Tischler have served the Albany Volunteer Fire Department for a combined 50 years and have recently announced their plans to retire from the department.

Kyle, who has served as chief for a total of over 13 years, has been a firefighter his entire adult life.

“It’s who I am,” he said. “It’s what I know. I’ve been doing this since high school.”