Beginning Monday, March 8, the KDYX or DYESS WSR-88D operated by NOAA’s National Weather Service in San Angelo, Texas will be down for approximately two weeks for an important upgrade. 

Technicians will refurbish and replace the pedestal, one of the most critical components of the radar, which is necessary for antenna rotation and positioning to capture data in all directions. 

The components are extremely heavy and will require the radome to be removed by crane and replaced when the work is completed.

By Sandy Morris

Representatives of local organizations and boards that award scholarships to Albany High School graduates are asked to contact Ann Riley at the AHS office by Monday, March 22.

The office will be open  next week, but will be closed the following week for spring break and will reopen for regular hours on Monday, March 22.

Riley added that the scholarship list will be uploaded to the district’s website and distributed to local seniors by Friday, March 26 informing them of the requirements for specific scholarships. 

By Sandy Morris

Nancy Smith Elementary School students are observing the nationally celebrated Read Across America this week. 

The National Education Association began Read Across America Day in 1998 in conjunction with children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2.  

The year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

By Sandy Morris

Despite the beginning of spring sports, other extra-curricular activities, and bad weather, Albany High School had a total of 23 students compete in last week’s Holliday High School virtual academic meet. 

Individual Winners

Tana Thompson was second and Paige Picquet fourth in Ready Writing.

Hannah Trail placed second and Susie Cormack sixth in Editorial Writing.

In Feature Writing, Cormack earned fifth and Thompson sixth. 

Ashley Richards placed sixth in Headline Writing.

By Sandy Morris

Senior musician Sidney Bartee competed at the UIL Region 6 East Zone Band Solo and Ensemble competition at Abilene Wylie High School on Saturday, Feb. 27.  

Bartee earned a Division 1 rating with her tuba solo of Nocturno.

Bartee was accompanied by Sandy Abel on the piano.

Albany band director Will Vaughan said Bartee did an excellent job.

“To advance to state, Sidney would have needed to play her solo from memory,” said Vaughan. “We didn’t have time to accomplish that, but she did an amazing job.”

By Sandy Morris

Fandangle members are apparently eager to see their annual membership letters from the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association. 

According to Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons, the letters were mailed out last week, and she is already seeing a good response. 

“We are already getting membership acceptances both online and in the mail,” said Parsons. “It’s great to see such an immediate response, and we urge everyone to keep them coming in.”

Abbigale Beard was named to the Tarleton State University 2020 president’s list for earning a 4.0 grade point average for the fall term. 

Tyler Beard is named on the TSU fall dean’s list.

They are the daughter and son of Chris and Susie Beard of Albany.

Aubrey Moon, sophomore biology major at Harding University, is among more than 1,200 students included on the dean’s list for grades achieved during the fall 2020 semester. 

The daughter of Mark and Ashley Moon of Albany, she had a 3.65 or higher grade point average.

By Sandy Morris

The Shackelford County Hospital District is the only local entity set to hold an election on Saturday, May 1. 

Four candidates have filed for the three available at-large seats on the Shackelford County hospital board. 

The ballot will list incumbents Mike Folsom, Jo Ann Estridge, and Leslie Belcher, along with challenger Mary Boland. 

Directors on the hospital board serve two-year terms. 

By Sandy Morris

As Shackelford County begins to throw off the blankets and move from winter into spring, preparations are being made for severe weather that often accompanies warmer temperatures. 

School Drill

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School will practice their severe weather preparedness next week.

According to NSES principal John Gallagher, a tornado drill will be held on campus during the day on Tuesday, March 9.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, March 10, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER