By Sam Waller

Moran schools began end-of-course STAAR testing this week with students in third through 10th grades.

Testing began Tuesday, May 3 with freshmen tested in English, and continued on Wednesday with biology.

Upcoming tests include freshmen in U.S. history and eighth graders in science and history,

“Once we get testing done, we’ll have a week of school left,” principal Jo Hise said. “The last days of testing will be May 18-19. Then there will be a week of field trips, awards banquets, field days, and a few more fun things like that.”

By Sam Waller

Player, coaches, and parents from Albany Little League took a break from competition Tuesday, May 3 to attend the Abilene Christian-Texas Tech game at ACU’s Crutcher Scott Field, helping make up a record crowd.

League organizer Paul Hamilton said the trip drew near-unanimous response with a travel party of more than 130 departing from Nancy Smith Elementary School. Albany ISD provided a bus to help transport those attending the game, which Tech won 16-12.

Donegal Racing’s Mo Donegal has not only qualified for the Kentucky Derby, the three-year-old – owned by several partners including the Picquet family, of Albany, Texas – is quickly gaining plaudits as a favorite to capture the first jewel in this year’s Triple Crown.

By Sam Waller

Nancy Smith Elementary School students will get two days to run and play this month with the annual track meet and field day.

The track meet will be Monday, May 23 at the Albany High School track. The field day will be Tuesday, May 24 at Webb Park.

On both days, students will be transported from NSES at 9:00 a.m. to the event locations.

By Janna Ledbetter

Did you know that you can get free eBooks and audiobooks? Rather than paying a monthly subscription fee to listen to audiobooks or read eBooks on a mobile device, readers can gain access to thousands of titles at absolutely no cost to them.

The Shackelford County Library can provide access to eBooks and magazines that can be read on phones or tablets, and audiobooks for an “in-app” audiobook player.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H wrapped up a busy April last week with numerous events.

The local club still has events scheduled, culminating with the last meeting of the year on Sunday, May 15.

Shooting Sports

Tanner Howe and Carly Kreitler competed in the Brownwood Shooting Sports Extravaganza on Saturday, April 23 at the 4-H Conference Center.

Howe placed third in Running Target as well as participating in Light Rifle, Junior Prone Smallbore Rifle, and Air Pistol.

City of Albany officials plan to test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, May 11, 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 Travis Gardenhire.

SEVERE WEATHER

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County ResouceCare’s 18th annual spring health fair will take place at the Albany Bank Park on Friday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ResourceCare program director Mindy Ary said they expect at least 16 agencies to attend the health fair for Albany and Moran elementary students as well as the general public.

“We will have face painting, snow cones, popcorn, and booth games throughout the morning,” said Ary. “The Albany Fire Department is also providing a bounce house.”

By Sam Waller

Chelsey’s Project is getting back on its feet following a December fire that destroyed the original building and its contents.

On Friday, April 15, the ministry received a new portable building at its location at 598 N. Sixth St.

Founder and coordinator Blanca Sanchez continued providing diapers and wipes to local families in need despite the disruption caused by the fire.

By Sam Waller

Sweet Repeats Ministry  offers free use of formal attire “for gals and guys” in Shackelford County and the surrounding area.

The ministry, an offshoot of Closet Angels, is operated by Tammy McBee out of First Christian Church, 201 S. Walnut St.

The ministry provides formal wear for proms, weddings, dances, and other special events.

McBee said the project has an extensive inventory of clothing including dresses, suits, and accessories.

“We even have shoes,” McBee said, “lots of shoes.”

The items have all been donated.