By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for today, March 24.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

Blood center officials said that there is always a need for blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The resignation of Albany ISD technology director Daniel Key was accepted with regrets at the Monday, March 21 meeting of the AISD school board.

Superintendent Jonathan Scott announced that Kevin Hill would be filling that position for the remainder of the year.

Scott also stated that eight applications have been received for IT director, three of them from Albany residents and two within the AISD system.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Membership Drive Crawfish Drive at the Depot on April 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“All Chamber members are invited,” Chamber executive secretary Mary Beth Jones said. “This is an appreciation event for all current members.”

A check-in table will be set up in the parking lot at the Chamber office for anyone who wants to join or renew a membership.

Attendees will be able to sign up for drawings to give out Albany Bucks that can be redeemed at various businesses.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County 4-H Club enjoyed a busy spring break week with a wide variety of activities.

On Thursday, March 17 the club took a field trip to the Old Zoo Nature Trail in Cisco.

“We did that just for fun,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “We wanted to get the kids who didn’t travel for spring break out and do something.”

On Saturday, March 19 the horse club conducted a clinic on working cattle at the LeMay family arena. Bell said about 25 participants from Shackelford, Callahan, and Coleman counties attended.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church is taking donations to help with relief efforts for tornado victims in Jacksboro, according to pastor Paul Johnston.

Jacksboro was struck Monday by a line of storms that left a two-mile wide strip of damage. National Weather Service surveyors confirmed that 10 tornados touched down in the area.

The City of Jacksboro Animal Shelter was destroyed, and the Jacksboro High School gym was heavily damaged.

Friendship Baptist is accepting water and nonperishable items through this week with plans to deliver supplies soon.

By Sam Waller

Kirk House will return to Albany Sunday, March 27 for a Praise & Worship Night at The Feed Store.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

“We had Kirk in November of last year and are really glad he was able to come back and join us,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said. “We had a really good crowd last time and are hoping for just as many people this time.”

House has gained popularity as a performer in Abilene.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD has organized a new chapter of the National Honor Society. The chapter held an organizational meeting March 22, to vote on bylaws and a constitution, along with electing two interim officers.

Johnnie Hise will serve as president and Hannah Rogers as secretary for the remainder of the 2021-2022 year.

By Sam Waller

Moran seniors Johnnie Hise and Hannah Rogers were recently named to the Texas High School Coaches Association girls basketball Academic All-State team.

The THSCA Academic All-State teams recognize high school athletes who excel in grade point average, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores. To qualify, students must be seniors who maintain an overall grade point of at least 92. Honors are divided into elite, first team, second team, and honorable mention.

Color photo packets of the youth basketball and Little Dribbler teams, taken by The Albany News, are ready for pickup this week at the News office.

High school softball packets should arrive within the next week.

In addition, a number of packages from previous sports have not yet been claimed.

The Albany High School baseball team and individual pictures are scheduled to be taken in the next couple of weeks and should be ready by mid-April.

Youth packages are priced at $20 plus tax, while the cost of school sports packages is $25 plus tax.

By Sam Waller

Weather continued to interfere with the Albany Lions golf schedule this week, with the Baird tournament scheduled for Monday at Shady Oaks Golf Course pushed back to Thursday, March 24 (today).

The Lions will play Wednesday, March 30 at Haskell, making up their season-opening outing from Feb. 24, when play was stopped after one hole because of cold temperatures.