By Donnie A. Lucas

Grandparents Week at Nancy Smith Elementary continues today and tomorrow, along with the associated Book Fair.

The Parent-Teachers Organization is hosting the annual Book Fair in the cafeteria on the same days that grandparents are welcome to eat with their grandchildren or other students who might need a stand-in.

“It has been booming so far,” counselor Susie Beard said Tuesday. “We have had lots of grandparents for lunch, as well as both parents and grandparents at the book fair.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany Chamber of Commerce members will be treated to a Crawfish Boil at the Depot Thursday (today) 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 renew a membership or join.

The menu for the event will feature crawfish, fish and all the fixings. Water will be provided.

By Sam Waller

Moran’s One-Act Play will perform “The Girl in the Mirror” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 at the MISD auditorium.

The performance is open to the public.

Moran earned regional-alternate status with its performance at the District 13-1A meet on Feb. 28.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A total of four positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the three Albany testing sites last week, continuing to mark a slowdown of the virus’ spread locally.

While the local testing sites reported no new cases a week earlier for the period of  March 14-18, the number of patients being tested is still on the decline overall.

A total of 11 patients  was reported in each of the last two weeks.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show participants have one more day to fulfill obligations in order to receive checks for this year’s stock show bids.

Friday, April 1 is the deadline for exhibitors to write thank you notes, pay outstanding balances due the stock show, and clean pens at the FFA barn.

Thank you notes must be certified by Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard, county extension agent Kelsey Bell, or Moran FFA advisor Minnie Denson.

By Sam Waller

Gracie Price placed first in her class with her Maine-Anjou heifer March 25 at the Star of Texas Stock Show in Austin, the last major show of the season.

Kenzie Neve exhibited a steer March 22, as FFA and 4-H members wrapped up a productive show year.

Albany FFA members now turn their attention to several upcoming judging contests.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Membership Drive Crawfish Boil at the Depot Thursday, 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 renew a membership or join.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church and the Albany Ministerial Alliance are continuing to accept donations for disaster relief in Eastland and Jack counties.

Friendship Baptist is accepting water and nonperishable items to deliver to tornado victims in Jacksboro, as well as donations for those impacted by wildfires in Eastland County. Items may be delivered to the church’s activity building, which will remain open. Contributions can be placed inside the hallway.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Local Exchange (formerly Neighbors In Need) is changing the way they serve Shackelford County and beyond by focusing more on medical equipment, heaters, fans, air conditioners, and household essentials rather than home decorations, according to Lori Reames, who helps coordinate the ministry.

By Melinda L. Lucas

All third through 12th grade students attending public schools in Texas take the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STARR) and End of Course (EOC) tests in the spring.

The testing program is based on state curriculum standards in core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The tests are designed to measure what students have learned and whether they are ready for the next grade level.

Albany students have been preparing for the 2022 test schedule that gets underway next Tuesday.