By Donnie A. Lucas

A morning house fire on Kenshalo Street in northeast Albany last Friday completely destroyed the home of a local family and took most of their possessions.

The fire started in the attic and was reported about 9:00 a.m.

“When we arrived, smoke was pouring out of the attic,” Albany VFD Captain Jeff Hill said. “We tried to make entry several different ways, but the smoke prevented us, along lack of trained personnel on the scene.”

Hill said that only four volunteers were able to respond to the call.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Shackelford County Hospital District is the lone entity that drew a contested race among the six county governing bodies, allowing the other five to cancel their May 7 elections.

Seven candidates signed up for three available two-year hospital board terms, including incumbent Myra Hise along with Jason Price, Mary Beth Jones, Kayla Herron, Rochelle Stewart, Kraymer Harbold, and Elizabeth Roysdon.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Just in time for spring sports and other warm weather outdoor activities, Daylight Saving Time (DST) returns this Sunday, March 13, at 2:00 a.m.

Most of the United States officially begins DST every year on the second Sunday in March, and changes back to standard time on the first Sunday in November.

Local residents are reminded to set any manual clocks forward one hour before they go to bed on Saturday night.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A number of vehicles in Albany and the surrounding area have been broken into over the last couple of weeks, with money and personal items taken, according to Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller.

One vehicle was reported stolen from a local resident on Friday morning, March 4 and was recovered in Abilene the next day.

“One subject was taken into custody and placed into the Taylor County Jail in relation to the stolen vehicle,” the sheriff said.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Another live concert sponsored by Albany Live is set for Saturday at the Aztec Theater when Paul Cauthen comes to town as part of the singer/songwriter series.

Tickets are still available online for the fourth show in the series at the website: www.albanylive.org.

According to board member and organizer Trey Davis, about 200 tickets of the 286 available seats were taken at press time on Tuesday.

Doors at the Aztec will open at 6:30 p.m., with the show scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Families are invited to celebrate the beginning of Spring Break and a traditional Greek holiday this Saturday, March 12 at the Old Jail Art Center.

Even though the weather is expected to be cooler again this weekend, the OJAC will host games and crafts in the Stasney Center.

“Helidonismata Family Festival: A Greek Celebration of Spring,” geared toward children of all ages, will begin at 12:00 noon and end at 3:00 p.m., with docents, junior docents, and other volunteers helping with activities.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two Albany natives were recognized as “Albany Stars” at a special awards presentation last Thursday at the Aztec Theater, with a reception following that featured a smorgasbord of foods provided by area business that are members of the Chamber of Commerce,

Named as “stars” for their service, devotion and leadership were oilman Jon Rex Jones and food caterer Treca Edington.

By Sam Waller

Four Moran students earned individual honors Monday, Feb. 28, at the District 13-1A One-Act Play contest at Eula.

Hannah Rogers earned a spot on the All-Star Cast, while Harmony Slaughter was named Outstanding Crew. Alli Scott and Emily Murk received honorable mention on the All-Star Cast.

Moran performed “The Girl in the Mirror” by Bruce Jacoby under the direction of teacher Bryce Hughes. Moran was not among the three schools to advance.

By Sam Waller

Little League tryouts have been rescheduled for this weekend following last week’s winter storm.

League organizer Paul Hamilton said tryouts for players ages 8-12 will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Little League complex on Griffin Road. Those unable to attend Saturday may try out at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

Hamilton said tryouts are only for players who have not participated in Albany Little League before.

By Sam Waller

Two Albany FFA students made the sale last week with their barrows at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Callan Edgar finished third in Class 106 Crossbreds.

Tatum Grady was fourth in Class 97 Crossbreds.

Two other locals placed well in the barrow show, which ran Feb. 18-25. Cash Edgar was sixth in Class 76 Crossbreds, while Tye Edgar was penned, making the top 12, in Class 103 Crossbreds.

Also exhibiting barrows were Chelsy Parsons and Paige Price.