The Callahan-Shackelford County Farm Bureau has begun the new year with several new members on its board of directors.

When directors retire or move from the county during their terms on the board, new directors are appointed to fill the vacancy until the term expires.

During 2021, the positions held by H.T. Gleason and Shane Lee of Callahan County and Rocky Vinson of Shackelford County were filled respectively by Rustin Williams, Clay Smith, and Ace Reames.

Every year, wildfires burn across Texas, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. It is a peril that impacts all parts of the state and can occur throughout the year. Despite billions of dollars to support wildfires suppression efforts, the number of homes lost in wildfires continues to increase.

Currently, 110 counties in Texas are experiencing a burn ban. Dry vegetation, low humidity, and windy warm weather trends are all making what experts call a dangerous wildfire environment this winter.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD superintendent Dr. John Denson attended a meeting of the Region 14 Education Service West Texas Tech Co-op on Wednesday, Feb. 9, to discuss ways to improve internet availability for students.

“A lot of rural schools have trouble getting internet because of their location,” Denson said.

The consortium consists of 55 members comprising school districts, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, hospitals, and city and government agencies in the West Central Texas area.

By Sam Waller

Nancy Smith Elementary School counselor Susie Beard has been named Counselor of the Year by the Region 14 Education Service Center.

Beard, in her third year as NSES counselor, has been employed by the Albany ISD for 23 years and involved in education for 31 years. In addition to teaching at Albany Junior/Senior High School, she has also held faculty positions at Clyde and Moran.

Beard, who is married to Albany agriculture teacher Chris Beard, said the honor came as a complete surprise.

By Sam Waller

The Fort Griffin Fandangle Association has begun preparations for another season with the start of its membership drive, with letters mailed last week.

Memberships are available at seven levels ranging from Pioneer at $25 to platinum at $5,000. The Pioneer membership is open only to those age 65 and up.

Memberships may be purchased online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org or by calling the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A couple of local organizations got some much-needed funding recently as the result of a county ranch owner’s generosity.

The Shackelford County 4-H program and the Albany High School FFA chapter each received $5,000 from the Clear Fork Ranch in the Lueders area, formerly known as the Hendrick Ranch.

Ranch manager Cody Fry presented checks to county extension agent Kelsey Bell and FFA sponsor Chris Beard several weeks ago, noting that the ranch owners want to promote youth agriculture programs.

By Sam Waller

Area churches are participating in the Open Door Pregnancy and Family Resource Center current fundraiser.

Baby Bottle Boomerang is an annual fundraiser during which baby bottles are distributed to area residents to be filled with coins, bills, or checks which will be donated to the Open Door. The program concludes on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Breckenridge Open Door center director Marlina Cowan said churches in Albany, Breckenridge, and Cisco are participating in this year’s fundraiser.

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes Weekend of Champions boys camp is set for Friday, Feb. 18, through Sunday, Feb. 20, at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

FCA organizer Paul Johnston of Albany said the event will follow a similar format to the girls camp held last month.

“There’ll be four or five speakers, all ex-college athletes,” Johnston said. “They’ll be talking about integrity, character, what it means to be Christian young men.”

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will conduct a two-night youth revival Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19.

Services will begin at 7:00 p.m. on each of the two nights with dinner following the services.

Christian singer Michala Huckabay and her band will perform each night. FBC pastor Jeff Turner will be the speaker.

Volleyball Tourney

A double-elimination volleyball tournament will be held Saturday, March at the Albany High School gym. Awards will be presented for first, second, and third places.

By Sam Waller

More than 3,000 truffles were sold as part of Project Graduation’s Valentine sale fundraiser, according to organizer Kenzie Fairchild.

“The Valentine sale went very well,” Fairchild said. “So far, all the fundraisers have gone well. We appreciate the community for participating in them and buying from us.”

Seniors and their parents had three workdays at The Feed Store preparing Valentine’s Day gifts, which included items such as stuffed animals. Gifts were delivered on Monday, Feb. 14.