Albany High School sophomore Cort Peterson has been awarded a blue ribbon from the State Fair of Texas.

Peterson won Designer Craftsman: Leathercraft Junior Division (13-17 year olds) with a hand-tooled backpack he made for a student at Texas Tech.

“Cort was encouraged to enter by a friend familiar with the Creative Arts Department of the State Fair of Texas,” his mother Audrey Peterson said.

The piece will be on display for the duration of the State Fair in the Creative Arts Building near Gate 2. The State Fair opened Sept. 24 and will conclude Oct. 17.

By Ginger Bartee

Ex-students from the Albany High School classes of 1960 through1969 met Saturday at the Stasney Ranch Cookshack for a reunion and luncheon hosted by Dr. Richard Stasney, Class of 1961.

About 80 people including spouses attended the event, enjoying a lunch of soup and sandwiches, followed by fellowship, many stories from the past, and ending with group pictures of each class and another picture taken including all the attendees.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 test results slowed over the last two weeks, but local residents are still urged to use caution and consider taking the vaccine if they haven’t already.

A total of 33 tests with six positives were recorded for the week of Sept. 20-24, followed by 31 tests and 12 positives for the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 1.

The total for the two-week period is less than the 66 tests with 20 positives logged during the week of Sept. 13-17.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Fandangle Association has set its annual membership meeting for next Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Albany Visitors Center.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m., with five positions on the board of directors up for election and the vote on the 2022 show on the agenda.

Members of the board whose three-year terms are ending are Lesley Jones, Dustin Parsons, Lauren Willen, John Ayers, and Shelly Bartee.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Results of a broadband survey conducted in the spring were released in September with data providing access to government programs to improve internet service and speeds available in Shackelford County.

The survey was conducted by Connected Nation Texas, a non-profit company, and paid for by Texas Rural Funders at no cost to the county.

By Sam Waller

Fort Griffin State Historic Site will provide a look into the fort’s past with its Living History Days on Friday and Saturday.

Site manager Mitch Baird said about 80 reenactors are expected to take part in the event with more than 600 school children expected for Friday’s School Day.

The event is returning after being put on hiatus last year because of COVID-19 concerns.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The 300 ticket holders for the Friends of Fort Griffin Gala this Saturday, Oct. 9 can start checking in at 6:00 p.m. at Griffin Flat on the Collins Creek Ranch, according to event coordinator Susan Waller.

Seats for the annual fundraiser, which will feature a performance by the world famous Larry, Steve, & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, were sold out more than a month ago.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Sue Breeden brought home a blue ribbon from the West Texas Fair and Rodeo for the third year in a row, winning Class 6 of the Pinterest Division with her artwork “Apache Peace.”

The work displays a peace pipe, pipe bag, dream catcher, and protective cover for the pipe bowl arranged in a frame.

Breeden said she spent about 150 hours on the project, half of it on hand-beading the pipe bag.

First Christian Church will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. 

“Everyone is welcome to bring their furry friends or a photo for a word of blessing at this short and meaningful service,” said pastor Brad McBee.

Because St. Francis is considered the patron saint of animals, many churches offer animal blessing services on or around Oct. 4, the time of the Feast of St. Francis.

By Sam Waller

Football fans can warm up for Friday’s homecoming game at First Baptist Church’s Chili Supper.

Serving will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

“As soon as the parade’s over, we’ll have chili, beans, cornbread, crackers, desserts, and Fritos,” Brandi Balliew said.

She added that orders may be ordered to go.

The event benefits FBC children’s programs. 

While there is no set price, Balliew said at-will donations will be accepted.