By Sandy Morris

The Moran ISD board of trustees recently approved the hiring of Dr. John Denson as the new superintendent to replace Danny Freeman who is retiring at the end of June.

Dr. Denson comes to MISD from Union Hill ISD in Gilmer, Texas and said he is glad to return to West Texas. 

“I feel like I’m coming back home,” said Denson. “I went to junior college at Weatherford and earned my bachelor’s degree at Tarleton.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local students have had the opportunity to attend three separate sports camps over the last two weeks, with a couple more slated for later in July.

The annual basketball camp and a new tennis camp were both held this week, with the all-sports camp held the week before.

There is about a six-week break before the remaining volleyball camp and cheerleading camp in July.

Volleyball Camp

Coach M.J. Reneau is hosting a three-day volleyball camp on July 19-21 at the high school.

By Sandy Morris

Dress rehearsal followed by opening night of the 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle takes place in one week, and the entire cast and crew are rehearsing almost every night.

Local businesses, organizers, and participants are busy preparing for the upcoming activities, performances, and expected out-of-town visitors. 

Artistic director Lorna Ayers has emphasized the importance of showing up for every practice.

By Sandy Morris

The farmers market in Albany will once again be available to local producers to set up and sell homegrown products on Saturdays at the city-owned lot next to King & Robertson Insurance Agency.

In the past, the area has been recognizable by a tent placed on Main Street next to the insurance agency, but the last couple of tents have been damaged by the wind and have not been replaced. 

Local vendors are welcome to bring their own tables and tents when selling their wares on Saturday mornings or at other times. 

By Sandy Morris

Standing water and recent heavy rainfall have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes but have also prevented the city from being able to spray to remove the pesky insects. 

Albany water plant supervisor Michael Graham said recent weather conditions have kept city crews from fogging the town.

“The humidity has been too high for us to spray for mosquitoes,” said Graham. “Humidity will latch onto the spray and drop it down to the ground, and it won’t do any good.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

In 1962, when Shirley Welch Caldwell first moved with her husband Clifton to Shackelford County, where his family had deep roots, there was little evidence of the importance her presence would eventually have on the community and even on the entire state.

By Sandy Morris

With a little over one week away, Fandangle parade organizers Ragan Riley and Shannon Leech are encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit their 2021 entries. 

This year’s 83rd anniversary parade is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 in downtown Albany, with cash prizes to be given in several categories.

Entries

By Sandy Morris

Various activities will  take place in Albany during the last two Fridays and Saturdays in June to coincide with the annual influx of visitors coming to town for the Fort Griffin Fandangle. 

Free events offered on all four of those days include a quilt show, tracker organ concert, calliope concert, car museum, viewing the Picket House, longhorns on the Courthouse Square, a film at the Aztec Theater, and exhibits at the Old Jail Art Center. 

By Sandy Morris

The staff at the Old Jail Art Center has three new exhibits scheduled to begin in June, as well as a couple of other upcoming events during the Fandangle season. 

The first two new exhibitions are set to open with a members’ viewing and reception at the OJAC on June 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Debuting at the opening will be Linda Blackburn: Borrowed Trouble and Michael O’Brien: Prairieland Portraits. Both exhibits will remain on display through Aug. 21. 

By Sandy Morris

After opening its doors informally a few weeks ago, the Senior Citizens Activity Center will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

The event is open to the public and will  honor the late Rodney Alexander and his family. 

A ribbon cutting conducted by Chamber of Commerce members will be followed by a reception and refreshments.