By Sandy Morris

Visitors to the Fandangle will have an added attraction to visit this year with the Easy Does It Pop-Up Art Show.

The event will feature new works by Austin-based artist Calhan Hale and Albany native/Denton-based George Kelly. 

Both artists explore the different narratives and experiences that fall within the broadly interpreted idea of being “Texan.”

The exhibit is installed in a retrofitted shipping container and will allow visitors an opportunity to connect with art in a non-traditional space. 

By Sandy Morris

The Fort Griffin Fandangle starts tomorrow, and special activities in Albany will begin several hours before the bugler sounds the opening of the Friday and Saturday night shows. 

Free events offered on all four of those days include a pop-up art show, 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

One year ago, Shackelford County looked very different with the effects of COVID being seen in every public venue and with many traditional events being cancelled.

Fast forward a year,  and for the most part, it’s business as usual for the majority of Albany.

Albany Independent School District was able to complete the school year and hold commencement services. 

Most businesses are open and no longer require masks to be worn while shopping, although workers are still masked in some cases. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

A disaster declaration was ratified at Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners in hopes that state or federal funding will be available to help repair flood-damaged county roads.

“Due to the large amount of rain at the end of May, the county is facing tremendous economic damages to county roads and bridges,” said county judge Robert Skelton. “It looks severe enough that we would need supplementary help from the government.”

By Sandy Morris

The 2021 version of the Fandangle parade is set to take to the streets of downtown Albany at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, and parade organizers are hoping for more entries to come in during the next two days. 

Fandangle parade organizers Ragan Riley and Shannon Leech are encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit their 2021 entries. 

Winning entries will receive cash prizes to be awarded in several categories.

Entries

By Sandy Morris

The 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is scheduled to open to a large audience at the Prairie Theater at 8:30 tomorrow evening.

After a year’s absence due to COVID in 2020, the excitement over the 2021 show has been building since work began on the Sampler, according to Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers.

“We chose a very historic theme this year as we were able to perform again,” said Ayers. “The show honors so many of the families, men, women, and legends that are the history of this area.”

By Sandy Morris

The annual summer reading program at the Shackelford County Library, sponsored by the Albany Study Club, kicked off on Monday, June 7 after a year’s absence due to COVID concerns.

According to organizer Janna Ledbetter, story hour will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. every Monday during the month of June.

“All stories will have a western theme,” said Ledbetter. “The children will also have the opportunity to play games and make crafts related to each week’s title.”

By Sandy Morris

Moran Independent School District retiring superintendent Danny Freeman, school board president Sug Roller and board vice president Alice Branham presented diplomas to six seniors at commencement exercises on Friday, May 28 at the MISD gymnasium.

Graduates included valedictorian Dariann Hawley, salutatorian Corey Miller, Aspen Box, Corley Hendricks, Sondra O’Keefe, and Tiffany Wade.

Tianay Bralley from Cisco College presented Cisco scholarships and Freeman presented local scholarships.

By Sandy Morris

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10.

COVID-19 antibody testing is offered at no charge for donors who successfully donate.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals. 

The Kiwanis Club blood drives are scheduled roughly every eight weeks throughout the year. The next one is scheduled Aug. 5.

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.”