By Melinda L. Lucas

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, April 15.

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

Hendrick Regional Blood Center offers ­COVID-19 antibody testing 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. 

By Sandy Morris

Excitement is building as the day draws closer for the traditional Fort Griffin Fandangle membership Sampler which returns to to Reynolds Bend on Lambshead Ranch after an absence of more than 20 years. 

The presentation is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 with a 6:00 p.m. show time followed by live music, dancing, and a prime rib dinner. 

The Clear Fork Boys and guests will provide the musical entertainment after the Sampler. 

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, April 14, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Sandy Morris

Spring turkey season opened last Saturday, April 3, but no successful weekend hunts were reported according to Shackelford County game warden Jacob Mort. 

“I’m really not seeing very many birds moving around in the county,” Mort said. “I’m expecting it to be an average to below average season, but it could still be early.”

Season Dates

By Sandy Morris

The Easter Bunny delivered in a big way, and local children were the recipients of a bounty of eggs this past Saturday at Webb Park.

The Albany Volunteer Fire Department hosted the community egg hunt and had about 150 people attend the event. 

Albany VFD secretary Alison Gardenhire said while the attendance was  down, the hunt went well.

“We had 10 firemen help set up and hide 5,000 eggs,” said Gardenhire. “Both banks in town donated $50 worth of gold and silver coins totaling $100.”

By Sandy Morris

After a year’s delay, the doors of the Albany Senior Citizens Activity Center are finally about to be opened.

Board president Tracy Sullivan said board members met on Monday, April 5 to discuss details about getting the facility into operation.

The board was gearing up to launch last year when the pandemic hit. Senior adults were among those most at risk, and plans were put on hold.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members have been competing in area Career Development Events (CDEs) to prepare for district and area meets. 

AHS ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students competed at Tarleton on Thursday, March 25 and at Weatherford College on Thursday, April 1.

Students competed in Horse Judging, Land, and Livestock.

“The kids are doing a great job at these meets,” said Beard. “We are going against a large number of other teams, and I’m pleased with the results I’m seeing.”

By Sandy Morris

Local 4-H Club members recently participated in the state archery competition at the Young County Arena in Graham on Friday and Saturday, April 2-3, according to Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter. 

Archery team members who competed include Johnnie Hise, Ellis Hise, James Hise, Emmie Hise, and Carly Kreitler. 

4-H Sewing Clinic

Local 4-H members will meet at the Shackelford County Courthouse at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 11 for a sewing clinic. 

By Sandy Morris

As the temperatures begin to warm up, local gardeners are anxious to get their hands in the dirt and get plants in the ground.

Albany High School ag students have the same itch and recently began work on their yearly spring garden.

AHS ag teacher Chris Beard said students have been tilling and weeding the ag department’s plot of land in preparation for a garden.

By Sandy Morris

The 2021 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association Buyer-Seller Reception will take place this Saturday, April 10 at The Feed Store, starting at 6:00 p.m., and all those who have not yet paid for their pledges are asked to settle their accounts as soon as possible. 

“We still have almost $14,000 outstanding,” said association treasurer Molly Cauble. “If these bidders had children or grandchildren who showed, the participants will not get their checks until every­thing has been paid.”