By Melinda L. Lucas

Following a late afternoon meeting with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton is asking local residents and property owners affected by last month’s winter storm to make sure they have completed a FEMA survey by Sunday, March 21.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With new CDC guidelines for coronavirus vaccine distribution and more relaxed statewide COVID restrictions now in effect, Shackelford County residents are hoping that some semblance of “normal” will return in the near future, even as regular spring activities like Fandangle practice and league sports resume.

Both Albany health clinics are reporting fewer positive cases of the coronavirus, although Albany ISD did communicate that there was one lab-confirmed student at the elementary campus in the days leading up to Spring Break.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Multiple sirens and the response of several emergency vehicles got the attention of local residents Friday evening, March 5 after a 911 call came in that a single vehicle had crashed through a fence along Hwy. 6 south of Albany and started a small fire.

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller said Tuesday that the deputy who first answered the call asked for immediate backup because the driver appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

By Sandy Morris

Warmer, spring-like temperatures, along with the upcoming time change, have many local residents ready to get out and enjoy the pleasant weather. However, the month of March is also the time to get prepared for severe weather.

SkyWarn Training

The National Weather Service (NWS), with the help of local organizations, conducts SkyWarn classes each spring. 

According to Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Kyle Tischler, an upcoming class will be offered locally.

By Sandy Morris

Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2021 North Texas Express Nationals at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland on Sunday, March 7.

The Level 3 team members were named National Champions in their division and brought home a banner for the gym and a hoodie for each girl on the team. 

Coach Kourtnee Waters said the team did very well, despite several obstacles.

By Sandy Morris

Local resident Elsie ­Byrne recently celebrated her 104th birthday on Monday, Feb. 22. 

Byrne was surprised with a party organized by close family friend Catherine Burton of Abilene. 

Friends celebrated at Los Cazadores with Byrne, who still lives on her own.

By Sandy Morris

Albany ISD students, faculty, and staff are scheduled to dismiss for the spring break holiday at the regular time on Friday, March 12.

Cheerleader try-outs will be held on Friday prior to the break, with the sixth graders bused over to the Albany High School gym for the competition.

Spring break will take place March 15-19. 

Classes will resume at the normal time on Monday, March 22.

By Sandy Morris

Members of the Albany High School Band took a trip last week to prepare for contest and to have some fun.

AHS band director Will Vaughan said the group went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5 and had fun in the water both days.

By Sandy Morris

Although Albany High School’s One Act Play did not advance to the next round of competition, three members of the cast and crew won special awards at the district contest held last Wednesday in Haskell.  

“The Love of Oranges” members who were recognized were Cydney Nelson – All-Star Cast, Chey’anne Weaver – Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, and Presley Green – Technical Crew Award. 

OAP director Jenny Scott was very proud of the students and their performance at the district competition.

By Sandy Morris

Next week, while the majority of Albany Independent School District students are enjoying Spring Break, the Cross Examination Debate team of Leddie Leech and Ella Webb will compete in the state Cross-X meet starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 15.

All preliminary rounds will take place on Monday with the elimination rounds starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.