By Sandy Morris

Albany eighth graders Jake and Abi Hale recently competed in the Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage more 4-H and FFA members to participate in a practical beef production program. 

The event heavily emphasizes feeding and management of financial costs, and exhibitors are expected to have a firm understanding of the economics associated with the beef cattle industry. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany FFA judging teams are working hard to get ready for upcoming Career Development Event (CDE) contests this month.

Local teams will compete in farm business management, horse judging, vet tech science, range and pasture, livestock, and wildlife.

Wildlife Contest

The Albany FFA Wildlife team competed at the Anson Invitational contest on Monday, March 1.

AHS placed seventh out of 22 teams in the competition to kick off the spring CDE season.

By Sandy Morris

With Fandangle memberships rolling in and Sampler invitations going  out in the mail, Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers is ready to get started on rehearsals. 

The annual Fandangle Sampler, scheduled for Saturday, April 17, is moving back to Reynolds Bend on the Lambshead Ranch after an absence of more than 20 years. 

Rehearsals

Ayers said rehearsals for the Sampler will begin on Tuesday, March 23 at the Aztec Theater.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners extended the winter storm 2021 disaster declaration, voted to allow use of the Courthouse Square for a community event in December 2021, and adopted a resolution that should comply with Texas Senate Bill 944, all during a regular meeting on Monday, March 8.

Although Shackelford County has not yet been approved as a disaster area after last month’s devastating winter storm, county judge Robert Skelton said that extending his initial disaster declaration could help with obtaining funding.

By Sandy Morris

Just in time for spring sports and other warm weather outdoor activities, Daylight Saving Time (DST) returns this Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 a.m.

Most of the United States officially begins DST every year on the second Sunday in March, and changes back to standard time on the first Sunday in November.

Local residents are reminded to set their clocks forward one hour before they go to bed on Saturday night.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Financial figures for both the past and present were major topics during the Albany city council’s meeting on Monday, when a $3.01 million budget was adopted for fiscal year 2021-2022, and the audit was approved for 2020-2021.

The required public hearing time was allowed at the beginning of the meeting, but no one from the public had any comments.

By Sandy Morris

The Shackelford County Community Resource Center recently received word from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of an ongoing grant award of more than $3.5 million.

The $3,561,569 grant is the “standard” amount that has been awarded annually to the Resource Center and divided among the six community clinics operated by the Albany-based non-profit.

SCRC executive director and project director Meagan Marshall said the DHHS grant isn’t new but is a continuation of funding that the organization has been receiving since 2005. 

By Sandy Morris

The Moran varsity girls basketball team had six members recognized with honors in District 13 - 1A.

Sophomore Hannah Noble received second team All-District, and sophomores Alli Scott and Emily Murk received Honorable Mention.

Senior Dariann Hawley and junior Hannah Rogers received Honorable Mention and Academic All-District.

Junior Johnnie Hise received Academic All-District. 

Moran boys varsity basketball honors have not been announced as there is a district basketball team still in the playoffs. 

By Sandy Morris

Last week was National FFA Week, and members of the Moran High School FFA hosted a hamburger lunch last Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The officers sent out letters inviting local farmers to the meal in appreciation for the work they do in the community. 

Moran FFA officers are Cotten Campbell – sentinel, Ellis Hise – treasurer, Aydan Moreno – secretary, Johnnie Hise – president, and Hannah Rogers – vice president. 

Color photo packets of the youth basketball and Little Dribbler teams, taken by The Albany News, are ready for pickup this week at the News office. 

In addition, a number of packages from previous sports have not yet been claimed.

The Albany High School softball team and individual pictures are scheduled to be taken in the next couple of weeks and should be ready by the end of March.

Youth packages are priced at $20 plus tax, while the cost of school sports packages is $25 plus tax.