Shackelford County recorded 30.65 inches of rainfall in 2024, surpassing last year’s total by over five inches and marking one of the wettest years in the last decade. November was the wettest month with 8.20 inches, followed by May’s 5.77 inches.

In contrast, October and August were the driest months, with just 0.21 inches and 0.44 inches of rain, respectively.

This year’s total continues a trend of rising precipitation in the county, building on 2023’s 25.22 inches and far exceeding the 17.34 inches recorded in 2022.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany’s varsity Lady Lions opened District 10-2A action on Dec. 21 with a loss in Stamford, followed by dropping a non-district game in Aspermont last Saturday, Dec. 28.

The girls hosted the Haskell Maidens on Tuesday, Dec. 31, but results were not available due to an early deadline for the News.

The district race will continue with a road game on Friday against Abilene TLCA. The girls will follow the JV boys at approximately 6:15 p.m. Albany will host Cisco on Jan. 7.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With the local stock show just two weeks away, plans are in the final stages for both fundraising and logistics. 

The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association met on Dec. 17 to continue with plans for this year’s county stock show, which is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 16-18, at the county show barn. A total of 132 youth from Albany FFA, Moran FFA and Shackelford County 4-H have entered about 225 livestock projects.

By Sam Waller

With his personal and family history, it’s not too big of a surprise Albany native Brooks Neece found a way to be involved in college football.

Neece, a 2022 Albany graduate and one of four brothers to play for Lions coach Denney Faith, caught on as a student video assistant with the A&M football program this season, culminating in a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl.