By Sam Waller

Shackelford County cattle producers have the opportunity to take part in a range management program being offered by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

The program, which offers three continuing education units, will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, at Abilene Christian University’s Rhoden Field Labratory near Hamby.

“People should contact the Taylor County extension office at 325-672-6048 if they need directions to the ACU ag farm,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “It is in Shackelford County, but just barely.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany High School students will be among the best in the state next week in the UIL Academic Meet at the University of Texas in Austin.

Junior Sidney Russell and sophomore Avery Everitt will both compete in the feature writing contest at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17.

The awards ceremony is at 7:00 p.m. that night.

Russell won second in feature writing at the Region II Academic Meet last month, while Everitt placed third.

The top three places in each event at the regional contest advance to the state meet.

By Donnie A. Lucas

It truly was a “Night to Remember” for Albany High School juniors and seniors along with their guests at the 2023 Prom held Saturday night at the Whitney Theatre.

Attendees were hit with rain and even dodged small hail as they arrived for the festivities, and again had to contend with the elements while leaving.

Seniors London Fuentes and Presley Green were named Prom King and Queen, selected from a list of four senior nominees for each post. Only members of the junior and senior classes were eligible to vote for the honors.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Over 140 students will be recognized for academic achievement during the Albany Junior/Senior High School Academic Banquet on Monday, May 15 in the main gym starting at 7:00 p.m.

The annual event is sponsored by Albany ISD, the Feed Store and the AJSHS Academic Booster Club, with the Feed Store’s executive director Tisha Wilkins taking the lead to organize the event.

About 350 students and parents are expected to attend, with almost 60 students being recognized in at least two areas, and 20 in three or more.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany school bands will present a spring concert on Thursday, May 18 in the high school auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the sixth grade band.

The fifth grade band will take the stage at 6:45 p.m., followed by the seventh grade and the high school band at 7:30 p.m.

The concerts will mark the end of the band performances for the school year. The public is invited to attend, and no admission will be charged.

Band director William Vaughan said he will present awards to outstanding musicians in each group.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store is taking another shot at playing its Powder Puff  flag football game at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The event was postponed from Sunday, May 7, after rain left the field unplayable.

“I’ll never complain about rain,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said, “I know we’ve got rain in the forecast for the next several days, but I do hope we can get the game in.”

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels and The Local Exchange will both be open Saturday, May 13.

Director Lori Reames said The Local Exchange, located at 609 Railroad St. next to the fire station, will be open 9:00-11:00 a.m., with Closet Angels operating under its usual “second Saturday” hours of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Local Exchange will also be open from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 14 for shopping or receiving.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will host its annual Bible Presentation for members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the church.

A Coke float reception will follow the service.

By Sam Waller

The first Shackelford County Horse Show under the auspices of the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association drew 15 participants to Fikes Arena Saturday, May 6.

“It went well,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “I think every kid came away with at least one placing. We gave cash for first through sixth places.”

In the Stock Horse Division, Gage Burton claimed the high point award with Cameron Burton taking reserve honors.

In the English Division, Baigh Bell was high point with Cameron Burton taking reserve.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H is winding down its year with the final meetings scheduled for Sunday, May 21, but summer programs will be starting soon.

The Horse Club and Sewing Club will meet together at 3:00 p.m. at The Feed Store to make tailbags for horses.

That will be followed at 4:00 p.m. by the regular club meeting, during which officer elections will be held for next year.

“That will wrap up our year, but we do have summer activities on the agenda,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.