By Melinda L. Lucas

New Albany Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joel Viertel gave a report to Albany city council members during their regular April meeting on Monday night, stating that he and Captain Travis Gardenhire plan to fly to Oregon later this month to finalize the $220,000 purchase of a 2022 Dodge diesel 5500, which will serve as both a “rescue truck” and a “brush/utility truck.”

The vehicle is being paid for with $175,000 from an anonymous donor, added to $45,000 from the fire department’s “restricted account,” which is regulated by the city council.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners worked through a fairly routine agenda when they met on Monday, April 10, adjourning after only about 30 minutes.

County judge John Viertel stated that there had still been no response from WesTex Connect concerning a new lease to continue renting space on the county-owned tower.

Precinct 4 commissioner Cody Jordan reported that he had turned in an insurance claim for a truck with a bent frame.

In other business, there was no action on the county-wide burn ban, leaving it inactive for the time being.

By Sam Waller

Project Graduation is selling raffle tickets for a PS5 gaming system to raise funds for the Class of 2023 graduation party.

Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20, with the drawing to be held May 8.

To purchase tickets, contact Project Graduation organizer Amanda Tabor at 325-762-0320.

The 33 members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will hold commencement ceremonies Friday, May 26. The graduation party will follow.

By Sam Waller

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will hold a fundraising concert and auction Sunday, April 16 in support of its youth mission trip this summer to Belize.

Tickets for the Christian concert by The Well and E-Grace are $25 and available at the Albany Chamber of Commerce, Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church office, Blanton-Caldwell, or by texting or calling MMPC youth minister Becky Wills at 325-669-9804.

“Youth going on the mission trip are also selling tickets,” Wills said.

By Sam Waller

The First Baptist Church youth ministry has two fundraising events on the schedule to help cover costs of attending summer camps.

At 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, FBC youth will hold a bake sale at Bank Park.

“Sales will all be by donation,” FBC youth pastor Eduardo San Lucas said. “The kids will be working. It’s for our bus for transportation to church camp.”

On Sunday, May 7, the youth group will serve pulled pork sandwiches at the church.

“I’m still working on details for that one,” San Lucas said, “but it will be happening.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

A couple of annual events have been scheduled in the near future, according to Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins.

On Wednesday, April 19, Albany High School students will participate in the Junior/Senior Life Skills day at the Feed Store, learning to do things like changing a tire from some local experts.

Also, Wilkins reported that the annual Powder Puff flag football game, with freshman and junior girls versus the other team consisting of sophomore and senior girls will be Sunday, May 7, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Field.

By Donnie A. Lucas

About 100 old and new members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a crawfish boil last Thursday, with directors and other volunteers cooking up mounds of crawfish and fried fish.

“I think it was a big hit again this year,” Chamber manager Brandi Lehew said. “We had a lot of people show up and had plenty of food.”

Lehew said she received several new memberships, along with a number of renewals before and during the annual event.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center’s Teen Docent Corps will host Slow Art Day this Saturday, April 15, with student workers on hand from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to discuss artwork with museum visitors.

“Slow Art Day is an international event where museums ask visitors to slow down and explore the art around them,” explained OJAC Education Director Erin Whitmore.  “Our Teen Docents, inspired by their favorite pieces, have created activities throughout the museum to encourage you to get up close and personal with our galleries.”

By Sam Waller

Among topics discussed Tuesday, April 11 at the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association annual meeting was the creation of a Shackelford County Horse Show.

Shackelford County extension agent said the inaugural event, which will be open to 4-H and FFA members, will be Saturday, May 6 at the Fikes Arena.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to grow this,” Bell said. “I don’t know if it will be anywhere near what the stock show is, but I do want people to know that’s a full county show for 4-H and FFA members.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Things were hopping in downtown Albany on Saturday with a variety of activities to entertain locals and visitors alike for the Easter holidays.

The Chamber provided a visit from the Easter Bunny in front of First National Bank through the lunch hour Saturday, complete with a photo backdrop for picture taking.

A number of residents and shoppers stopped by to have their pictures snapped, according Chamber manager Brandi Lehew.

The real party got started at 3:00 p.m. with a first-ever Spring Fling play day adjacent to the Bank Park.