By Sam Waller

Albany FFA students wrapped up their participation at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and now turn their attention to Star of Texas in Austin.

“Albany FFA had a great showing at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo,” chapter adviser Chris Beard said. “Congratulations to all exhibitors.”

In the cattle show, Hattie Braly took first place with her Red Angus steer, earning the breed’s lightweight champion title.

Gracie Price placed first with her Maine-Anjou heifer and finished as the breed’s reserve champion junior heifer.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Basic information about scholarships being awarded to this year’s graduating class at Albany High School is needed by the first part of next week.

Ann Riley at the AHS office needs to update her list of available scholarships and requirements and would like to be contacted by the end of the day on Monday, March 27.

Representatives of scholarship boards can email Riley at ariley@albany.esc14.net or call her at 325-762-3974.

By Melinda L. Lucas

No action was taken other than approving the minutes and bills during a brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on Monday, March 20.

The session was closed for half of the 40-minute time frame to discuss “EMS personnel,” but no motions were made when the meeting was reopened to the public.

EMS and clinic reports were heard during the meeting but required no action.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With all five council members present, Albany city officials worked through four major agenda items at this week’s monthly meeting, including approval of a fire department request to purchase a $220,000 truck with donated funds.

A 2023-2024 budget totaling $3,703,700 passed unanimously, prior to the city’s new fiscal year which begins April 1.

Also accepted was the 2021-2022 audit report and an updated capital improvements budget presented by city manager Billy Holson.

“New” AVFD Vehicle

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany ISD students and staff are out of school this week for the spring break holidays but will all return to the classroom on Monday, March 20.

Classes will resume at normal times on Monday, with the elementary classes starting at 7:55 a.m. and the secondary school following at 8:00 a.m.

Students and staff will be off again for Good Friday, April 7 and the Monday following Easter on April 10.

Both holidays were designated as bad weather days on the school calendar, and three school days were missed in January due to icy weather.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A request by Shackelford County commissioner Cody Jordan to set speed limits on several roads in Precinct 4 resulted in the scheduling of a required public hearing on Monday, March 27.

Jordan asked that posted speed limits of 35 MPH be set for several roads around the rock quarries in the northwestern part of the county, including 163, 177, 201, 202, and 240.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The third country artist in as many months will take the stage at the Aztec Theater on Saturday, March 18 as part of the spring concert series sponsored by Albany Live.

As of Tuesday, a total of 140 tickets were still available for the show featuring Sunny Sweeney.

Tickets are $50 for general seating or $75 for reserved seating in the first three rows. As with all Albany Live productions, a $50 VIP experience can be added to the ticket price to meet the artist after the show and enjoy food and drinks in the Aztec community room.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following this week off for spring break, twice-a-week cast rehearsals for the Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will resume starting Monday, March 20 at the Prairie Theater.

“We will practice on Mondays and Thursdays until the Sampler,” director Lorna Ayers said. “There is still time to join us to be in the Sampler cast if you hurry.”

Rehearsals for the next four weeks will be held at the Prairie Theater just west of Albany.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Following this week off for spring break, twice-a-week cast rehearsals for the Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will resume starting Monday, March 20 at the Prairie Theater.

“We will practice on Mondays and Thursdays until the Sampler,” director Lorna Ayers said. “There is still time to join us to be in the Sampler cast if you hurry.”

Rehearsals for the next four weeks will be held at the Prairie Theater just west of Albany.

By Sam Waller

Three Albany entrants placed with their barrows recently at the Houston Livestock Show.

Creed Spencer won division champion with his mediumweight crossbred after placing first in his class. Crew Spencer placed fourth in his class with a heavyweight Poland.

Also, Slayton Parsons placed 10th with his heavyweight Poland.

The students are among nearly two dozen Albany FFA members exhibiting animal projects at two major livestock shows this month.