By Sandy Morris On Monday, Albany mayor Susan Montgomery officially signed a proclamation declaring this as Monarch Awareness Week, with several activities already taking place and a couple more planned in the next few days.

By Melinda L. Lucas Numbers are continuing to fall in both how many ­COVID tests are administered locally and how many are coming back positive, according to a report distributed earlier this week by Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton.

By Sandy Morris The recent lifting of mask restrictions has changed the location of the junior high district track meet which eliminates the concession stand planned by the Albany Athletic Booster Club.

By Sandy Morris Several Albany FFA members have been participating at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, with more competition being held this week both in Houston and Austin. Those results will be published over the next two weeks.

By Sandy Morris The ResourceCare Community Health Center will hold a Murder Mystery Dinner fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22.

By Sandy Morris Local FFA and 4-H youth are kicking off various spring activities and competitions, as well as continuing to compete in livestock shows around the state.

By Sandy Morris A raffle and a brisket plate fundraiser are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 21 to benefit local resident Kristi Brooker.  Brooker, who is fighting stage four breast cancer, has been a long-time supporter of the community and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

By Sandy Morris Albany junior high and high school held cheerleader tryouts on Friday, March 12 prior to Spring Break. The 2021-2022 varsity squad will include Kam Browning, Elizabeth Chavez, Savannah Hobbs, Brooke Kayga, Avery Kleiner, Gracie Price, Ella Webb, and Robyn Trail.

By Sandy Morris Classes in the Albany schools will resume on Monday morning, March 22 following a week-long spring break, and AISD students and staff were happy to learn that their upcoming Easter weekend will not be cut short.

By Sandy Morris The sophomore Cross Examination debate team of Leddie Leech and Ella Webb competed in the state meet on Monday, March 15. The team debated four rounds but did not make the finals held on Tuesday.  Sponsor Jenny Scott said it was a long day for the girls, but they never quit.