By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany High School band earned a pair of Division I ratings at the UIL Region 2 East Zone Concert and Sight Reading contest in  Abilene Tuesday, also picking up the first-ever Program Sweepstakes for the group.

Albany was given two Division I ratings and a Division II by the concert judges, which averages to a Division I overall on three prepared concert selections.

The group then moved to the sight reading contest, garnering three Division I ratings from the judges.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Grandparents Week at Nancy Smith Elementary is set for next week, April 4-8, according to principal John Gallagher.

The Parent-Teachers Organization will host the annual Book Fair in the cafeteria on the same days.

The books will be set up on the stage in the cafeteria for students and grandparents to view during student lunch times. The usual assortment of books, games, posters, bookmarks, and other supplies will be available.

By Melinda L. Lucas

All third through 12th grade students attending public schools in Texas take the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STARR) and End of Course (EOC) tests in the spring.

The testing program is based on state curriculum standards in core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The tests are designed to measure what students have learned and whether they are ready for the next grade level.

Albany students have been preparing for the 2022 test schedule that gets underway next Tuesday.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Local Exchange (formerly Neighbors In Need) is changing the way they serve Shackelford County and beyond by focusing more on medical equipment, heaters, fans, air conditioners, and household essentials rather than home decorations, according to Lori Reames, who helps coordinate the ministry.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church and the Albany Ministerial Alliance are continuing to accept donations for disaster relief in Eastland and Jack counties.

Friendship Baptist is accepting water and nonperishable items to deliver to tornado victims in Jacksboro, as well as donations for those impacted by wildfires in Eastland County. Items may be delivered to the church’s activity building, which will remain open. Contributions can be placed inside the hallway.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Membership Drive Crawfish Boil at the Depot Thursday, April 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“All Chamber members are invited,” Chamber executive secretary Mary Beth Jones said. “This is an appreciation event for all current members.”

A check-in table will be set up in the parking lot at the Chamber office for anyone who wants to renew a membership or join.

By Sam Waller

Gracie Price placed first in her class with her Maine-Anjou heifer March 25 at the Star of Texas Stock Show in Austin, the last major show of the season.

Kenzie Neve exhibited a steer March 22, as FFA and 4-H members wrapped up a productive show year.

Albany FFA members now turn their attention to several upcoming judging contests.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show participants have one more day to fulfill obligations in order to receive checks for this year’s stock show bids.

Friday, April 1 is the deadline for exhibitors to write thank you notes, pay outstanding balances due the stock show, and clean pens at the FFA barn.

Thank you notes must be certified by Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard, county extension agent Kelsey Bell, or Moran FFA advisor Minnie Denson.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A total of four positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the three Albany testing sites last week, continuing to mark a slowdown of the virus’ spread locally.

While the local testing sites reported no new cases a week earlier for the period of  March 14-18, the number of patients being tested is still on the decline overall.

A total of 11 patients  was reported in each of the last two weeks.

By Sam Waller

Albany entries won four of five draws Monday, March 28, at the District 10-2A tennis tournament at Rose Park Tennis Center in Abilene.

Albany swept the team titles, winning overall, as well as boys and girls championships, with five athletes going back on Friday for playbacks to decide second and third places.