By Sandy Morris

The annual story hour will return this summer to the Shackelford County Library after being cancelled last year due to COVID concerns.

Organizer Janna Ledbetter said the yearly event will have a western theme  and will be held every Monday during the month of June. 

“Our first story hour will be held on Monday, June 7,” said Ledbetter. “All activities will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.”

The summer program will include crafts and games related to each week’s story. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County elected officials took the first steps toward filling the now vacant county extension agent’s position during a commissioners meeting on Monday morning, May 24.

Kloey Painter, who was assigned to Shackelford County less than two years ago, is moving out of state with her family. 

The commissioners authorized county judge Robert Skelton to send a letter to Texas A&M AgriLife formally requesting that the process of taking applicants get underway.

By Sandy Morris

In a little over three weeks, the 82nd run of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will begin, and organizers and participants are busy preparing for the upcoming performances and expected out-of-town visitors. 

Dress rehearsal is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, and the four summer shows will start at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 18-19, and June 25-26 at the Prairie Theater just north of town.

The Fandangle Parade will take place in downtown Albany at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Rehearsals

By Sandy Morris

As the school year is winding down, summer is about to kick off, and ResourceCare is opening up registration for Day Camp 2021.

ResourceCare programs assistant Ragan Riley said registration for the annual program will be held next week on June 1 to June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Albany Youth Center.

Actual camp dates are July 12 to July 30.

“All campers must be registered during these three days next week,” said Riley. “We will not be able to sign up children for the program after June 3.”

By Sandy Morris

COVID may have kept Albany High School from hosting the annual Winter Formal this year, but it didn’t stop the student body from electing Mr. and Miss AHS.

During a special hallway assembly on Monday, May 24, Alli Hill and Jackson Chapman were announced as Miss AHS and Mr. AHS.

Other nominees for Miss AHS included Sidney Bartee, Elia Hebel, and Hannah Trail.

Mr. AHS nominees were Barrett Beal, Zach Parrott, and Ryder Wilkins.

Miss AHS

By Sandy Morris

Students and staff of Nancy Smith Elementary School participated in the annual field day on Monday, May 24 at Webb City Park. 

Preschool through sixth grade students were bussed to the park for a morning of fun and games including sack races, hurdles, tug-of-war, kickball, relays, and bounce houses. 

Students enjoyed sack lunches before returning to campus for the remainder of the school day. 

The awards assembly for first through fifth grade students was held on Wednesday, May 26 in the elementary cafeteria.

Graduating senior Corbin Roberts (above, r) accepts a Bible from First Baptist youth pastor Campbell Terry (l) during Sunday’s Baccalaureate service and Bible presentation, two traditional events that were combined again this year. Former Feed Store director and Young Life leader Grant Zeller (at left) was the speaker.

By Sandy Morris

Members of the First Baptist Church of Albany will host a “Mexican Pile-On” fundraiser on Sunday, June 6.

The meal will be held in the FBC Fellowship Hall immediately following the Sunday worship service that morning, according to Julie Miller, who is helping to organize the event.

In addition to the meal, baked goods will be available for purchase.

Suggested payment for the “Pile-On” is $10 per person or $20 for a family. Donations will also be appreciated.

By Sandy Morris

Moran Independent School District will present six seniors with high school diplomas on Friday, May 28.

Commencement exercises will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the MISD gymnasium.

Dariann Hawley is the valedictorian for the class, and Corey Miller is the salutatorian.

Other members of the Moran High Class of 2021 are Aspen Box, Corley Hendricks, Sondra O’Keefe, and Tiffany Wade.

The ceremony will begin with the invocation given by Wade, followed by a welcome from retiring superintendent Danny Freeman.

By Donnie A. Lucas

While the school year is ending today for local classes, a couple of summer programs for junior high and high school students are scheduled to start in June.

Prospective female athletes who want to stay or get in shape this summer will be able to participate in a strength and conditioning program that starts Monday, June 7, plus practicing some sport specific drills as well.

A program for male athletes will wait an extra week due to the baseball playoffs, starting on June 14.