By Sandy Morris

After a week of record-breaking winter weather like most Shackelford County residents have never experienced before, the sun finally made an appearance last Friday, and by Saturday afternoon, the only snow left was in shadow or what had been pushed into piles.

While the City of Albany received its fair share of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, all city and county officials agree that everyone involved came together and made the best of a bad situation. 

Water Supply

By Melinda L. Lucas

A one-year contract extension was approved for principals Glen Hill at Albany Junior/Senior High School and John Gallagher at Nancy Smith Elementary School, along with similar offers for district business manager Angelyn Faith and director of student services Leigh Lowe, following a closed session at the end of Monday’s regular school board meeting, postponed a full week because of the weather.

Five percent raises were approved in the same motion, which was made by Kelly Head and seconded by Ginny Ivy.

Beverly June Arendt of Hico and Stephenville Texas went to be with her Lord at the age of 96 on Feb. 18, 2021. 

She was born in Shackelford County on Sept. 4, 1924 to E.D. and Mollie Hale. She grew up in Albany, Texas where she met her best friend for life, H.C. Arendt. 

During WW II, June worked as a riveter at Shepherd Air Force Base. Soon after H.C. returned from serving in the Army during the war, they were married on Oct. 11, 1945. They enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. 

Billie George Mathis was born April 21, 1933 in Albany, TX to Benjamin Milton and Della Aubry (Ragsdale) Mathis. On Feb. 21, 2021, he passed quietly and peacefully at his home surrounded by loving hands.

A service will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Bell Cypert Seale Chapel officiated by Pastor Misty Thomason. Interment will follow at Albany Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Bell Cypert Seale Funeral Home.

Melvinia Schuster, age 69 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021. 

A graveside service was held Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Albany Cemetery with Rev. Luke Spraberry officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Melvinia Irene Fryar was born on Aug. 25, 1951 in Albany, Texas to her parents Melvin Fryar and Ruby Lipstraw Fryar. She graduated from Albany High School and then went on to community college and obtained a degree in accounting. 

In her free time, Melvinia enjoyed making beaded jewelry. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Most people in this part of Texas associate the first sightings of robins with the coming of spring, but in the past week, there have been multiple comments on social media about the hundreds of American robins seen in and around Albany, even as temperatures dipped into the single digits.

Dozens and dozens of the orange-breasted birds have been observed in yards around the community, strutting around on top of several inches of snow and feasting on berries in neighborhood shrubs and trees.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Weather conditions resulted in the cancelling of a scrimmage last Friday and the season opener on Tuesday for the Lady Lions softball team.

The team was still scheduled to play in the Eastland tournament this week, although the Thursday portion of the tournament was moved to Friday.

“They changed the Eastland tournament from a three-day event to a two-day tournament on Friday and Saturday,” said coach Jimmy Fuentes. “The number of games we will play was cut from six to four.”

By Sandy Morris

Eight local Little Dribblers teams started playing games on Saturday, Feb. 6, in the old Albany High School gym. 

The games will continue each Saturday through February.

Games start at 9:00 a.m. Feb. 20 and Feb. 27.

Results from the first two weeks of play are listed below.

Boys WEEK 1

Black 40 – Blue 27

Scoring for Black – Jathan Perez 8, Slayton Parsons 4, Luke Smith 9, Lyle Wheeler 17, Zaiden Dockins 2.

Scoring for Blue – Trevor Bellah 11, Levi Murphey 16.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A meeting of those interested in the Albay Girls Softball Association was postponed from its original time on Feb. 17 to next Wednesday, Feb. 24, according to association president Jacey Shack.

The meeting will be held at the Scout Hut starting at 7:00 p.m.

All parents are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone who would like to volunteer during the season.

“The meeting is open to anyone who has questions or needs more information about the season,” said Shack. “We also need volunteers willing to assist during the season.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Several Albany football players were selected for positions on the All-Big Country Football Super Team, as well as the Class 2A teams for the area.

Three local players were named to one of the Super Teams, which is comprised of players ranging from Class 1A through 6A. Seven players also were selected for Class 2A honors based on performance during the 2020 football season.

The annual awards are sponsored by the Abilene Reporter-News.