By Kathy Thomson

FFA and 4-H exhibitors who sold their project animals through the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association premium auction during the 2020 county stock show can drive by the Depot and pick up their checks this Friday, May 8 between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Pens at the ag barn used by exhibitors must be clean, and any bills, including auction pledges and concession stand charges incurred by exhibitors and their families, must be paid before the checks can be distributed.

By Kathy Thomson

A just-for-fun Cruise Night will take place in Albany this Friday evening, and organizer Chelsi Darnell is inviting anyone who wants to join to come downtown with their own choice of transportation.

“Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, or whatever you have to drive,” Darnell said. “New or old, just come to cruise and have a good time.”

Spectators can get out in their yards or watch along Main Street during the event.

By Lynsi Musselman

Today Albany churches welcome all residents in observance of National Day of Prayer.

From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. those who wish to pray along with millions across the nation can enter any church to pray. Local pastors encourage visiting more than one church.

The day is designed as a come and go event to avoid large groups and keep social distances.

Pastor Brad McBee of First Christian Church said this is a time for people of faith to join together in prayer.

Patsy Key, age 84 of Albany, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, May 4 at Albany Cemetery with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Patsy Louise Donaldson was born Sept. 17, 1935 in Albany, Texas to John Maurice Donaldson and Edna Geraldine Childers Donaldson. 

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center employee David Walls recently put in a garden at the LEC using funding contributed by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and items donated by Higginbotham Brothers.

“No county funds were used,” said Walls. “The general purpose I have in mind is to supplement and add nutritional value to the inmates’ meals; then we’ll share any extra bounty with first responders and area church pantries. I’m also hoping that inmate trustees will be able to work in the garden and take pride in it.”

By Lynsi Musselman

Honor students for the 2020 Albany High School senior class were announced on Monday, with Addison Asher officially recognized as valedictorian and Jaleigh Morales as salutatorian.

Asher, daughter of Stephanie and Sonny Asher, has earned a total grade point average of 97.9165 during her high school career.

The salutatorian, daughter of Melissa and Edward Morales, has earned an overall GPA of 97.1132.

 Local students earn the traditional grade point average based on the numeric grades for each class. 

By Kathy Thomson

Project Graduation organizers are hoping that donations will enable them to provide gifts to Albany High School’s graduating seniors, even though the traditional all-night graduation party is not expected to be able to take place under the social distancing requirements set in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Kathy Thomson

Future Aggie and current Albany High School senior Addison Asher is one of three 2020 graduates who will benefit from the generosity of the late Archylou Kinchen Dickie as a recipient of one of the scholarships she helped fund in memory of her husband George D. Dickie Jr.

The scholarship fund, run through Texas A&M University, provides three scholarships a year to benefit students from Stephens, Shackelford, and Throckmorton counties.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany native and 2015 AHS graduate Molly Lee has always been a bit of a character.

While possibly appearing shy to casual acquaintances, she is known among her circle of friends as funny, clever, maybe even somewhat dramatic – especially in videos she periodically posts on social media.

However, over the last two weeks, she has become an internet sensation after a video of her attempting to administer a facial waxing on herself went viral.

By Kathy Thomson

The Fort Griffin Fandangle board of directors will meet early next week to discuss the summer show, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

“After Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement on Monday, the board decided to convene on Monday, May 4 to discuss our options,” said Ayers.

In the meantime, marketing director Scarlett Yates and office manager Jamie Parsons are still at work promoting this year’s summer show, scheduled for June 19, 20, 26, and 27.