By Donnie A. LucasThe 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.

By Donnie A. LucasGrandparents 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.

By Melinda L. LucasAll 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.

By Melinda L.

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

By Donnie A. LucasThe 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.

By Sam WallerGracie 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.

By Sam WallerShackelford 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.

By Donnie A. LucasA 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.

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