By Melinda L. LucasIn conjunction with the celebration of the Old Jail Art Center’s 40th anniversary celebration a couple of weeks ago was the opening of three new exhibitions, which will continue on display at the local museum through Aug. 20.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, March 24.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerChecks for animals sold at this year’s Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show will be distributed April 8, but exhibitors have a checklist of tasks to complete before being paid.Checks will be distributed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Albany Visitors Center parking lot.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-Her Grace Fry placed first in the junior horse judging Monday, March 7 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, highlighting a busy week for local 4-H and FFA membersFellow 4-H member Luke Smith placed second with his barrow on Sunday, March 13 in the middleweight...

By Sam WallerThe second phase of repair work on the Landreth Dam bridge has begun, closing the bridge to vehicle traffic for the duration.Shackelford County Precinct 2 commissioner Ace Reames said work began Monday, March 14.

By Sam WallerThe Albany FFA team of Coy Lefevre, Ty Everitt, Cole Read, and Laithe Leech placed ninth out of 25 teams on Monday, March 7 at a wildlife judging contest at Anson.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions and Lady Lions track and field teams dealt with weather and injury issues in addition to competition from larger schools last week at Jim Ned’s Tribe Relays.The varsity boys placed fifth in the team standings with 77 points, while the girls were sixth with 45¼ points.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions opened the District 8-2A softball schedule Monday, March 14 with an 18-2 victory over Cross Plains at Webb Park.After taking the rest of the week off for spring break, the Lady Lions will host May at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 in their second district outing.

By Sam WallerAlbany senior Luke Ivy has been named to the Texas High School Coaches Association boys basketball Elite Academic All-State team.The THSCA Academic All-State teams recognize high school athletes who excel with grade point average, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Softball Association will have four teams in three age groups comprising more than 50 players for the upcoming season.“We have about 25 8U players, 16 or 17 10Us and 12 or 13 12Us,” ASA president Jacey Shack said.