By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church youth ministry has added a pie-in-the-face fundraiser to its list of spring activities to raise money for summer church camp.

The event will be held Sunday, May 7 at FBC following a pulled pork sandwich lunch event.

Youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said those nominated to catch a pie in the face will have cans into which money is deposited.

Renee Morrow, age 57 of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023. A celebration of life was held Monday, April 17 at the Seabee Park Pavilion (6525 West Lake Rd., Abilene, Texas 79601). Arrangements have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Renee Lynette Link was born June 24, 1965 in San Antonio, Texas to Ernest Earl Link and Shirley Ann Kelly Link. She worked as a maintenance woman for several years until her retirement. Renee loved fishing, spending time with her family and was a heck of a handy woman.

Drexel Gilstrap, age 64 of Pecos, passed away Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Membership Sampler of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is set  for Saturday at Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch.

The gate at “the Bend” will open at 5:00 p.m., with the performance starting promptly at 6:00 p.m.

The Sampler is a shortened version of the 85th anniversary Fandangle in June and is open to members of the Fandangle Association.

Held at the ranch for a number of years, the membership party and preview returned to the historic Lambshead Ranch for the first time last year after a 25-year absence.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 16th annual Albany Classic Car Show is revved up and ready to go in downtown Albany on Saturday, April 15, with the public urged to come see dozens of vintage cars and trucks from around the Big Country.

Organizer Robert Snyder said activities will actually begin on Friday, April 14, starting with a hamburger supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the car museum on Main Street.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Mary Quintero, former supervisor of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s ambulance service, appeared before District Judge Brooks Hagler last Thursday, April 6 and pled guilty to a two-year-old charge of theft of a controlled substance.

Quintero, who lives in Stephens County, and her attorney David Wimberly waived the right to a jury trial, opting instead to accept the judge’s ruling.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for tomorrow, April 14.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., but local donors are reminded to note that the drives will be held on Fridays this year rather than Thursdays.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An estimate of $275.725 for a new ambulance to replace a 2009 unit that has “become a liability” was reported during Monday’s session of the Shackelford County Hospital District directors.

Chad Havens of the EMS, who has been researching options and obtaining bids for the vehicle, recommended a 2024 Chevrolet. Any of the vehicles will take roughly a year to complete.

The item was tabled until the May meeting in order to research grants to help with the purchase.

Other Business

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Prairie Star Deli & Grill will be closed for at least two weeks to undergo remodeling following the sale of the business.

Eddie Edington, who co-owned the business with his wife, Deneen, and sister, Treca Edington, sold the local convenience store and lunch spot to AllStar Fuel of Plainview with the change of ownership taking place this month.

While the store is closed, the gas pumps will remain open. All transactions must be by card at the pump.

By Melinda L. Lucas

New Albany Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joel Viertel gave a report to Albany city council members during their regular April meeting on Monday night, stating that he and Captain Travis Gardenhire plan to fly to Oregon later this month to finalize the $220,000 purchase of a 2022 Dodge diesel 5500, which will serve as both a “rescue truck” and a “brush/utility truck.”

The vehicle is being paid for with $175,000 from an anonymous donor, added to $45,000 from the fire department’s “restricted account,” which is regulated by the city council.