By Sam Waller

Albany’s Cub Scout Pack 255 held its annual Blue and Gold Banquet on Monday, March 6, at the Scout Shack.

Four Scouts received accomplishment badges as well as receiving $50 gift cards to Academy Sports and Outdoors for raising more than $250 each by selling popcorn.

Connor Walser received the Lion Badge, which has five requirements, and finished seven electives.

Lennon Lucas received the Bobcat Badge and completed Tiger Circles: Duty to God, which is a requirement for Tiger Cub, the rank on which she is working.

By Sam Waller

Entry deadline is drawing closer for the First Baptist Church youth ministry’s fundraising volleyball tournament.

Deadline is Sunday, March 19, and entry fees are due by then.

The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 at the Albany High School gym. Proceeds will help cover expenses for local youth to attend church camp this summer.

Entry fee is $20 per person. Players must be incoming eighth graders or older.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels will be closed over spring break, which this year is Monday-Friday, March 13-17.

The ministry typically follows the school closure schedule and shuts down during school holidays.

Closet Angels director Lori Reames said volunteer workers will continue to sort items during the break.

Closet Angels relies on volunteers and some will be out of town or devoting time to family activities during spring break.

Closet Angels will reopen Monday, March 20.

By Sam Waller

Moran began its spring sports schedule with high school, junior high, and elementary track meets over the last two weeks.

On Tuesday, March 7, Moran students were competing in the Early tennis tournament. Results will be reported next week.

High school track athletes return to action Thursday, March 9 (today) at Rising Star.

High School

The Lady Bulldogs began competition Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Breckenridge relays meet, then boys and girls teams competed at Trent on Friday, March 3.

By Sam Waller

Exhibitors from the 2023 Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show have until Saturday, April 1 to write thank you notes to bidders and complete other obligations.

Show participants must place their finished notes in a stamped, addressed envelope ready for mailing. Notes must be verified by Chris Beard, Kelsey Bell, or Minnie Denson.

Bell said FFA and 4-H members who took their animals through the sale ring have received their lists of the bidders they should thank.

By Sam Waller

Moran senior Emily Murk, who was recently named Outstanding Performer at the District 13-1A One Act Play contest has committed to Cisco College for theater.

“Emily is our very first student to commit for theater for any school,” Moran teacher Bryce Hughes said.

Murk played the role of Jo March in Moran’s OAP production of “Little Women.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Fans of the Albany Live series of concerts at the Aztec Theater will be treated to a double dose of strong country music female performers in March and April.

Tickets are on sale for both concerts at the local non-profit’s website: www.albanylive.org.

Sunny Sweeney will headline a show on Saturday, March 18 at the Aztec. The doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show starting at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday, April 22, Kaitlin Butts will be featured in concert at the Aztec, with the same show time.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Nancy Smith Elementary students will once again observe National Read Across America Day on Thursday with special activities scheduled for all age groups.

The day set aside to celebrate reading on a national level is March 2, held annually in conjunction with the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss. The event is sponsored by the National Education Association.

Locally, community members are brought in to read to various grade levels.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A good-sized group of seasoned and new performers showed up at the first practice for the 2023 version of the Fort Griffin Fandangle on Monday, but director Lorna Ayers says there is still a need for more community members to attend.

The second general rehearsal for the Sampler of the summer show is set for Monday, March 6 at the Aztec Theater.

“The first rehearsal went really well, with a really good turnout,” Ayers said. “But we still need more people, and everyone is welcome.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two artists will be featured in the Old Jail Art Center’s new spring exhibitions, which open this weekend with a members’ preview and reception on Saturday.

The exhibitions include “Dreams of You” by Los Angeles-based, artist Luke Harnden and “Company Retreat” by Keer Tanchak of Dallas.

Both of the artists were in Albany during the past week installing their works, Tanchak’s as part of the ongoing Cell Series.