By Sam WallerAlbany FFA teams claimed two Big Country District titles, a pair of top-five area finishes, and two top-25 area finishes recently at contests in Lubbock and Stephenville.

By Sam WallerShackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell has two continuing education programs scheduled over the next two weeks.On Wednesday, May 11, a private applicator pesticide license training course will be offered. The program will start at 8:30 a.m. at Shackelford County Courthouse.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the May distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6.Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 5.

Members of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and other guests gather for a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Green Gypsy Mobile Bar, one of the newest Chamber members. The event took place at the recent membership crawfish boil.

By Donnie A. LucasFor the fourth week in a row, no new cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the three Albany testing sites last week, with the last positive case reported a month ago.

By Melinda L. LucasWith the school year winding down, summer is about to kick off, and ResourceCare is opening up registration for Day Camp 2022 to be held July 11-22.

By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County voters will have the chance to vote on two proposed amendments to the Texas constitution both dealing with property tax exemptions, along with deciding the fate of a slate of seven candidates for four seats on the Shackelford County Hospital Board.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany High School is sending two senior students to Austin this week to compete in the UIL Academic Meet at the University of Texas.Sarah Cotter took second in editorial writing at the Region II Meet on April 22 to advance.

By Donnie A. LucasRehearsals for the 2022 version of the Fort Griffin Fandangle have begun in earnest with a full slate of practices scheduled on each Sunday through Thursday during the month of May.

Alice Ruth (Wylie) Walker, born and raised in Albany, Texas, passed away in Belton, Texas, on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the age of 87. Her husband of 65 years, Prosper Walker, born and raised in neighboring Moran, Texas, followed her to glory on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the age of 90.