By Lynsi Perry Musselman

By David H. Waller

The Shackelford County Commissioners met April 15 at the Law Enforcement Center due to the courthouse being unavailable, addressing a full agenda that included infrastructure agreements, nonprofit support, and the passage of a major resolution regarding abortion.

Commissioners voted unanimously to lift the county’s current burn ban due to improved conditions. The decision takes effect immediately and will be reevaluated if necessary.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Lions Roar staff at Albany High School now has two decades of Star Awards on the wall after earning its 20th consecutive state recognition with a Silver Star at last weekend’s annual Interscholastic League Press Conference in Austin.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three parliamentary procedure teams and two individuals competed at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Dallas last week, with the Level 1 (eighth grade) team taking the top spot in their division and bringing home a gold medal.

In addition, two Albany High School video teams will advance directly to the national competition after it was announced last week that they are in the top 20 in nation.

By Melinda L. Lucas

When Moran students were on campus last Friday, April 11, some of the older classes were given instruction in CPR and first aid by school nurse Deloris Londerholm.

According to principal Jo Hise, the district had to deviate from its normal four-day week to make up a weather day.

STAAR testing is on the MISD calendar for next week, but elementary students will also get a fun break when they go to the Hardin-Simmons University’s Western Heritage Days on Thursday, April 24.

By David H. Waller

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Membership Crawfish Boil and Fish Fry next Thursday, April 17, with the event set to begin at 6:00 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Chamber building.

This year’s dinner will feature a full spread, including boiled crawfish and shrimp, fried fish, and all the fixings. Homemade onion rings will once again be served by the Happy Grill food truck.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Another annual Albany Classic Car Show is gearing up for Saturday, April 19 in downtown Albany, with the public urged to come view dozens of vintage cars and trucks from around the Big Country.

Organizer and car enthusiast Robert Snyder said he is hoping for a good turnout.

Guest Writer

Matthew Howard

By Melinda L. Lucas

A total of 25 Albany FCCLA members will compete in the FCCLA State Conference in Dallas this weekend, including all three parliamentary procedure teams plus a two-person team, all of whom qualified for state after placing in the regional conference held last month.

Albany Fire Chief Joel Viertel was re-elected to a second term during the department’s annual officer election, which saw every position filled by unanimous vote—an outcome Viertel described as a sign of unity and strong leadership within the volunteer force.

Cyrena Wooster was re-elected as Secretary Treasurer, and Casey Kimbrough will continue serving as Second Captain. The only newly elected officer is Zack Waggoner, who was chosen as First Lieutenant and also named Firefighter of the Year in 2024. He steps into the role following the resignation of Ryan Walser.