By Donnie A. LucasResponse to rehearsals for the June performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle has been great, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers, especially among the younger members of the cast.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, May 26.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 Donnie A. LucasVoters will have the chance to go to the polls for a second time this month with the May 24 State Primary Elections Run-off for both the Republican and Democratic parties.In-person early voting ends on Friday, May 20.

By Donnie A. LucasA record crowd of students, parents and staff attended the annual Academic Banquet on Monday to honor academic excellence of students in a variety of activities including academic UIL events, journalism, band, FFA, one-act play, and FCCLA.

By Donnie A. LucasThe annual Baccalaureate service for the Albany High School Class of 2022 is set for Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.Former Albany youth minister Spencer Newsom will be the featured speaker. He will be introduced by class valedictorian Luke Ivy.

By Sam WallerSeven Moran High School students were inducted as charter members of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society on Monday, May 9, at the Moran Events Center.

By Sam WallerA total of 18 participants took part in the Shackelford County 4-H horse show Saturday, May 7 at the Fikes Arena southeast of Albany.

By Sam WallerInterested parties may still attend a brush control field day scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 at the Stasney Ranch headquarters.Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said she expects around 20, but more are welcome.“People can just show up,” Bell said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Study Club will again raffle a quilt as part of its annual Quilt Show during the Fort Griffin Fandangle.Raffle tickets may be purchased from any Study Club member or at Shackelford County Library. Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five.

By Sam WallerThe Albany High School Class of 2022 senior Bible presentation, a long-running project of First Baptist Church of Albany, will be included as part of the Baccalaureate service at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Albany High School Auditorium.