By Melinda L. LucasClose to 93 percent of the 2021 tax levy had been collected as of Jan. 31, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office, with eligible payments coming in for couple of weeks in February.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County 4-H rifle team is seeking sponsorships for new equipment and to help cover costs of upcoming competitions.The team, coached by Jessica Wade, will put sponsors’ logos on T-shirts and a banner to be displayed at events.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD students, facultyand staff are scheduled to be dismissed early on Friday, March 11 for the week-long spring break holiday.Classes will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. at both campuses, with buses running at that time.

By Sam WallerRehearsals for next month’s Fandangle Sampler at Reynolds Bend have begun with director Lorna Ayers stressing the importance of attendance.“We don’t have a lot of rehearsal time, so make sure to come to all of the rehearsals,” Ayers said.The first rehearsal was held Tuesday, March 8.

By Donnie A. LucasAbout 30 members of the Albany High School Band traveled to West Cliff, Colorado last week to help prepare for the upcoming concert contest and to have some fun.

By Sam WallerCloset Angels will be closed over spring break, as it typically follows the school closure schedule, but the facility will also be closed on Saturday, March 12, according to director Lori Reames.

By Sam WallerThe Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions boys camp drew 94 campers from eighth grade through high school for the Feb. 18-20 gathering at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment, including some from Albany.

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said eight or nine teams are expected to participate in a fundraising volleyball tournament this weekend.The double-elimination tournament will be held Saturday, March 12, at the Albany High School gym, starting at 9:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. LucasRepresentatives of local organizations and boards that award scholarships to Albany High School graduates are asked to contact Ann Riley at the AHS office by Monday, March 21 if at all possible.

By Donnie A. LucasSeveral members of the newly reinstated Albany FCCLA Chapter competed at the Regional Leadership Conference in Waco last week, with all 10 high school and junior high students who attended earning one of the top three places to advance to the state conference in April.