By Sam Waller

For the second time during the spring semester, Moran ISD encountered a security situation.

According to the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch report, shots were reported to have been heard near the Moran City Park on Tuesday, April 11, with the school going into a “soft lockdown” until given clearance.

Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson termed the situation at the school as a “hold” with students remaining in their classrooms.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Six Albany High School students will compete in the Region II-2A UIL Academic Meet on Friday at Grayson College in Denison.

Five of the qualifiers are entered in journalism events, with one student advancing to the regional level in computer science.

The students qualified for the regional level contest by placing in the top three at the district meet held in Stamford in March.

By Sam Waller

A few changes were made for the 2024 Shackelford Youth and Livestock Show on Tuesday, April 11 at the Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association’s annual meeting.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said slight changes were made to the commercial steer class, which made its debut at the 2023 show in January, as well as to how swine will be classified.

The Association also approved the purchase of a photo backdrop for exhibitors to pose in front of with their animals.

A reception was held at First Baptist Church Albany to recognize Frances Cox’s 90th birthday.

Four generations of her family as well as friends, neighbors and her “church family” enjoyed cake and punch while exchanging congratulations.

Nearly 70 signatures were added to a pink and blue floral memory quilt created to honor this special milestone.

By Sam Waller

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s fundraising efforts for its summer mission trip to Belize will continue with three items up for bid following the concert and auction held at the Aztec Theater.

“The worship concert and auction went well,” MMPC youth minister Becky Wills said. “We had a good turnout and raised a good amount of money.”

By Sam Waller

Three Moran students will compete Saturday, April 22, at the Region II-1A academic meet at Angelo State University.

Terra Thompson qualified in Computer Science, Tyler Waddell advanced in Social Studies and Ellis Hise is entered in Mathematics.

The top three finishers in each advance at regional qualify for the state academic meet, Wednesday-Thursday, May 17-18, at Austin.

FFA News

Moran FFA students took part in district and area contests last week with the meat judging team just missing a state berth.

By Sam Waller

About 100 tickets have been sold for Project Graduation’s raffle of a Sony PlayStaion 5 gaming console.

“We definitely want to sell more,” Project Graduation organizer Amanda Tabor said.

Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. The prize drawing will be held Monday, May 8. The PS5 is retailing for $499.99.

To purchase tickets, contact Tabor at 325-762-0320.

The 33 members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will hold commencement ceremonies Friday, May 26. The graduation party will follow.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees hired a new school nurse and a new PE teacher/coach, as well as renewing teacher contracts at the regular meeting on Monday, April 17.

Heather Nitschke was hired on a 6-0 vote to serve as district nurse for the 2023-2024 school year, replacing Jessica Myers, who will be moving at the end of this school year.

Nitschke was one of three “impressive” applicants, according to AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott. She worked as a nurse in Canada before the family moved to a ranch outside Albany several years ago.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Perfect spring weather along with a number of new entries brought out spectators and vintage car and truck owners to downtown Albany last Saturday for the 16th annual Albany Classic Car Show.

Organizer Robert Snyder reported that 70 vehicles were entered in the show, down a little from last year’s  numbers due to conflicts with other shows in the area.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A crowd of over 200 members and guests made the trek to Reynolds Bend on the Matthews Ranch to get a preview of the 85th anniversary Fort Griffin Fandangle on Saturday, which was performed by a cast and crew of about 75.

“It was a wonderful success,” artistic director Lorna Ayers said. “The show was perfect, and everyone seemed to have a great time.”

The Sampler performance started at 6:00 p.m., followed by a steak dinner and dancing.