By Sam WallerProject Graduation is taking a different approach in its fundraising efforts for the Albany High School Class of 2023, but the end goal remains the same.Organizer Amanda Tabor said the project will not conduct a Valentine sale this year, but earlier efforts have gone well.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is hitting the ground running in 2023 with preparations for the upcoming county livestock show being given high priority.Steer Weigh-inFinal weigh-in for the county show’s new commercial steer class will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at Watt Casey’s pens.

Angelo State University in San Angelo, has announced the students achieving the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester, including Ana Balliew of Albany.To be eligible for the ASU Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany students and staff will head back to the classroom next week, with teachers and staff reporting on Monday, Jan. 9 and students coming the following day on Tuesday, Jan. 10.The regular bell schedule will ring for students on Tuesday, with the second bell ringing at 7:55 a.m.

By Sam WallerRev. Stan Allcorn’s dedication to God has made him put retirement on hold.Again.Allcorn,  who served as senior pastor at Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for 22 years, takes over as interim pastor at Albany’s First Baptist Church this week.

Julia Bowman and Taylor Scott  were recognized by Midwestern State University Honor Rolls for the Fall 2022 semester.Julia Bowman, majoring in Radiologic Technology, was named on the President’s Honor roll. This list includes students who complete 12 hours with no grade lower than A (4.0).

By Donnie A. LucasSeating is already limited for the first performance of a new concert series hosted by Albany Live at the Aztec Theater set for Saturday, Jan. 14.Fewer than 50 general admission tickets are available for the Paul Cauthen concert on Saturday, Jan. 14 at $75 per seat.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Kenzie Neve brought home an armful of awards from the Arizona National Livestock Show, held Dec. 27-31 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.Neve, an Albany High School sophomore, claimed the grand champion intermediate cattle showman prize for the second year in a row.

By Sam WallerDrought conditions brought on by a La Niña weather system were the major weather story in Shackelford County in 2022, and it doesn’t appear conditions are going to change in early 2023.

By Sam WallerShackelford County hunters can still bag a buck during Texas’ special late white-tailed deer season.The special late season  as well as a youth-only late season runs through Sunday, Jan. 15.