By Sandy Morris

The annual summer reading program at the Shackelford County Library, sponsored by the Albany Study Club, kicked off on Monday, June 7 after a year’s absence due to COVID concerns.

According to organizer Janna Ledbetter, story hour will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. every Monday during the month of June.

“All stories will have a western theme,” said Ledbetter. “The children will also have the opportunity to play games and make crafts related to each week’s title.”

By Sandy Morris

Moran Independent School District retiring superintendent Danny Freeman, school board president Sug Roller and board vice president Alice Branham presented diplomas to six seniors at commencement exercises on Friday, May 28 at the MISD gymnasium.

Graduates included valedictorian Dariann Hawley, salutatorian Corey Miller, Aspen Box, Corley Hendricks, Sondra O’Keefe, and Tiffany Wade.

Tianay Bralley from Cisco College presented Cisco scholarships and Freeman presented local scholarships.

By Sandy Morris

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10.

COVID-19 antibody testing is offered at no charge for donors who successfully donate.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals. 

The Kiwanis Club blood drives are scheduled roughly every eight weeks throughout the year. The next one is scheduled Aug. 5.

By Sandy Morris

The Moran ISD board of trustees recently approved the hiring of Dr. John Denson as the new superintendent to replace Danny Freeman who is retiring at the end of June.

Dr. Denson comes to MISD from Union Hill ISD in Gilmer, Texas and said he is glad to return to West Texas. 

“I feel like I’m coming back home,” said Denson. “I went to junior college at Weatherford and earned my bachelor’s degree at Tarleton.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local students have had the opportunity to attend three separate sports camps over the last two weeks, with a couple more slated for later in July.

The annual basketball camp and a new tennis camp were both held this week, with the all-sports camp held the week before.

There is about a six-week break before the remaining volleyball camp and cheerleading camp in July.

Volleyball Camp

Coach M.J. Reneau is hosting a three-day volleyball camp on July 19-21 at the high school.

By Sandy Morris

Dress rehearsal followed by opening night of the 83rd anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle takes place in one week, and the entire cast and crew are rehearsing almost every night.

Local businesses, organizers, and participants are busy preparing for the upcoming activities, performances, and expected out-of-town visitors. 

Artistic director Lorna Ayers has emphasized the importance of showing up for every practice.

By Sandy Morris

The farmers market in Albany will once again be available to local producers to set up and sell homegrown products on Saturdays at the city-owned lot next to King & Robertson Insurance Agency.

In the past, the area has been recognizable by a tent placed on Main Street next to the insurance agency, but the last couple of tents have been damaged by the wind and have not been replaced. 

Local vendors are welcome to bring their own tables and tents when selling their wares on Saturday mornings or at other times. 

By Sandy Morris

Standing water and recent heavy rainfall have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes but have also prevented the city from being able to spray to remove the pesky insects. 

Albany water plant supervisor Michael Graham said recent weather conditions have kept city crews from fogging the town.

“The humidity has been too high for us to spray for mosquitoes,” said Graham. “Humidity will latch onto the spray and drop it down to the ground, and it won’t do any good.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

In 1962, when Shirley Welch Caldwell first moved with her husband Clifton to Shackelford County, where his family had deep roots, there was little evidence of the importance her presence would eventually have on the community and even on the entire state.

By Sandy Morris

With a little over one week away, Fandangle parade organizers Ragan Riley and Shannon Leech are encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit their 2021 entries. 

This year’s 83rd anniversary parade is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 in downtown Albany, with cash prizes to be given in several categories.

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