By Melinda L. Lucas

A request by John Tate to erect a granite monument inscribed with the 10 Commandments on the Courthouse Square was granted by Shackelford County commissioners after a lengthy discussion on Monday morning, April 12.

Tate said that he and other Albany citizens would fund the project, and there would be no cost to the county.

Another local resident, Jane Hooker, expressed concern that approving the monument could lead to other requests, although she emphasized that she is not against the 10 Commandments or what they stand for.

By Sandy Morris

Plans are in place for the 14th annual Albany Classic Car Show on Saturday, April 17, and everyone is invited to come downtown and view the entries. 

Organizer Robert Snyder said activities will begin on Friday, April 16.

“We will have the traditional Friday night cruise from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by the burnout between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.” Snyder said. 

Even with the forecast calling for rain, Snyder said he isn’t worried about cancelling the show.

By Sandy Morris

Just a few days remain before the traditional Fort Griffin Fandangle membership Sampler returns to Reynolds Bend, on the Lambshead Ranch.

For decades, the annual Sampler was held on the ranch, hosted by the late Watt Matthews, but the last time was more than 20 years ago. 

Since then, it has moved around to various locations, including the Bank Park, Courthouse Square, Prairie Theater, and most recently, at the original townsite of Griffin Flat on Collins Creek Ranch.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, April 15.

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

Hendrick Regional Blood Center offers ­COVID-19 antibody testing 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. 

By Sandy Morris

Excitement is building as the day draws closer for the traditional Fort Griffin Fandangle membership Sampler which returns to to Reynolds Bend on Lambshead Ranch after an absence of more than 20 years. 

The presentation is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 with a 6:00 p.m. show time followed by live music, dancing, and a prime rib dinner. 

The Clear Fork Boys and guests will provide the musical entertainment after the Sampler. 

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, April 14, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Sandy Morris

Spring turkey season opened last Saturday, April 3, but no successful weekend hunts were reported according to Shackelford County game warden Jacob Mort. 

“I’m really not seeing very many birds moving around in the county,” Mort said. “I’m expecting it to be an average to below average season, but it could still be early.”

Season Dates

By Sandy Morris

The Easter Bunny delivered in a big way, and local children were the recipients of a bounty of eggs this past Saturday at Webb Park.

The Albany Volunteer Fire Department hosted the community egg hunt and had about 150 people attend the event. 

Albany VFD secretary Alison Gardenhire said while the attendance was  down, the hunt went well.

“We had 10 firemen help set up and hide 5,000 eggs,” said Gardenhire. “Both banks in town donated $50 worth of gold and silver coins totaling $100.”

By Sandy Morris

After a year’s delay, the doors of the Albany Senior Citizens Activity Center are finally about to be opened.

Board president Tracy Sullivan said board members met on Monday, April 5 to discuss details about getting the facility into operation.

The board was gearing up to launch last year when the pandemic hit. Senior adults were among those most at risk, and plans were put on hold.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members have been competing in area Career Development Events (CDEs) to prepare for district and area meets. 

AHS ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students competed at Tarleton on Thursday, March 25 and at Weatherford College on Thursday, April 1.

Students competed in Horse Judging, Land, and Livestock.

“The kids are doing a great job at these meets,” said Beard. “We are going against a large number of other teams, and I’m pleased with the results I’m seeing.”