By Sandy Morris

The annual Fandangle Sampler is moving back to Reynolds Bend on the Lambshead Ranch after an absence of more than 20 years. 

According to artistic director Lorna Ayers, the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association board has set the date for the sampler on Saturday, April 17.

“Everyone is so excited to go back to Reynolds Bend for the sampler,” said Ayers. “It is a perfect location with a wide open patch of land, just like a mini-stage. There is plenty of room to perform and to have the horses and wagons.”

By Sandy Morris

After months of planning, the Albany Chamber will host the Hereford Ball celebration on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Whitney Theater, 100 years after the original ball in 1921.

Albany Chamber of Commerce director Mary Beth Jones said the dress-up ball is a celebration of Shackelford County’s ranches and history and that tickets were quickly purchased, making this a sold-out event. 

“We had to work around COVID and keeping attendees socially distanced,” said Jones. “Ideally, we would like to be able to host more guests.”

By Sandy Morris

After a week of record-breaking winter weather like most Shackelford County residents have never experienced before, the sun finally made an appearance last Friday, and by Saturday afternoon, the only snow left was in shadow or what had been pushed into piles.

While the City of Albany received its fair share of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, all city and county officials agree that everyone involved came together and made the best of a bad situation. 

Water Supply

By Melinda L. Lucas

A one-year contract extension was approved for principals Glen Hill at Albany Junior/Senior High School and John Gallagher at Nancy Smith Elementary School, along with similar offers for district business manager Angelyn Faith and director of student services Leigh Lowe, following a closed session at the end of Monday’s regular school board meeting, postponed a full week because of the weather.

Five percent raises were approved in the same motion, which was made by Kelly Head and seconded by Ginny Ivy.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Most people in this part of Texas associate the first sightings of robins with the coming of spring, but in the past week, there have been multiple comments on social media about the hundreds of American robins seen in and around Albany, even as temperatures dipped into the single digits.

Dozens and dozens of the orange-breasted birds have been observed in yards around the community, strutting around on top of several inches of snow and feasting on berries in neighborhood shrubs and trees.

By Sandy Morris

Project Graduation organizers have announced their next fundraiser for the annual celebration held for Albany’s graduating seniors.

Senior parent and organizer Tisha Wilkins reported this week that the next fundraiser will be a ‘To-Go’ lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28 at The Feed Store. 

The menu will include chicken spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, drink, and homemade dessert. Donations will be accepted as payment.

By Sandy Morris

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School have been challenged to read about America during the month of February.

Organized by NSES library aide Megan Henry, fifth and sixth grade students have been encouraged to read a book from the ‘Dear America’ collection in exchange for a Dairy Queen coupon for a frozen treat.

The premise of the challenge is based on a quote by Harry S. Truman which states,  “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”

By Sandy Morris

The recent winter blast pushed back several events scheduled for last week, including the worship night at The Feed Store. 

Feed Store Executive Director Tisha Wilkins said the worship night, featuring speaker Riley Israel, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24. 

Israel, a native of Americus, Georgia, was seen at church every time there was a service thanks to his upbringing by his parents and grandparents.  

By Sandy Morris

Closet Angels hosted a fundraiser to benefit Albany resident Kristi Brooker on Monday, Feb. 8, raising a total of $252.

Brooker is currently undergoing treatment for stage four breast cancer, and the fundraiser was held to help Brooker keep her health insurance.

Closet Angels director and fundraiser organizer Lori Reames thanked everyone who participated in the event.

By Sandy Morris

Albany UIL students are hoping to get in one more practice meet before the upcoming district UIL meet scheduled in Stamford on Wednesday, March 24.

Holliday High School is hosting a virtual academic meet and has sent out materials to all participating schools including Albany High School participants. 

Originally, the materials were to be received on Friday, Feb. 12 with writing entries due Tuesday, Feb. 16 and the other entries due on Thursday, Feb. 18.