By Sam WallerPreparations are underway for the 35th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale, with a workday scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn, starting at 8:00 a.m.

The annual “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships” fundraising drive gets underway later this month.Sponsored by the Albany Ex-Students Association, the campaign traditionally starts the week of Robert Nail’s birth date, Sept. 13. This is the 54th anniversary of the first scholarship.

Several Albany churches and organizations have begun youth services for students, with children’s ministries set to start up in the next week.The Albany Church of Christ had its first children’s activities on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

By Sam WallerCloset Angels and Neighbors in Need will be closed for at least a couple of weeks, as well as not accepting donations, because of illness and a shortage of volunteer help.Lori Reames, director of Closet Angels, said neither organization has set a date for reopening.

By Sam WallerNancy Smith Elementary School is restarting its mentoring program after being forced to drop it last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany ISD students and staff get a day off for the first holiday of the 2021-2022 school year on Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day.Classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the normal time of 7:55 a.m. for Nancy Smith Elementary and 8:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H will conduct its kickoff party and organizational meeting for the coming year at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 13 at the Feed Store.

By Melinda L. LucasA current Albany senior and two 2021 graduates have been named to the 2020-2021 All-State Journalism Staff, which is awarded by the Interscholastic League Press Conference.

By Melinda L. LucasShackelford County commissioners topped off a month of budget workshops and regular sessions by meeting for the fourth Monday in a row on Aug.

By Donnie A. LucasTickets have sold out for the Friends of Fort Griffin Gala on Oct. 9 featuring Larry, Steve, & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, but anyone interested in attending can be placed on a waiting list.