By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church of Albany is gearing up for a string of summer children’s programs that will extend into August.Preteen MinistryA Preteen Ministry started Wednesday, May 3 for students who are finishing sixth grade.The program will be held 5:30-7:15 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions girls camp drew more than 150 participants to Solid Rock Camp at Eastland on Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 4-5.A total of 108 girls from eighth through 12th grade and 44 adult volunteers participated in the program.

By Sam WallerSeveral Bible study groups are forming for local residents, ranging from women’s groups to those open to the general public.One group has already started, while another is planning to start a new course after wrapping up its summer online program.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chamber of Commerce will honor two community members as Albany Stars on Thursday, March 3.The program will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Aztec Theater.

By Melinda L. LucasAdvance tickets are now available for the Biennial Swedish Smorgasbord hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church in the Ericksdahl Community coming up on Saturday, March 5.At $30 per ticket for three different seating times, meals will be served at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerPrairieland Quilters of Albany recently presented members of the Shackelford County 4-H sewing group with sewing kits in addition to passing along some of their knowledge.The two groups met together Sunday, Feb.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the March distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4.Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 3.

Dear Editor:It is high time for Albany folks to brag publicly on the fine staff at our Shackelford County Clinic. They have been working their tails off during the past several weeks of this COVID siege.We are so lucky to have them: Travis, Claire, Shana and the other nurses and support staff.

By Sidney Bartee With the start of the school year, several Albany churches and organizations also begin youth services for students to become closer to Jesus. Feed Store Tuesday lunches for juniors and seniors will start again on Aug. 24. The Feed Store will have fifth quarters this year.

By Brad McBee A while back I was shooting at a gun range just outside of Albany when I came across a Killdeer.  Killdeers are  robin size, large plover, brownish, with white bellies and black stripes on their heads, necks, and breasts. The name comes from a call that sounds like “kill-deer,”