By Melinda L. Lucas

With the start of the school year, Albany churches and organizations are beginning to plan youth and children’s services for students, most of them with September start dates.

Many youth have remained active over the summer, especially those who have participated in camps and mission trips, but the organized study groups will begin in earnest in the next few weeks.

Feed Store

Tuesday lunches for juniors and seniors will start up again on Aug. 22 at the Feed Store.

By Melinda L. Lucas

There are several positions open for students who qualify for either the Head Start Program or the Pre-K Program at Nancy Smith Elelmentary.

Parents who are interested in having a child participate in either program should contact the school to determine if they qualify.

“As of Tuesday we had about 21 students total enrolled in those two programs,” said Leigh Lowe, director of student services. “There are still some spots available, but you have to qualify to participate.”

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H wraps up its Summer STEAM program Thursday, Aug. 10 (today), and begins preparations for the new 4-H year, which starts in September.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said the final STEAM session will be a pool party hosted by Tamara Trail. Starting in early June, the program offered local children education in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

On Monday, Aug. 14, incoming junior and senior officers will attend a meeting of the Shackelford County Commissioners Court.

By Sam Waller

The 19th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala will offer attendees a steak dinner and dancing under the stars to the music of Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles.

The event, which raises funds for Fort Griffin State Historic Site, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Collins Creek Ranch.

Tickets are $50 per person. Tables of 10 are $500. All attendees must be 21 or older. Cost covers the meal, an open bar, and entertainment. Dinner music will be performed by Finis Dean Smith.

By Sam Waller

The Albany High School cross country program entered its second week of preseason practice with all athletes expected to compete this fall taking part.

Coach Donnie Hart said the eight girls and three boys who attended the Monday, Aug. 7 training session are still working to get into shape before the first meet, Jim Ned’s Warpath Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 19.

By Sam Waller

Moran Independent School District began its new school year Monday, Aug. 7, ahead of where it began last year.

Principal Jo Hise reported that 105 students from all grades attended the first day with 110 the second day. Superintendent Dr. John Denson said the enrollment figure is expected to continue growing.

“Two said they’d be here Wednesday, so we should be at 112,” Denson said.

The growth appears evenly split between primary and secondary grades.

By Sam Waller

The start of a new school year is also the start of new livestock projects for FFA and 4-H members.

Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard said Friday, Aug. 25 will be a key date for upcoming shows.

“I’ve already got everybody entered who’s going to the West Texas Fair,” Beard said. “The next deadlines will be for the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco. Both of those are due Aug. 25.”

By Sam Waller

Albany Chamber of Commerce manager Brandi Lehew announced that the date for the community-wide garage sale will be Saturday, Sept. 9.

Registration for the event will begin Tuesday, Aug. 22. Lehew said registration will close the Wednesday before the sale as in past years.

A $10 registration fee will include a yard sign and inclusion on a map of participants. Lehew said signs can be picked up the week of the sale with maps available at the Chamber office at 7:00 a.m. that day.

“The details will be the same as last year,” Lehew said.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany High school sports fans will not only get to hear a play-by-play account of Lion and Lady Lion sports this year, they will also get to see the action.

The district is adding a new program of study as part of the Career and Technology Education (CTE) offered at the high school.

By Donnie A. Lucas

In-person registration for new Albany ISD students continues this afternoon at the high school campus for both elementary and secondary students.

Personnel from both campuses will be on hand from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the high school building to assist with registering students new to the district or help parents having trouble with the online registration for returning students.

All students need to be registered either in person or online for the new school year.