By Melinda L. Lucas

Entire families are invited to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival this Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Old Jail Art Center.

Starting at 1:00 p.m., participants of all ages but particularly children, can enjoy traditional food, art, and games observing the “Moon Festival,” a harvest celebration of family and gratitude similar to the western Thanksgiving holiday.

Many of the activities will be held in the Stasney Center, but others are planned outdoors, according to Kirsten Hahn, OJAC Education Programs Coordinator.

By Donnie A. Lucas

While the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have leveled out in recent weeks, residents will soon be faced with the annual outbreak of flu cases, predicted to be the largest in the last five years.

Vaccinations for this year’s variant of influenza will be available locally starting next week, and local health care providers are urging the public not to treat the virus lightly.

By Sam Waller

Around 100 4-Hers and parents attended the Shackelford County 4-H kickoff party Sunday, Sept. 18 at Webb Park.

Extension agent Kelsey Bell said more than 20 families were represented.

“It was very casual, just a lot of fun,” Bell said. “We had lots of yard games like cornhole, football, basketball, and croquet, and we gave the adults an opportunity to ask questions.”

The event was the first for the new 4-H year.

Bell announced that the first club meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at The Feed Store.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week stayed steady at four positive tests, the same number as reported the previous week, based information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported four positive test results out of 17 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Sept. 12-16.

The use of home testing increased after tests were made readily available, making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The board of directors of the Shackelford County Appraisal District approved the 2023 budget on a unanimous vote during a Sept. 14 meeting.

The vote came after a public hearing on the budget, with no members of the public attending.

The budget totaled $430,791, an increase of $26,854 over last year.

The action was taken on a motion by James Shelton, with Bruce Bailey, Lanham Martin, Clint Bumguardner, and Russell Chapman voting in favor Members Cody Jordan and John Tate were not present.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany High’s homecoming has been set for Friday, Oct. 14, with the annual parade on Main Street in downtown starting at 5:00 p.m.

The parade is open to the public to enter for graduating classes or local organizations or groups. In addition to floats decorated by the junior high and each high school grade level, class princes and princesses, organizational sweethearts and beaus, and king and queen nominees will be presented.

Anyone interested in having an entry in the parade should call the high school office at 325-762-3974.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A fish fry, with chicken strips also available, is scheduled this Sunday, Sept. 25 as a fundraiser for the Shackelford County Rural Fire Department, according to SCRFD officer Kristi Brooker.

The meal is set to start at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until sold out.

One of the bays at the rural fire department building, located at 623 Railroad Street, will be open for patrons to drive through.

No tables will be set up for the public, as the event is “to-go” only, said Brooker.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany Junior/Senior High School students recently elected both class officers and student council officers for the 2022-2023 school year.

Student council candidates were required to give a brief introduction during an assembly for grades 9-12 prior to the voting that was completed using ballots accessed on student computers.

Senior Leddie Leech was selected as president of the student council for the upcoming year, along with senior Presley Green as vice president.

By Sam Waller

The 32nd annual See You at the Pole prayer event will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at both Albany ISD campuses.

High school and junior high students will gather at 7:30 a.m. at the high school flag pole for a time of student-led prayer. Before the prayer time, the Feed Store will provide breakfast at 7:00 a.m. for all students in seventh through 12th grades at the front of the school.

Students will gather in the gym foyer in case of rain.

By Sam Waller

Pumpkins won’t be the only items for sale Saturday, Oct. 1, when Bethel Assembly holds its annual The Patch fall celebration at the Bank Park.

In addition to the pumpkin market and associated activities, sack lunches will be sold to benefit the Monte Lewis Scholarship. Meals will consist of a chopped brisket sandwich with fixings, chips, and water. Dwaine Knight will cook the brisket.

The pumpkin market will open at 10:00 a.m. and last until the pumpkins sell out. Proceeds will benefit Bethel Assembly community ministries.