By Sam WallerRegistration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s Community Garage Sale continued this week with Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones reporting the event has reached 10 participants signed up.“We’ve got a few more who have called or come in when they’ve had a chance,” Jones said.

By Sam WallerA hot, dry summer is shaping up to force another below-average dove season in Shackelford County.Game warden Jacob Mort said conditions have led to a low bird count in the area.“Driving around the county right now, there’s not a lot of birds,” Mort said.

By Donnie A. LucasDirectors of the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) have set a public hearing for the proposed 2023 budget on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 a.m.Following the hearing, the board of directors is expected to adopt the budget, which tallies $425,791 in expenditures.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H will hold its annual kickoff party to start the coming year at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 at Webb Park.Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said 4-Hers will be introduced to a variety of projects in which to participate for the coming year.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Burgers & Birds cookout from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at the fire station to celebrate the opening of dove season.For a $10 donation, donors will receive a fresh-cooked burger, choice of chips, a drink, and a cookie.

By Melinda L. LucasFour 2022 graduates have been named to the 2021-2022 All-State Journalism Staff, which is awarded by the Interscholastic League Press Conference.

By Donnie A. LucasNancy Smith Elementary School is looking for members of the community who would like to serve as mentors to local students.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD students and staff get a day off for the first holiday of the 2022-2023 school year on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.Classes will resume as scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the normal time of 7:55 a.m. for Nancy Smith Elementary and 8:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerAlbany churches and organizations have already begun fall youth groups, with children’s ministries about to start.Albany Church of Christ Youth in Action meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at The Feed Store.

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.