City of Albany officials plan to test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, May 11, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Travis Gardenhire.

SEVERE WEATHER

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County ResouceCare’s 18th annual spring health fair will take place at the Albany Bank Park on Friday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ResourceCare program director Mindy Ary said they expect at least 16 agencies to attend the health fair for Albany and Moran elementary students as well as the general public.

“We will have face painting, snow cones, popcorn, and booth games throughout the morning,” said Ary. “The Albany Fire Department is also providing a bounce house.”

By Sam Waller

Chelsey’s Project is getting back on its feet following a December fire that destroyed the original building and its contents.

On Friday, April 15, the ministry received a new portable building at its location at 598 N. Sixth St.

Founder and coordinator Blanca Sanchez continued providing diapers and wipes to local families in need despite the disruption caused by the fire.

By Sam Waller

Sweet Repeats Ministry  offers free use of formal attire “for gals and guys” in Shackelford County and the surrounding area.

The ministry, an offshoot of Closet Angels, is operated by Tammy McBee out of First Christian Church, 201 S. Walnut St.

The ministry provides formal wear for proms, weddings, dances, and other special events.

McBee said the project has an extensive inventory of clothing including dresses, suits, and accessories.

“We even have shoes,” McBee said, “lots of shoes.”

The items have all been donated.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Parliamentary Procedure team of the Albany FCCLA Chapter that took first place at the State Leadership Conference in Dallas recently, also won $1,000 scholarships from Texas Tech University.

The team competed in the Level I division for seventh and eighth graders, taking the top place in the state and earning a trip to the National Leadership Conference in San Diego in June.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Educators at Albany ISD are being provided snacks, meals, and gifts during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6, courtesy of the Albany Parent Teacher Organization, parents of local students, and local businesses.

PTO organizer Malarie Sutton said teachers and staff members are getting something special each day this week, including meals and gifts.

“We are truly blessed to have each and every employee at AISD, and this is something that we can do to tell them thanks,” said Sutton.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany sixth grade band, along with a few seventh graders who will move up to the high school band next year, competed in a Clyde Band Festival last week, earning three Division I ratings from the judges.

“I am really proud of this group,” band director William Vaughan said. “They took this seriously and acted very professionally during the entire trip. They were a great example for the school and their families.”

The band received three Division I ratings from the three judges, the highest that can be awarded.

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA teams claimed two Big Country District titles, a pair of top-five area finishes, and two top-25 area finishes recently at contests in Lubbock and Stephenville.

On Saturday, April 23, the plant ID team of Koy Cauble, Will LeMay, Laithe Leech, and Lute Wheeler competed at Texas Tech University. The team placed first at the district level, fourth in Area 4 and 24th in the state.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell has two continuing education programs scheduled over the next two weeks.

On Wednesday, May 11, a private applicator pesticide license training course will be offered. The program will start at 8:30 a.m. at Shackelford County Courthouse.

On Tuesday, May 17, a brush control field day will be held at the Stasney Ranch.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the May distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6.

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, May 5.

Albany families who are eligible for the May food distribution program may pick up their food on Friday, May 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.