By Donnie A. Lucas

After a three or four year break, the Albany chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (­FCCLA) is back in action at Albany Jr./Sr. High School.

The group was reorganized by teacher Jennifer Marshall who took over the program along with teaching career technology classes at the school.

During a recent meeting, the group elected officers for the 2021-2022 school year including president Mayson Garcia, vice president Ashley Richards, secretary Gabby Lopez, and treasurer Luke Marshall.

By Sam Waller

Deadlines are creeping closer for those looking to contribute to or benefit from local holiday programs.

The application deadline for Believe Tree for Teens and the Christmas Basket food drive, both sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, is Nov. 29.

Forms are available at local churches, the Feed Store, ResourceCare, and The Albany News, and can be turned back in at the same locations.

Applications for Toys for Tots must be received by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. Information and applications are available at ResourceCare.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany junior high students began the UIL academic season this week, competing in writing events.

The meet will be conducted virtually for the most part again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all events to be completed by Dec. 7.

Ready writing and editorial writing contests were held Monday, Nov. 15 with entries sent to judges to be scored.

The remainder of the events will be administered just as they would be at an in-person meet, but will be scored locally, then reported to the district for ranking.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 test results increased last week, almost doubling over the prior week.

A total of 38 tests were administered at the three testing locations in Albany, with a combined total of 15 positive results for the week of  Nov. 8 through Nov. 12.

The stats were reported by county judge Bob Skelton on Monday.

In addition, the Shackelford County Health Clinic reported nine tests on Monday of this week with four positive results.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three representatives with Parkhill, an architectural and engineering company engaged by Albany ISD to perform a facilities study, presented their initial findings in Monday’s meeting of the AISD board of trustees, and although there was no action of any kind, the board members agreed that immediate action would be needed in several areas, and a long range plan would need to be devised. Many of the facilities are nearing 70 years old.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After meeting in closed session for more than a hour to review five applications, members of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors decided to schedule interviews to fill the post of SCHD administrator.

There was no official action taken, but board president Jo Ann Estridge said Tuesday that they will begin interviewing the applicants as soon as possible.

There has not been an administrator since Jera Fairley left several months ago.

Republic Services, the garbage collection contractor for Albany, will alter its schedule next week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Residential trash containers and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday will change to Saturday.

Tuesday collection will run as normal for the week.

A Monday, Nov. 22 deadline has been set for the Nov. 25 edition of The Albany News due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

All news articles and advertising, including classified ads, must be received no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 22. 

The usual copy deadline for the weekly paper is Tuesday at 12:00 noon. It is being moved up a full day in order to adjust the printing and mailing schedule.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Three incumbent county officials filed the paperwork needed to designate a campaign treasurer this week and each are seeking signatures needed to file for the Republican primary election in March.

While no candidate had yet completed the filing process that opened this week, the trio of prospective candidates represent just half of six positions open for the March primary elections for both Republicans and Democrats. The General Election is set for next November.

By Sam Waller

The Aztec Theater will take a break from its renovation project Saturday night so that local performers can host Troubadour – Songs of the Singer-Songwriter.

The program will start at 7:00 p.m. Pam Davis will narrate.

Admission is $15 per person. Tickets will be sold at the door and may be paid with cash or check. Credit cards will not be accepted.

Organizer Sandy Abel said about a dozen local musicians will perform songs from a wide range of genres.