By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the September distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 31 and Friday, Sept. 1.On Thursday, Aug. 31, 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.

By Sam WallerIn a little over a week, the 37th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale will offer approximately 125 to 140 animals to be auctioned to FFA and 4-H members for  agriculture projects.The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H gets started on the new year with a kickoff party Monday, Sept. 4.The event is scheduled for 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Webb Park.Pizza and drinks will be provided along with a variety of activities for the whole family.

By Sam WallerLocal residents still have nearly a week to register for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community-wide garage sale, but Chamber manager Brandi Lehew encouraged anyone planning to participate not to wait until the last minute to sign up.

By Donnie A. LucasMembers of the community are again being sought to serve as mentors to local students at Nancy Smith Elementary School during the new school year.

Tuba players (l-r) Lathin Brownlee, Marcus Valfre, and Joe Angel Alcaraz help get the crowd going during a close Lion season opener against Lubbock Trinity Christian last Friday.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD students and staff get a day off for the first holiday of the 2023-2024 school year on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.Classes will resume as scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the normal time of 7:55 a.m. for Nancy Smith Elementary and 8:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasDirectors of the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) have set a public hearing for the proposed 2024 budget on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 a.m.

The Albany Chest board will meet at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 13 to organize the 2023 fund-raising campaign, nominate and elect new directors, and choose officers for the upcoming year.Application forms are available at First Financial Bank, First National Bank, and The Albany News.

By Sam WallerAbout 10 openings – all afternoon tee times – remain for the Albany Golf Club’s annual Labor Day Golf Tournament as of Tuesday, Aug. 29.The two-person scramble is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3 at Albany Golf Course.