By Sam Waller

Deadlines are swiftly approaching for Shackelford County 4-H and FFA members who plan to exhibit at the county stock show and other winter shows.

Moran FFA will have validation for heifers, sheep and goats 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24.

Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H will have validation for heifers, sheep, and goats 4:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Albany High School ag building.

Swine validation is Sunday, Oct. 30. Late tags are $18.

By Melinda L. Lucas

About two dozen members of the Albany High School Class of 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion with a couple of activities over the weekend, meeting at the Whitney Theatre after Friday night’s game, then getting together again on Saturday.

They also rode in the homecoming parade on Friday.

Betsy Black Parsons, who hosted the events, said that four other classmates had planned to attend but weren’t able to come because of COVID and other illnesses.

By Sam Waller

Eight-time PRCA world champion bullrider Don Gay spoke to students and faculty at Moran ISD on Monday, Oct. 17.

“We had a special meeting with the teachers for about three hours,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said. “Don spoke about winning, relating winning in rodeo to winning on the STAAR tests.”

Gay also spoke to an assembly of sixth through 12th grades.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 2022 homecoming parade is set to roll through downtown on Friday featuring Albany High School and ex-student royalty, followed by presentation of the homecoming court and crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen during the halftime of the Albany vs. Cross Plains homecoming game with a 7:00 p.m. kick-off.

The Coming Home King and Queen will also be recognized during the half. The honor class this year is the Class of 1972, which is celebrating its 50th class reunion.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Albany Chest campaign is off and running, with directors setting a 2022 goal of $47,000.

Twenty-five different organizations submitted requests for this year’s funding, all of which were considered by the board during a meeting held on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

“The goal of the Albany Chest is to enhance the lives of Albany citizens through the money that is given to us,” said board president Jana Kitchens. “We do our best to place the money where it will benefit the most individuals across the broadest range of our population.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Although the deadline for tickets has just passed, anyone interested in attending the 18th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch could possibly still purchase tickets if they hurry, according to organizers.

“Our deadline was actually on Tuesday,” organizer Susan Waller said. “If there is anyone who wants to come who doesn’t have tickets yet, they can contact me to see if it is possible for us to squeeze them in.”

By Sam Waller

Albany High School and Junior High students are concluding homecoming celebrations Friday, Oct. 14 at the Fifth Quarter fellowship held immediately after the game at The Feed Store.

This week’s event is being hosted by First Baptist Church.

The postgame youth gathering will last until 11:00 p.m.

The final Fifth Quarter will be held Friday, Nov. 4, following the game against Abilene TLC. Friendship Baptist, Bethel Assembly, and Albany Methodist churches will host that night.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The regular Chamber of Commerce noon luncheon this Friday has been cancelled, with members and others encouraged to support the Albany Kiwanis Club fajita lunch at noon that day.

Current Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said this week that conflicts with the Kiwanis fundraiser and other homecoming activities resulted in the decision.

Position Open

Chamber directors have started the process of seeking a replacement for Jones, who has taken another job and will only be in the office until the end of this month.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The call has gone out for volunteers of all types to assist with the annual Fall Fest at Nancy Smith Elementary sponsored by the Albany PTO.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 – a week earlier than usual – and organizers need parents, teachers, and community volunteers to sign to help.

“We are still lacking the number of volunteers needed to run a successful Fall Fest this year,” organizer Ragan Riley said this week. “We need help with set-up, operating booths, and helping in the cafeteria.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Updating the five-year plan for capital improvements, reviewing current finances, and discussing the waste contract were the primary topics on the agenda of an Albany city council meeting held Monday evening, Oct. 10.

After reaching the fiscal year mid-point Sept. 30, city manager Billy Holson went through the city’s capital improvements budget.

The plan includes future expenditures for the water plant, distribution system, wastewater department, streets, and other infrastructure.