By Donnie A. Lucas

The high school and junior high students will meet together this week for the Fifth Quarter Fellowship at the Feed Store following the varsity game Friday against Hico.

The event is being hosted by Friendship Baptist Church, Bethel Assembly, and the United Methodist Church.

“We will be hosting everyone at The Feed Store again this time,” Tisha Wilkins, Feed Store executive director said.

She added that pizza and beverages will be served. The event will end at 11:00 p.m.

Some of the youngest participants in the pumpkin decorating competition sit with their entries after the presentation parade and listen to a short Bible lesson. Saturday’s Patch was sponsored by Bethel Assembly.

By Sam Waller

The Albany High School FFA has a number of fundraising projects under way, from holiday decorations, holiday meats, and treats.

Albany FFA students have been building oilfield Christmas trees and crosses in addition to other projects.

“We build those in the shop out of sucker rod and put baling wire on them,” Albany High School agriculture teacher Chris Beard said. “The kids weld and construct them.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Officers for the Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society were elected last week and upcoming projects were discussed for the 2021-2022 school year.

Sarah Cotter was selected as president, with Luke Ivy named as vice president. Susie Cormack was picked as the secretary for the year, along with Clara Holson as treasurer and Ty Everitt as reporter.

All of the officers are seniors and were inducted into the organization last fall.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany’s Ragin’ Red Band will compete on Monday at the UIL area contest at Wylie High School in Abilene.

The band will step off at 2:15 p.m. at Wylie’s Bulldog Stadium, serving as the first band in the line-up. Albany will compete in the Class 2A competition, hoping to earn an overall rating of Division I from the judges to advance to the regional marching contest on Oct. 30 in Amarillo.

“What we have been working so hard for is now here,” director Will Vaughan said. “We will keep working hard this week to prepare.”

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA member Kenzie Neve placed eighth in her weight class recently at the State Fair of Texas with a Shorthorn steer.

Neve was originally entered in the British breeds, but was “classed out” and ended up in the All Other Breeds division against mostly crossbred cattle, according to Albany FFA sponsor Chris Beard.

“She did well, because it’s a really competitive show,” Beard said.

The State Fair run opened Sept. 24 and will conclude Oct. 17.

Neve also exhibited last week at the Heart of Texas Fair in Waco.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Early voting for the Nov. 2 amendment election begins in Texas and Shackelford County, on Monday, Oct. 18 with the eight propositions ranging from not allowing the state to prohibit or limit religious services to one permitting charitable raffles at rodeo venues.

Shackelford County Clerk Cheri Hawkins said in-person early voting will be held on the first floor of the Courthouse through Friday, Oct. 29. 

By Sam Waller

The Albany Parent-Teacher Organization is seeking volunteers to work at Fall Fest later this month on Saturday, Oct. 30.

The event is scheduled for 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

“If anybody would like to volunteer to help work a 30-minute shift, the PTO would be extremely grateful,” PTO president Malarie Sutton said. “Cleanup is hopefully going to start around 7:30 p.m.”

To volunteer or for more information about the event, contact Sutton at 325-762-6368.

There will be some changes to this year’s event, Sutton said.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Join friends and fellow Albany Lion fans in the parking lot of the Old Jail Art Center Friday, Oct. 15, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. for the annual taco tailgate party. 

“Meet outside the museum at 5:00 p.m. for tacos and tunes before the Albany home game,” said OJAC membership and development coordinator Susan Montgomery. “Bring the whole family to have a great time. Activities will include a piñata and fun crafts for the kids!”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Mainstreet Players annual Murder Mystery Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Beehive Saloon.

The theme for the AMP fundraiser is “A Beverly Hillbilly Wedding Rehearsal.” Attendees are encouraged to dress to the nines for the bride or in overalls and flip-flops for the groom.

Cali Ayers Rose came up with the idea for the event.

AMP representative Lorna Ayers said the evening is designed to encourage audience participation.