By Sam Waller

Open registration for the Albany General Education Development (GED) classes will continue on Monday nights at the Shackelford County Library, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild. 

The program began last week with three students registering, Fairchild said.

Students must bring an acceptable form of identification to register. Students must be 17 years old or older and not be enrolled in school. Students who are 17 must have parental consent to enroll.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 31st annual See You at the Pole is set for Wednesday, Sept. 22 with gatherings at both local campuses.

High school and junior high participants will gather at 7:30 a.m. at the high school flag pole for a time of student-led prayer. Prior to prayer time at the school, all students in grades 7-12 are invited to eat breakfast at the front of the school starting at 7:00 a.m., according to Tisha Wilkins, executive director at the Feed Store.

Students will gather in the gym foyer in case of rain.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Ministerial Alliance will host Fifth Quarter fellowships following the varsity football game of Albany vs. Haskell on Friday, Sept. 17.

A major change this year in the traditional event will be hosting the high school and junior high fellowships at separate locations.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Sweethearts from both Albany and Moran were presented at the local Lions Club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Johnnie Hise of Moran High School and Caitlan Lee of Albany High School will repesent the club during the 2021-2022 school year, attending weekly luncheons and appearing at other activities.

Lee is the daughter of Loree and Quinton Lee. She serves as a junior docent at the Old Jail Art Center.

Hise is a state 4-H ambassador and is involved in many activities at Moran. She is the daughter of Matthew and Jo Hise.

By Sam Waller

Bethel Assembly wil hold The Patch fall cele­bration on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Bank Park.

The pumpkin market will start at 10:00 a.m. and last until 2:00 p.m. or until the pumpkins sell out.

This year’s event will feature a decorated pumpkin parade that will begin at 11:00 a.m. Three cash prizes will be awarded. To enter, contestants can simply bring their completed pumpkins and walk the designated parade route. All pumpkins will compete in one division.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels will reopen for business on Monday, Sept. 20, while Neighbors in Need will be operating on an appointment-only basis for the foreseeable future, according to Closet Angels director Lori Reames.

Reames said Closet Angels will be open from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday.

“We’ll be open, but with limited help,” she said. “We’’re understaffed, but if someone really needs something, come on in.”

Reames said the staffing problems could cause delays in providing service.

By Sam Waller

Two Albany students caught calves Saturday at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo calf scramble in Abilene, earning money to put toward the purchase of future agriculture projects.

Judson Rogers finished second, earning $950, while Donald McCullough earned $550 with a 10th place finish.

“With the money they won in the calf scramble, they will be able to purchase animals and show them in the 2022 West Texas Fair and Rodeo,” Albany High School agriculture teacher Chris Beard said. “They’ll have to turn in monthly reports on their projects.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Almost all students needing extra help are now able to attend one of three after-school sessions offered at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the Albany Jr./Sr. High campus.

All students in grades 7-12 can attend Lion Aca­demy on Monday through Thursday this year, while fifth and sixth graders stay after school for Cub Academy. 

The local ASPIRE program sponsored by ResourceCare will also begin at the grade school for third and fourth graders beginning Monday, Sept. 20.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Application forms for Albany Chest funds are now available at both local banks and The Albany News, with a deadline of Friday, Oct. 1.

Forms can also be requested by email at news@thealbanynews.net.

Funding requests, which are mandatory to be able to receive Chest monies, will be reviewed at the board’s next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 6, when a goal will be set.

Letters to previous Chest donors and new prospects will be mailed soon after the Oct. 6 meeting to kick off the 2021 campaign.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H kicked off its new year with an organizational meeting Monday at The Feed Store.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said the gathering drew about 80 attendees with 23 4-Hers enrolling in projects.

“We had seven adult volunteers who gave out information about their respective programs that they’re running this year,” Bell said. “Parents were given information about what the year is going to look like in each of those programs.”