By Kathy Thomson

The downtown merchants will host their annual trick-or-treat event on Halloween, and since there is not a city-wide Trunk or Treat event planned this year, they have invited others who wish to hand out candy to join them. 

“The Chamber would like to invite anyone who wants to hand out candy to line the sidewalks downtown and at the Bank Park from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. on Halloween,” said Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones. “You can dress up or just be you to spread the cheer.”

By Kathy Thomson

About 20 members of the Albany Golf Club participated in the annual meeting and the Golf Club Championship tournament held at the municipal course Oct. 12-13.

Bucky Nail won the 18th annual event with a 150 two-day total.

“The tournament was almost perfect,” said president Randy Walker. “The course was in great shape, the weather was ideal, and everyone had a good time.”

Tourney Results

Championship Flight - 1. Bucky Nail 150, 2. Weston Vickers 153, 3. Kennith Waters 156. 

The annual county convention of the Callahan-Shackelford Farm Bureau was held last week at the First Baptist Church Christian Life Center in Clyde.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of “Farm Family of the Year.” The honor went to Gerald and Ruby Petree, who have farmed in Shackelford County for more than 50 years. 

The couple was joined at the event by a large group of family members who managed to keep the announcement a surprise before it was made.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran Independent School District will hold a public meeting to discuss Moran’s 2018-2019 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating at the next regularly scheduled school board meeting on Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

“Moran earned a rating of A, which is a superior rating,” said superintendant Danny Freeman.

New Flags

Representatives from the Lee’s Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented two new flags to the Moran Independent School District last Wednesday, Oct. 9.

By Melinda L. Lucas

About 25,000 tax statements will be mailed in the next couple of weeks, as local property owners find out what they will owe in taxes for this year.

Assistant appraiser Clayton Snyder at the Shackelford County Central Appraisal District (CAD) office stated that tax rates for all eight county taxing entities are being entered and calculations are scheduled to be finished by the end of October.

“We’re in the process of generating the tax statements this week, so that we can send the file to the printer,” said Snyder on Tuesday. 

By Kathy Thomson

A big crowd attended the 16th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala at the “Flat” on the Collins Creek Ranch last Saturday, Oct. 5, and organizers declared this year’s event a success.

“It was a wonderful night,” said event organizer Susan Waller. “We had lots of fun, danced to a talented band, and enjoyed first-rate food!”

The Gala, held the second weekend of October each year, is sponsored by Friends of Fort Griffin as a fundraiser. 

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department not only contribute their time by responding to emergency calls when needed and maintaining their equipment, they also spend precious hours in training, learning how to better protect and serve their community, and teaching fire safety.

Last month, firefighters Paige Thompson and Casey Kimbrough went to the 23rd annual Red River District SFFMA Fire Protection School in Decatur.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany FFA officers attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training in Abilene on Monday, Oct. 7.

Guest speakers at the event included a former Texas FFA state officer, a former national FFA officer, and community and business leaders.

Among those attending from the Albany FFA chapter were officers Tyler Beard, Brayden Sullivan, Blaine Kayga, Mady Connally, Conner Clark, Seth Hale, Cade Neve, Susie Cormack, and Kam Browning, along with local FFA sponsor and ag instructor Chris Beard.

By Kathy Thomson

The Parent Teacher Organization sponsored Fall Fest will take place at Nancy Smith Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 26, and parents of students attending Albany schools need to make sure they are signed up to work a shift at the annual fundraiser.

“The sign-up sheets are out,” said coordinator Malarie Sutton. “They are due back on Friday, Oct. 18, so please get signed up.”

Parents who haven’t already signed up or heard from someone about requirements for their child’s class should contact a room mother. 

By Kathy Thomson

Reverend Ron Gebauer will preach at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Fall Mission Festival this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14, at 4:30 p.m. and, according to pastor Tom Chandler, the entire community is invited to attend the service and stay for the free-will donation meal that will follow.

The meal will be Mexican salad. Tea and several types of dessert will also be served.