The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Oct. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Melinda L. Lucas

The annual membership meeting of the Fort Griffin Fandangle Assocation is scheduled to be held at the Albany Visitors Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Reports about the 2019 outdoor show and a motion to hold the Fandangle in 2020 are expected.

Directors whose terms are up for election this year are Treca Edington, Branch Bartee, Cori Bezner, and Bucky Nail.

Other directors are John Ayers, Shelly Bartee, Cody Leech, Lanham Martin, Lesley Jones, Dustin Parsons, Lauren Willen, and Henry Musselman. Chris Beard is an advisor.

By Kathy Thomson

This Sunday, Oct. 6, the Culpepper & Merri-weather Circus will be in town, and anyone who ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus can get an up close view of what that might be like by going to watch members of the troupe raise the big top that morning and then staying to take in a free behind the scenes tour.

By Donnie A. Lucas

This Friday is the deadline for organizations that plan to apply for 2020 funding from the Albany Chest.

Applications need to be finished and submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Board vice chair Melinda Lucas said Monday that only a few applications had been received so far, and she emphasized that all organizations wishing to receive an allocation from the Albany Chest must submit a written request by the deadline.

By Kathy Thomson

Twenty-four Albany FFA Greenhands (members who are enrolled in their first year of high school ag science), adviser Chris Beard, district vice-president Alayna Koemel, and area treasurer Seth Hale all attended the FFA Greenhand Camp held in Abilene at the Taylor County Expo Center last week.

“Seth and the other area officers met in Abilene on Monday to get ready for the two-day event,” said Beard. “Seth put on one of the workshops at the camp, and Alayna helped him.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several hundred area elementary and middle school students and teachers are expected to attend Living History School Day at Fort Griffin State Historic Site on Friday, Oct. 11 to visit the fort and interact with about 70 reenactors portraying day-to-day life in the real Old West.

Fort Griffin program specialist Eric Abercrombie said that the park staff has already gotten RSVPs from several schools, including Nancy Smith Elementary School in Albany.

Six classmates and five guests attended the 64th year class reunion of the Albany High School Class of 1955 this last weekend.

They met at the home of Whitby George on Friday, Sept. 27. 

In addition to the host, classmates present were Olivia Salters Reames and Bobby Russell of Albany; Janet Vines Yeates, Bryan; Frankie Joe Woodfin, Rosharon; and Wanda Brewster Middleton, Abilene. Guests were Don Middleton, Monette Boortz, Leslie Standlee, Shelly Bartee, and Kerry Manos.

Many old stories, laughs and a delicious lunch were enjoyed.

By Kathy Thomson

This Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11:00 a.m. until dusk, the Bank Park will be filled with pumpkins, family friendly activities, food, games, and a petting zoo, and according to Pastor Luke Spraberry, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the free activities, purchase a pumpkin or other fall food items, and/or buy a ticket to ride the train.

“You don’t want to miss this,” said organizer Betsy Spraberry. “There will be fall goodies to purchase, $1 train rides, free games, story time, a petting zoo, and photo booths!”

By Kathy Thomson

Pick-up dates for the October distribution of the commodity food program this month are Oct. 4 and Oct. 8, reflecting a change in the pickup day for Moran.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the October food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Oct. 4, at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Albany schedule remains unchanged.

Color photo packets taken of high school football and volleyball players by The Albany News are ready for pickup, along with those of all cheerleaders. 

Junior high packages will be available next week. 

Only packages that have already been paid or could be charged to an account in good standing were printed. Others will be ordered when paid.