By Melinda L. Lucas

Campus and district improvement plans were reviewed and accepted by trustees on the Albany school board during a fairly routine meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.

The 2018-2019 final financial audit was also on the agenda for approval, but since it had arrived late in the day and board members had not had time to study it, the vote was tabled until next month.

The audit presented in September, but has been “pending” until investment figures were received from the Community Foundation of Abilene.

By Kathy Thomson

With the 2019 “Red Ribbon Week” campaign winding down, organizers still have quite a bit more planned for local students on Thursday and Friday.

Red Ribbon Week in Albany this year began on Monday, Oct. 21. The annual campaign is recognized not only locally but across the nation. 

This is the 31st straight year that the event has been conducted in Albany. The campaign is designed to draw as much attention as possible to the problems of drug and alcohol abuse, some of the leading causes of drug abuse, and its prevention.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An “Heirloom Document Preservation” program is being planned by the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The archival workshop is open to everyone, with a small fee of $15 charged to OJAC members and $20 to non-members.

The presentation will provide an overview on how to carefully preserve family heirlooms, photographs, and documents. 

Erika Parker, Collections Manager at the Grace Museum of Abilene, will conduct the workshop.

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany High School band received an overall rating of III at the East Zone Region 6 Marching Contest at Wylie Bulldog Stadium earlier this week.

The Ragin’ Red Band was the second one to compete on Monday, Oct. 21, taking the field at 2:30 p.m. Twenty members of the band performed The 80s Rocked, which features three movements of music that were inspired by the pop music of the 80s.

The 80s Rocked was written by Luke McMillan, and AHS band director Richard Murrow wrote the marching drill.

When officers of the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association were reported last week, Shelly Bartee was listed as treasurer.

Cori Bezner has served as treasurer for the past two years and was reelected to continue serving in that role.

Other officers include Branch Bartee as president, Cody Leech as vice president, and Lauren Willen as secretary.

The News apologizes for the error.

By Kathy Thomson

Trick or treating will involve some older youth again this year, including Albany High School student council members who will be out to “Trick or Treat for Change” on Wednesday night, Oct. 30 starting at 7:00 p.m.

“There will be about 60 kids from grades seven through 12,” said student council sponsor Donnie Lucas. “They will be going door to door asking for donations.”

By Kathy Thomson

Cloudy night skies, no moonlight, and cool temperatures might make it harder for spotlighters to find youth competitors during The Feed Store sponsored Running Man event this Saturday night, Oct. 26 after Fall Fest.

Albany’s freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and junior high students will each work with their respective classmates to form alliances and strategies designed to get the largest possible percentage of their peers safely back to the Feed Store without being “caught” by spotlighters during the 22nd running of the annual event.

The Albany News’ 14th annual holiday recipe section will be published in one month, with favorite recipes being solicited from all ages of current and former Albany and Moran chefs and bakers.

“We’ve had really good response since we started publishing the recipe guides, and we’re looking forward to getting this one underway,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “I’ve already heard from a couple of people.”

A variety of recipes from appetizers and beverages to desserts are being requested.

By Kathy Thomson

Kathryn Hamilton was recently hired as the new full-time youth minister at the Feed Store, and the 2018 Abilene Christian University graduate is bringing a world of experience with her back to her home town.

“I was active here (at the Feed Store) all through high school, when Grant Zeller was the director,” said the 2014 Albany High School graduate. “And I interned with the Feed Store the summer of 2015. I interned with Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church during my last two years at ACU.”

By Kathy Thomson

Several of Sandi Conway’s family members and friends are raising funds to help her purchase a device that can assist those with vision loss to see the world around them.

According to her niece Shelly Bartee, Conway has lost most of her sight due to a combination of macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Conway has been involved in the Albany community in many ways since moving here a number of years ago.