The Friends of Fort Griffin have been granted permission from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to move ahead with the next stage of the Sutler Store restoration project at Fort Griffin State Historic Site, and the group is hiring Cox|McLain Environmental Consulting, Inc. (CMEC) to do the required archeological dig.
Opening day of dove hunting in Texas is Saturday, Sept. 1, and for the third year in a row, hunters across the Lone Star State, including those in the Albany area, will have a 90-day hunting season and 15-bird daily bag limits.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) dove program leader Owen Fitzsimmons, dove numbers are good across most of the state due to a mild winter and good rains in February and March.
In addition to proposing a budget and tax rate during the regular morning meeting on Aug. 27, Shackelford County commissioners met in special session a few hours later to try to hammer out a deal with Callahan County officials in a jail billing issue.
Both sides seemed to want to resolve the billing discrepancy, which has resulted because the standard jail accounting software is incapable of charging for what Sheriff Ed Miller calls “fictitious inmates.”
The opening day of dove season is typically busy around Albany, and members of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department have decided to take advantage of the increased activity by hosting a fundraising luncheon at the fire station, located at 609 Railroad Street.
“Come one, come all to our hamburger lunch!” chief Kyle Tischler said. “Hunters and Albany folks are all welcome!”
Serving will begin at 11:00 a.m. and is expected to end around 1:30 p.m.
The meal costs $7 and includes a hamburger, chips, and drink.
A community blood drive will take place in Albany on Thursday, Aug. 30.
The Hendrick Regional Blood Center bloodmobile will be at First Baptist Church from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Blood drives in Albany are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.
“We want to remind the community of the importance of having an adequate supply of blood throughout the summer months,” said Frances Baker, donor recruiter. “It is vital to have enough blood on hand to meet any need at any time.”
The blood center is currently in need of all blood types, Baker said.
Two local youth placed well at the Ellis County Cooler Classic jackpot calf show in Waxahachie on Sunday, Aug. 26.
Hattie Braly showed two steers, placing fourth with a yellow and white heavy weight Simmental, and winning her class with a Black Angus lightweight.
Gracie Price showed her heifer to champion Chianina, and her steer to win the Shorthorn breed.
Both of the local youth also placed well in showmanship. Braly made it to the top 10 in the junior division, and Price was fourth in the senior section.
Staff members from the Kindred Home Health office in Albany are gathering food donations as part of the company’s 14th Annual Food Drive.
Local employees, along with those around the country, have placed food collection bags at various locations in their respective communities and are collecting their “harvest.”
Garage clutter, unused dishes, cast aside and outgrown clothing and shoes, and assorted knick knacks scattered around the house collecting dust could soon be turned into cash money and become someone else’s recycled treasures during the Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Signups to be included in the event will take place during normal Chamber hours from Tuesday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Sept. 13.
The Depot is typically open Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Students, teachers, and support staff will celebrate the first school holiday of the year on Monday, Sept. 3 when the local school district dismisses for Labor Day.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 7:55 a.m. at both campuses.
The next scheduled student holiday is Columbus Day, Oct. 8, followed by Thanksgiving. Classes will dismiss early on Tuesday, Nov. 20, and will resume the Monday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26.
The fall semester will end with an early release on Dec. 21 for the Christmas break.
New Tables
With the annual campaign to raise funds for local organizations starting in October, board members of the Albany Chest will meet soon to organize the 2018 fundraising drive and elect new directors.
The meeting is set for Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 5:15 p.m. at The Feed Store.
All current directors are asked to contact board secretary Tisha Wilkins prior to next week’s meeting to let her know if they will be able to attend, as well as acknowledge whether they will be able to serve on the board during the upcoming year.
