By Melinda L. Lucas The final two Old Jail Art Center sponsored children’s summer camps take place in the next week, with spots still available for both classes at press time.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its new “Lights of Albany” awards. “We want people to call in, email, message, or stop by with their nominations,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

New teacher bios, along with faculty assignment and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

By Kathy Thomson Albany High School senior Alayna Koemel spent part of the hot Texas summer chilling out in a 36 degree cooler studying the basics of meat judging at a camp hosted by Texas Tech, and demonstrated, that like her older brother Newt, she may have what it takes to earn a spot on the...

By Kathy Thomson The third annual Shifters Truck Show has been scheduled to take place in Albany next Saturday, Aug. 17.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany city swimming pool will close for the season this Sunday, Aug. 11. There will be no public swim hours after Aug. 11. The pool will still be used for some private rentals through the end of August, but only for those that are already booked.

By Kathy Thomson The Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale will take place on Sept. 14, according to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. The signup fee to register a garage sale, be included on the map, and receive a sign is $25.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Aug. 14, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Sidney Bartee Members of the Ragin’ Red Band started their summer practices on Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Practice will continue through this week at 6:30 p.m., but rehearsal times for Aug. 12-16 have not yet been planned.

By Melinda L. Lucas New students at Albany High School and Albany Junior High School, including all incoming seventh graders, are urged to attend a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria/snack bar, which is located in the junior high building.