By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees heard the district’s 2018-2019 financial review during an hour-long meeting on Monday, Sept. 16, but no action was taken.

CPA Cameron Gulley presented the audit for last school year as “pending,” with the final report due next month.

He advised that no action be taken until figures are received from the Community Foundation of Abilene regarding Albany ISD’s investments.

He did not cite any compliance issues and noted that even though the fund balance has again decreased, the district is in good shape.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the National Honor Society have met to elect officers to lead their organization over the next nine months.

Addison Asher will serve as president, with Blaine Kayga elected as vice president, Gracie LeMay as secretary, Julia Bowman as treasurer, and Conner Clark as reporter.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High students voted earlier this week for the students to be named as 2019 Homecoming King and Queen. 

Members of each of the four classes at AHS have selected nominees for king and queen from among the seniors, all of whom will be presented during the Sept. 27 halftime ceremony.

The juniors, sophomores, and freshmen have each selected their class prince and princess, and honorees from several other organizations will also be in the homecoming court. 

AHS Royalty

By Kathy Thomson

Mark Conrad, Scout executive of the Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts will host a Cub Scout rally at the Nancy Smith Elementary School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. next Monday, Sept. 23.

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade who are interested in joining the Cub Scouts are encouraged to attend.

By Kathy Thomson

The 29th annual See You at the Pole is set for Wednesday, Sept. 26, with separate events planned for local elementary and secondary students.

The 2019 theme is “if...” 

The scripture selected for 2019 is 2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pastor Luke Spraberry and the members of Bethel Assembly have planned a day in “The Patch” on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Bank Park.

A variety of pumpkins will be available for purchase, food will be available at a concession stand, and kids train rides will be offered for $1 a ride.

A bake sale will offer caramel apple treats and other fall goodies.

Free activities will include games, face painting, pumpkin story time, a petting zoo on Saturday afternoon, a corn pit, and photo booths for fall family pictures.

Amber Michelle Nostrand and Seth Adam Viertel were united in marriage Saturday May 18, 2019 at the Whitney Theatre in Albany, Texas. The service was officiated by John Viertel, father of the groom.

The bride, who was given in marriage by Ted King, wore a floor-length strapless candlelight gown with a criss-cross shirred bodice accented with a wide band of pearls. The A-line gown was also accented with crystals and pearls as was the hairpiece worn by the bride. She carried a large bouquet of sunflowers, baby’s breath, white dahlias, and daisies.

By Kathy Thomson

The West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abilene ran from Sept. 5-14 and several Shackelford County youth participated in the junior steer show and in the youth open swine show last weekend.

JT Holland placed first in his class of heavy weight Brahman steers and returned to the ring a few minutes later to claim the Brahman championship. 

Bryce Asher and Isaiah Carrillo both caught animals during the calf scramble on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Results from the livestock show are listed below. 

Junior Steer Show 

By Kathy Thomson

The fifth annual Fort Griffin BBQ Battle for the Blade and World Championship Dove Cook-Off is set to take place at Fort Griffin State Historic Site next Saturday, Sept. 28, and organizers are hoping that a large crowd of cooks and attendees will help them raise funds for the historic calvary fort while enjoying a great day of barbecue and fun.