By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting will be held at the Beehive Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 7, immediately after the 12:00 noon luncheon.

The agenda for the meeting, traditionally held on the first Friday in February, includes going over the finance report and electing directors and officers.

Each year, several of the board members’ terms come up for election on a rotating basis, and the new directors are chosen at the annual membership meeting.

By Kathy Thomson

Pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program are Feb. 6 and 7.

On Thursday, Feb. 6 certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the monthly food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Feb. 7 at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

By Kathy Thomson

The last day to register to vote in the upcoming March 3 primary election is next Monday, Feb. 3.

According to Belinda Perez, who is in charge of voter registration in Shackelford County, everything is going well. 

“We mailed voter registration cards in December, and we sent out reminder letters to everyone whose voter registration card was returned to us by the Post Office,” Perez said. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) office accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“December was steady to higher than the previous year at plus 4.41 percent when compared,” he said Tuesday. “And January so far has picked up the pace traffic wise.”

By Kathy Thomson

Project Graduation supporters have planned several fundraisers that will take place during February. 

Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles are available at both school campuses.

“The deadline for pre-orders for the truffles is Wednesday, Feb. 5,” said class parent Jenny Scott. “The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Valentine’s Day.”

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School students competed at the Haskell Pow Wow, a University Interscholastic League academic invitational meet, on Saturday, Jan. 25, and several Albany students brought home individual medals. In addition, Albany students won second place in journalism. 

“I was very pleased with how our students did for their first tournament of the year,” Rick Davis, UIL coordinator said. “Overall, we finished fifth out of 11 schools that were there. That’s not bad considering we only had six students who were able to attend!”

By Kathy Thomson

Literacy Night is taking place at Nancy Smith Elementary School this evening, Jan. 30, starting at 6:00 p.m. 

“We will have three readers from our community come in and read stories to our students,” said principal John Gallagher. “All students and parents are welcome. We are also inviting children that do not yet attend school in hopes of encouraging reading both at school and at home.”

After the three readers complete their stories, the activities will move outside.

By Kathy Thomson

One hundred and three area youth, including two students from Albany, took part in the girls Weekend of Champions camp at Solid Rock Christian Camp in Eastland Jan. 24-26.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsors the annual event.

FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston said that in addition to the two local students, leaders from Albany who helped with the event last weekend included Kathryn Hamilton from The Feed Store, college student Rachel Hill, and several other adults and college students. 

Members of Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a benefit lunch this Sunday, Feb. 2 to help the family of Rodney Alexander.

The meal of pulled pork, sausage, and all the fixings will be available either to eat in or take out, following morning services.

Donations will be accepted. Checks can be made out either to Friendship Baptist Church or to Lori Alexander.

For more information or to order take-out, call 325-660-2347.

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A second meeting for those interested in starting a Birding/Conservation Club in Albany and Shackelford County is planned for Monday, Feb. 3.

The meeting will held at First Christian Church, starting at 7:00 p.m.

FCC pastor Brad McBee is heading up the effort to form the group.

“Since 1970, there has been a loss of 2.9 billion birds in North America, that is one in four birds gone,” said McBee. “The aim of this group will be not only to promote and institute bird friendly conservation efforts, but also to enjoy birding together.”