By Sidney Bartee

Pick-up dates for the July distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are July 1 and 2.

According to Justice of the Peace James Breeden, dates will remain the same even with the July 4 holiday.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 1 (today). 

Albany families who are certified can pick up their food on Friday, July 2 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office. 

By Jillian Lucas

There will be no Chamber of Commerce lunch on Friday, July 2 in observance of Independence Day weekend. 

According to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones, Chamber lunches will begin again on July 9 at the Icehouse.

Lunches will continue at the Icehouse through the month of July and August. 

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 325-762-2525.

Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 12.

“There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 15,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “We hope we’re giving everyone ample notice that we’re going to take that week off to spend time with our families.”

The News office will be open on Monday through Thursday of that week, but will be closed on Friday, as it has been for the last year.

By Jillian Lucas

Well over 200 people, including 155 campers, 40 high school workers, 22 junior high volunteers, and a slew of ResourceCare employees, are set to begin ResourceCare’s 23rd year of Summer Day Camp on July 12. 

With just a few weeks prior to the start date, Day Camp is still in need of funding. 

“We are still desperately seeking sponsorships and donations,” said Mindy Ary, one of the Day Camp directors. 

By Jillian Lucas

As Independence Day quickly approaches, community members are urged to use adequate safety precautions when celebrating and using fireworks.

“Our main concern and focus is personal safety,” said Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Travis Gardenhire. “Everyone just needs to be very careful.”

Shackelford County is not currently under a burn ban or any other special restrictions and with the current amounts of rainfall, residents could easily mistake the surface level wet grass as a sign that fires would be more difficult to start.

By Sandy Morris

In additional to traditional fundraisers and membership drives, the Old Jail Art Center now has ways for people to support the museum through online shopping and social media.

Facebook Campaign

Birthdays and holidays are a good time to create a campaign on Facebook and encourage followers to donate in honor of the special event. 

This option is also a way to easily share information about the Old Jail and increase visibility.

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By Jillian Lucas

Many local youth are taking part in various opportunities provided by 4-H this summer, including a variety of camps.

Two camps are coming up in the next few weeks that several Albany 4-H members will be attending.

Outdoor Adventure Camp is being held in Brownwood at the Texas 4-H Conference Center July 7-9 and will teach students new skills in archery, shooting, canoeing, kayaking, tent set up, astronomy, and more.

By Jillian Lucas

The Old Jail Art Center children’s summer workshop registration is happening now with a deadline date set for Friday, July 9.

Workshops will be offered virtually this year beginning each week of August for students in first through sixth grade.

A kit will be mailed to each applicant with supplies and materials for each day of instruction.

Kits will include a password for participants to access each week’s camp video. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School graduates Brady Karl and Riley Green recently earned American Welding Society D1.1 certifications.

AHS ag teacher Chris Beard said the two students were enrolled in his welding classes every year while they were in high school, but they came into the program already knowing the basics.

“These two boys started welding at home, got into my ag classes, and continued to work on cutting and welding,” Beard said. “My goal was to get them certified by the time they graduated.”

By Jillian Lucas

Reminder for community members that local ministries Closet Angels and Neighbors in Need are currently closed.

Closet Angels is set to re-open on July 19 with Neighbors in Need having an indefinite opening date.

Coordinator Lori Reames stated that neither organization will be accepting donations at this time. 

“Although we won’t be taking donations during our closure, Clara Miller will still be working with those donating or in need of larger items such as appliances, beds, etc.,”  said Reames.