By Sidney Bartee

Members of the Ragin’ Red Band are hosting a Community Night in a little over a week to which everyone in the community is invited.

The event is scheduled for the last night of summer band practice on Monday, Aug. 16, starting at 8:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The Albany High School musicians will perform what they have been working on during summer rehearsals, including playing and marching the opening of their show, warm-ups and drills, playing some of the other show music, and stand tunes.

By Melinda L. Lucas

There are still spots available for both the Head Start and Pre-K programs offered at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

New and returning Head Start families need to pick up applications at the Nancy Smith Elementary School front office. 

Required documents for Head Start are income verification (tax return or pay stubs), birth certificate, immunization records, insurance card, CHIPS or Medicaid information, Social Security card, and proof of residency (parent’s driver’s license or identification card).

By Sidney Bartee

The annual orientation for new students and incoming seventh graders will occur on the same day as the secondary campus’ “Meet the Teacher” and open house.

The open house day is scheduled for Aug. 16, with a time to be determined.

“Band director Will Vaughan and I are working together to find a time that works for everyone,” principal Glen Hill said. “We want as many people possible to be able to attend the open house and the band’s Community Night.”

By Sidney Bartee

The Albany ISD teachers, staff, and school board will attend a district luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 12:00 p.m. in the Nancy Smith cafeteria.

In the morning, staff members will go to their separate campuses before meeting together at noon for the meal.

After lunch, there will be a presentation of recognitions to honor individuals who retired last year and to acknowledge the service of current staff members, according to superintendent Jonathan Scott.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store has planned a pair of ongoing programs for local youth to begin with the start of the new school year.

Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins said the Tuesday lunch program for high school juniors and seniors will commence on Aug. 24, and a few weeks later, Fifth Quarter gatherings will follow each home football game.

Albany’s home opener is scheduled Sept. 17. Other home dates are Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 15, and 29.

By Brad McBee

A while back I was shooting at a gun range just outside of Albany when I came across a Killdeer. 

Killdeers are  robin size, large plover, brownish, with white bellies and black stripes on their heads, necks, and breasts. The name comes from a call that sounds like “kill-deer,”

For six years now, Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) members’ Operation Round Up change contributions have helped families and service organizations locally. 

Since 2015, the Operation Round Up program has contributed more than $350,000 to our local communities through organizations who provide charitable and educational services, as well as to families with demonstrated financial need. 

By Sidney Bartee

& Melinda L. Lucas

A new AgriLife Extension Agent for Shackelford was selected by county commissioners during a special meeting last Wednesday morning, July 28.

Big Country native Kelsey Bell, who lives with her family about 20 miles southwest of Albany, should be “on board” by Monday, Aug. 16, according to county judge Robert Skelton.

Before Bell officially takes over her new duties, A&M must perform a routine background check and complete required paperwork. 

By Sidney Bartee

Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6.

On Thursday Aug. 5, Moran recipients should pick up their commodities at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families can pick up their commodity food on Friday Aug. 6 at the back door of the JP office from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Recipients who are unable to pick up their commodities in person can send a signed and dated note with someone to pick up the food for them.

By Sam Waller

It’s said that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

After a season of dealing with the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Albany Lions began preseason practices Monday under cool, cloudy conditions.

Head coach Denney Faith and his staff welcomed 46 players for the initial practice at the high school practice field.