By Sam WallerElementary students from Albany took part in the first Kids on the Land program since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, gathering at Lambshead Ranch last week for three days of activities and instruction.

By Donnie A. LucasContests, prizes and dress-up days will all be part of next week’s Red Ribbon Week at both Albany campuses.The nationwide theme of the 2022 campaign is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free,” which will be observed locally Oct. 24-28.

By Melinda L. LucasAbout two dozen Albany ex-students from as far back as seven decades attended the homecoming brunch and business meeting last Saturday morning at the Feed Store, representing classes from 1945 to 2001.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be presenting fire safety information to local school children this Friday, Oct. 21 as part of its annual fire safety and prevention initiative.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD trustees spent most of Monday night’s regular meeting going over the district’s various required improvement plans, as well as approving the final version of the 2021-2022 financial audit.

By Donnie A. LucasEarly voting for the Nov. 8 General Election that includes federal, state, and county offices starts Monday, Oct. 24 at the Shackelford County Courthouse.In-person early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Ragin’ Red Band was the lone Class 2A band to earn a Division I rating at the Region 6 UIL Marching Contest held Monday at Wylie High School in Abilene.

By Melinda L. LucasThe pharmacy techs at Sanders Drug were given a four percent raise after a fairly brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on Monday, Oct. 17.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany High School seniors Koy Cauble and Leddie Leech were crowned 2022 Homecoming King and Queen in front of a homecoming crowd Friday night at the halftime of the Albany vs. Cross Plains game.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile traditional trick-or-treating will be held later, local merchants and businesses will once again be handing out candy to local children next Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 26, corresponding with Friendship Baptist Church’s Trunk or Treat event that evening.