By Sam WallerAlbany’s Leddie Leech was among 24 youth and 13 adults honored during the District 7 4-H Gold Star and Silver Clover Banquet.The banquet was held Monday, Oct. 24 at the Bill Franklin Center in Coleman.

By Sam WallerThe Albany FFA chapter freshmen took part in the Big Country District Greenhand Conference Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Abilene.Albany’s 14 freshmen were among 218 in attendance, participating in leadership, team-building and social events.

By Sam WallerThe next round of deadlines for Albany FFA and Shackelford County 4-H members planning to exhibit livestock at winter shows is quickly approaching.The deadline for swine tag orders is Monday, Nov. 7, followed by the deadline for all uploads for heifers, sheep and goats on Tuesday, Nov.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Ragin’ Red Band improved their ranking from last year at the UIL Area Marching Contest, placing 15th out of the 25 Class 2A bands that competed last Saturday in Lubbock.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of Matthews Memorial Presbyrerian Church resume one of Albany’s longest-running traditions with their annual bazaar.This year’s event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the MMPC Educational Building.

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church sixth graders received a pumpkin-related message and learned to carve pumpkins during the group’s meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

By Sam WallerThe Feed Store had an almost identical number of participants from a year ago but an unprecedented result for the 24th annual Running Man event Oct. 29.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s FCCLA chapter will sell home-cooked meals Sunday, Nov. 6 at The Feed Store to raise funds for chapter members to attend regional, state, and national events.Meals of ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls, and dessert will be served from 11:30 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasRed Ribbon Week at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the junior/senior high campus wrapped up last week with winners named in contests at both locations.

Recipes are still being accepted for the upcoming holiday recipe section, according to Albany News editor Melinda Lucas, but time is short.The deadline is  Friday, Nov. 11, with the special tab to be included with the Nov. 17 paper ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.