By Sam WallerRev. Stan Allcorn’s dedication to God has made him put retirement on hold.Again.Allcorn,  who served as senior pastor at Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for 22 years, takes over as interim pastor at Albany’s First Baptist Church this week.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany students and staff will head back to the classroom next week, with teachers and staff reporting on Monday, Jan. 9 and students coming the following day on Tuesday, Jan. 10.The regular bell schedule will ring for students on Tuesday, with the second bell ringing at 7:55 a.m.

Angelo State University in San Angelo, has announced the students achieving the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester, including Ana Balliew of Albany.To be eligible for the ASU Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H is hitting the ground running in 2023 with preparations for the upcoming county livestock show being given high priority.Steer Weigh-inFinal weigh-in for the county show’s new commercial steer class will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at Watt Casey’s pens.

By Sam WallerProject Graduation is taking a different approach in its fundraising efforts for the Albany High School Class of 2023, but the end goal remains the same.Organizer Amanda Tabor said the project will not conduct a Valentine sale this year, but earlier efforts have gone well.

By Sam WallerFort Griffin State Historic Site has a new look with the completion of work on its playground.Site manager Mitch Baird said the project took literally decades from conception to completion.“I have been trying for 20 years to get this new playground,” Baird said.

By Melinda L. LucasThe first Chamber luncheon of 2023 is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6 at the Beehive.Chamber luncheons are held each Friday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. and are open to anyone who would like to get involved and help with the various Chamber projects throughout the year.

By Sam WallerMore than 110 were served by volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and the rest of the community as part of the annual MMPC Christmas Feast.Event organizer Tamara Trail said there was only a slight dip from a year ago when approximately 120 meals were served.

By Donnie A. LucasPositive cases of both COVID-19 and the influenza were on the rise during the week prior to Christmas but slowed last week.A total of 16 positive COVID-19 results were reported for the week of Dec. 19-23, along with 22 positive tests for the flu.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the January distribution of the commodity food program are set for today (Thursday) in Moran and tomorrow for Albany recipients.The monthly food program will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.