By Sam WallerThe final program of the Big Country Beef Conference will be held Thursday, Aug. 24 (today) at  Taylor County Expo Center’s Big Country Hall.Three ag CEUs and four TREC credits are available.Registration begins a 7:45 a.m. with morning sessions starting at 8:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. LucasWith the beginning of the new school year, Albany students are heading to campuses daily by school bus, car, bicycle, or on foot, prompting the need for caution by drivers.

By Sam WallerAbout 55 to 60 Albany High School juniors and seniors attended the first weekly luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 22 at The Feed Store.Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins said the total exceeded expectations.“I had 45 plates set out, and I had to go get my extra stash,” she said.

By Sam WallerFriendship Baptist Church will kick off its youth and children’s ministry Wednesday, Sept. 6 with a Back To School Bash.The event is planned for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to Tanya Petree, one of the coordinators.

By Sam WallerTwo programs designed for local women are scheduled to start in September.Thursday, Sept. 14 will be the first session of the Ladies Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). The group will meet 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursdays through May at The Feed Store.The theme will be “John’s Gospel: The Truth.

By Melinda L. LucasApplications for Albany Chest funding will be available starting next Friday, Sept. 1, with directors expected to set a request deadline of Friday, Sept. 28.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.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, Aug. 31.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn will host its first event since being renovated with the 37th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale.The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S.

By Sam WallerRegistration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community-wide garage sale is underway and receiving good response, according to Chamber manager Brandi Lehew.Registration began Tuesday, Aug. 22.“I had people coming by the first day,” Lehew said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions wrapped up preseason Thursday, Aug. 17 with a solid showing in its scrimmage at Early.Now the focus shifts from getting ready for the season to actually preparing for specific opponents.Albany opens the 2023 football season at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Aug.