By Kathy Thomson

This Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11:00 a.m. until dusk, the Bank Park will be filled with pumpkins, family friendly activities, food, games, and a petting zoo, and according to Pastor Luke Spraberry, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the free activities, purchase a pumpkin or other fall food items, and/or buy a ticket to ride the train.

“You don’t want to miss this,” said organizer Betsy Spraberry. “There will be fall goodies to purchase, $1 train rides, free games, story time, a petting zoo, and photo booths!”

Color photo packets taken of high school football and volleyball players by The Albany News are ready for pickup, along with those of all cheerleaders. 

Junior high packages will be available next week. 

Only packages that have already been paid or could be charged to an account in good standing were printed. Others will be ordered when paid.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran Independent School District has a student holiday and a staff development/parent conference day scheduled for Monday, Sept. 30.

The second six weeks will begin Oct. 1.

Homecoming Plans

The Moran cheerleaders have planned several events to help get students into the spirit for Homecoming 2019, which takes place next Friday, Oct. 4.

Tuesday, Oct. 1, students are encouraged to dress up for Nerd Day.

Dress up days continue with Wacky Tacky Wednesday, on Oct. 2 and Mustache Day on Thursday, Oct. 3.

By Kathy Thomson

Homecoming week is finally here, with celebrations and spirit-building activities underway as students, alumni, football players, and fans get ready for the weekend’s festivities.

Nominees have been selected for homecoming king and queen, as well as class princes and princesses and other organization honorees chosen to be in the homecoming court.

AHS Royalty

Senior king and queen nominees from the seniors were voted on by each of the four high school classes.

By Kathy Thomson

There is still time for teams to register and compete for awards including “The Blade of Fort Griffin” and prize money in several categories at the Fort Griffin BBQ Battle for the Blade and World Championship Dove Cook-Off this weekend.

The fifth annual cook-off will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 at Fort Griffin State Historical Site. The set-up area is on the hill where the flagpole is located, accessible by turning in on the Visitors Center (west) side of  the park.

by Kathy Thomson

Entries are still being accepted for the Albany High School homecoming parade scheduled to march down Main Street at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 27.

The parade is open to everyone; however, all individuals, organizations, or class groups that would like to have an entry in the parade are asked to contact the high school office at 325-762-3974 to reserve a spot in the lineup.

Entries should begin gathering at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium parking lot to get lined up.

By Kathy Thomson

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus is coming to Albany in just a few days, sponsored by the Lions Club, with shows at 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 behind Nancy Smith Elementary School.

One of the circus clowns will be at the local elementary schools tomorrow, Sept 27, to visit with the students, tell them a little about the circus, and pass out coloring pages and a discount coupon. Completed coloring pages can be turned in for a chance to win prizes.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School seniors are still eight months away from earning their diplomas, but fundraising for the traditional after commencement Project Graduation party is already underway.

“We have 44 seniors this year,” said Tammy Clark, one of the parents who is helping to coordinate the events. “That’s a large class, so we are trying to get a jump with Project Graduation. We want to be able to make it a great event for our seniors.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

The University Interscholastic League announced earlier this month that four students from Albany High School have been named to the 2018-2019 All-State Journalism Staff.

Current seniors Addison Asher and Alayna Koemel, along with juniors Tana Thompson and Hannah Trail, were recipients of the honor, four of about 100 student journalists from all classifications across the state.

By Kathy Thomson

Abilene Christian University professor Dr. Rodney Ashlock will give the message during a special service next Sunday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. at the Albany Church of Christ, and everyone in the local community is invited, according to pastor Sonny McCauley.

“We are hosting an area-wide singing in our building next Sunday, the 29th,” said McCauley. “There will be a cappella singing and a message. All are invited, and we are having a meal after the service.”

Ashlock is an assistant professor and chair of Bible, Missions and Ministry at ACU.