By Kathy Thomson

The third annual Shifters Truck Show has been scheduled to take place in Albany next Saturday, Aug. 17.

The first local truck show took place three years ago, and the second annual show was in 2017, but last year’s event was cancelled after being repeatedly rained out, and the handcrafted awards were packed away for use in 2019.

“We have some very cool trophies and lots of giveaways,” said organizer Robert Snyder. “Help us spread the word about the show. We hope to see everyone.”

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany city swimming pool will close for the season this Sunday, Aug. 11.

There will be no public swim hours after Aug. 11.

The pool will still be used for some private rentals through the end of August, but only for those that are already booked. The pool will be open from 12:30-5:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

Sunday pool hours are 2:00-5:00 p.m. 

Daily entrance fees are $2.50. 

By Sidney Bartee

Members of the Ragin’ Red Band started their summer practices on Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Practice will continue through this week at 6:30 p.m., but rehearsal times for Aug. 12-16 have not yet been planned. Those times will be announced later this week, according to new band director Richard Murrow.

Band members and parents are able to join a “remind group chat” in order to get updates for the band.

“Text @albanyra to 81010 and you will receive a message confirming that you have joined,” said Murrow.

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Ministerial Alliance sponsored Vacation Bible School began this summer’s “Wild” and “Amazing Encounters with Jesus” on Sunday, Aug. 3  and wrapped up the annual event on Wednesday, Aug. 7 with a “Family Night” program in the First Baptist Church sanctuary followed by food, games, and a bounce house at the Bank Park.

Over 140 children and 40 to 50 workers attended the first evening, according to organizer Ginger Bumguardner.

“Every class was full,” said event organizer Ginger Bumguardner. 

By Kathy Thomson

Local minister Sonny McCauley recently returned from a mission trip to Central America.

“On July 20-28, I had the opportunity to travel to Honduras with a dental mission trip,” McCauley said. “I want to thank the Albany Church of Christ for allowing me to go and help minister to the people of Honduras.”

McCauley worked as both a minister and as a dental assistant during his visit. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Evangelist Tom Fuller, founder of the John Wesley Adventure, will preach at First United Methodist Church in Albany this Sunday morning, Aug. 11, according to local pastor Tim Trimble.

Fuller has been General Evangelist for the United Methodist Church since 2006. He spent five years assembling the John Wesley Adventure, a plan to reintroduce the church to its heritage and get members back to Wesleyan values.

The United Pentecostal Church’s annual Back to School Bash will be held this coming Sunday, Aug. 11 at the church on Cook Field Road, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

All students, from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, are invited to the celebration, along with their friends and families.

After music and prayer time, a hamburger meal with all the trimmings will be served in the church’s Family Life Center.

There will also be games and drawings, with several gift cards given to different age groups.

Shane McAuliffe (l), host of “The Texas Bucket List,” finds out from chef Ali Esfandiary (c) what’s so special about Fort Griffin Gen. Mdse. Restaurant for an upcoming episode. The syndicated show airs on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. on KTXS. For information about when the Beehive segment will be televised, keep an eye on TheTexasBucketList.com.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Children from pre-K age to those who have completed sixth grade are expected to have some “wild” and “Amazing Encounters with Jesus” during next week’s “In the Wild” Community Vacation Bible School.

Representatives from most of the churches in town are already busy with decorations and other plans for the upcoming event, which is set for Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 4-7.

First Baptist Church is hosting this year’s VBS, which is supported by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and coordinated by Ginger Bumguardner.

By Kathy Thomson

Everyone is invited to come out to the Bank Park at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12 and meet the players, coaches, and cheerleaders that will represent Albany High during the fall sports season, and for a few dollars they can also enjoy a freshly cooked hamburger meal and dessert.