By Sam Waller

The 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. 8.

Entry deadline for the county and all major shows is Friday, Nov. 11. All money is due at the time of entry.

Swine validation will take place at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

By Sam Waller

The 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. The program was conducted by Big Country District officers.

By Sam Waller

Albany’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.

Leech received the Gold Star Award, the highest honor given by AgriLife Extension to 4-H youth on the county level. The Silver Clover is a special district level recognition given to outstanding adult leaders that contribute a great deal to their local 4-H program.

By Sam Waller

Hunting seasons for white-tailed deer and Rio Grande turkey open Saturday, Nov. 5 and run through Jan. 1.

Game Warden Jacob Mort said the outlook for both seasons is down from a year ago.

One change in hunting regulations is the availability of a digital license that can be kept on smart phones.

By Sam Waller

The Nail Ranch team, which included three Albany students, won the overall title at the Working Ranch Cowboys Association’s North Texas Youth Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Decatur.

Locals Cort Peterson, Will LeMay, and Jack Nail were joined by Hoyt Darnell of De Leon in winning two of five events to top the 15-team field.

Teams competed in calf branding, doctoring, trailer loading, sorting, and a wild steer race.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Nov. 3 and Friday, Nov. 4.

Certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 3.

Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the November food distribution program may pick up their food the following day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H will hold its annual Friendsgiving meal at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at The Feed Store.

Shackelford County extension agent said the meal will be a potluck affair.

“The 4-H club will provide ham and turkey,” Bell said. “Everyone who comes can bring a side dish or a dessert. It can be traditional Thanksgiving food or not.”

Bell said the club will hold its monthly meeting following the meal.

“Plan to stay for a while because we’re going to work on community service projects,” Bell said.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Four new ­COVID-19 cases were reported last week, as the number of local cases continues to remain low based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported four positive test results out of 12 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Oct. 24-28.

There were two positive cases out of 12 tests for the week of Oct. 17-21.

By Sam Waller

Moran Independent School District will conduct its Veterans Day program at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 in the school gymnasium.

Members of American Legion Post 423 from Cross Plains will make a flag presentation, students from sixth grade, kindergarten and Pre-K will sing, and Moran graduate Jeff Martin will perform as the school recognizes veterans from the community.

“Any veteran from the community is welcome to attend,” principal Jo Hise said. “We’ll have a special seat for them up close to the stage.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

This weekend’s Fandangle Sampler at the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering could mean a future performance in a bigger venue.

More than 40 cast members are making final preparations for a show on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, to be staged at 2:00 p.m. in the Stampede Room.

Fandangle creative director Lorna Ayers is enthusiastic about the invitation to perform at the Cowboy Gathering.