By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week stayed steady at four positive tests, the same number as reported the previous week, based 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 17 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Sept. 12-16.

The use of home testing increased after tests were made readily available, making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The board of directors of the Shackelford County Appraisal District approved the 2023 budget on a unanimous vote during a Sept. 14 meeting.

The vote came after a public hearing on the budget, with no members of the public attending.

The budget totaled $430,791, an increase of $26,854 over last year.

The action was taken on a motion by James Shelton, with Bruce Bailey, Lanham Martin, Clint Bumguardner, and Russell Chapman voting in favor Members Cody Jordan and John Tate were not present.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany High’s homecoming has been set for Friday, Oct. 14, with the annual parade on Main Street in downtown starting at 5:00 p.m.

The parade is open to the public to enter for graduating classes or local organizations or groups. In addition to floats decorated by the junior high and each high school grade level, class princes and princesses, organizational sweethearts and beaus, and king and queen nominees will be presented.

Anyone interested in having an entry in the parade should call the high school office at 325-762-3974.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A fish fry, with chicken strips also available, is scheduled this Sunday, Sept. 25 as a fundraiser for the Shackelford County Rural Fire Department, according to SCRFD officer Kristi Brooker.

The meal is set to start at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until sold out.

One of the bays at the rural fire department building, located at 623 Railroad Street, will be open for patrons to drive through.

No tables will be set up for the public, as the event is “to-go” only, said Brooker.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany Junior/Senior High School students recently elected both class officers and student council officers for the 2022-2023 school year.

Student council candidates were required to give a brief introduction during an assembly for grades 9-12 prior to the voting that was completed using ballots accessed on student computers.

Senior Leddie Leech was selected as president of the student council for the upcoming year, along with senior Presley Green as vice president.

By Sam Waller

The 32nd annual See You at the Pole prayer event will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at both Albany ISD campuses.

High school and junior high students will gather at 7:30 a.m. at the high school flag pole for a time of student-led prayer. Before the prayer time, the Feed Store will provide breakfast at 7:00 a.m. for all students in seventh through 12th grades at the front of the school.

Students will gather in the gym foyer in case of rain.

By Sam Waller

Pumpkins won’t be the only items for sale Saturday, Oct. 1, when Bethel Assembly holds its annual The Patch fall celebration at the Bank Park.

In addition to the pumpkin market and associated activities, sack lunches will be sold to benefit the Monte Lewis Scholarship. Meals will consist of a chopped brisket sandwich with fixings, chips, and water. Dwaine Knight will cook the brisket.

The pumpkin market will open at 10:00 a.m. and last until the pumpkins sell out. Proceeds will benefit Bethel Assembly community ministries.

The Albany Ministerial Alliance will host a Fifth Quarter fellowship Friday, Sept. 23 following the football game.

The gathering at The Feed Store for junior high and high school students will last until 11:00 p.m.

Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said refreshments will be provided by First Christian Church and The Feed Store.

By Sam Waller

Four Albany FFA students placed with their steers last week at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abilene.

Hattie Braly placed second in Red Angus Class 1 and sixth in Maine-Anjou Class 3.

Kenzie Neve came away with two third places in Charolais Class 4 and Simmental Class 2.

Gracie Price took fourth in Red Angus Class 2 and 10th in European Progress.

Myleigh Leveridge finished sixth in Limousin Class 1.

Albany FFA adviser Chris Beard said four students entered in the swine show did not exhibit their animals.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local organizations who plan to apply for funding from the Albany Chest need to finish and submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, Sept. 30.

Board vice chair Melinda Lucas said Monday that only a few applications had been received so far, and she emphasized that all organizations wishing to receive an allocation from the Albany Chest must submit a written request by the deadline.