By Donnie A. Lucas

Enrollment for local GED classes has been set for Monday, Sept. 12 at the Shackelford County Library starting at 5:30 p.m., according to instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the free classes must bring a photo identification and Social Security card in order to sign up.

The classes are open to students age 17 years or older, but 17-year-old students must have parental consent to register.

Monday’s session will include some instruction after the registration period.

By Sam Waller

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will have 30 students for its Mothers Day Out preschool program, which starts Friday, Sept. 9 at MMPC.

Mothers Day Out will meet from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each Monday and Friday through Monday, May 22, following the Albany ISD calendar for holidays.

Brandi Lehew, who is in her second year as director of the program, said enrollment is up from 24 students last year.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Paul Johnston will conduct Bible study sessions for Albany and Moran high school students at The Feed Store.

The first meeting of “The Word with Coach Johnston” will be at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11.

While the idea for the group came from Johnston’s involvement with Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes camps, he stressed that students do not need to be athletes or FCA members to attend.

The annual “Dollars for Bob’s Scholarships” fundraising drive gets underway later this month.

Sponsored by the Albany Ex-Students Association, the campaign traditionally starts the week of Robert Nail’s birth date, Sept. 13. This is the 55th anniversary of the first scholarship.

Although the annual goal is always set at a minimum of $1,000, fundraising efforts will hopefully bring more in donations.

Regular contributions are very important in keeping the fund stable, according to board secretary Melinda Lucas.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week dropped to five positive tests, compared to 18 reported the previous week based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported five positive test results out of 22 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Aug. 29 through Sept. 2.

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

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Dax Neece began his third football season at Abilene Christian with a different perspective on his college career.

Neece, a wide receiver, graduated with a bachelor of business administration in finance in May, then started working on an MBA in June through ACU-Dallas.

“Basically, I take one class for seven weeks, have a week off then take another class,” Neece said. “It’s all online, so it’s really not the toughest schedule for me. It’s nice to take one class at a time.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three artists will be featured in the Old Jail Art Center’s fall exhibitions, scheduled to open at the local museum with a members’ reception and dinner on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The evening is free to all OJAC members, who are asked to RSVP by next Monday, Sept. 12.

Memberships range from $25 to $1,500. To obtain a membership, call the Old Jail Art Center at 325-762-2269, email­ ­kbellah @theojac.org, or visit the museum’s website, www.theojac.org.

Fall Features

The Ben Richey Boys Ranch 75th anniversary reception will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap rather than at the Abilene BRBR campus, as was reported last week.

Anyone planning to attend should RSVP by calling 325-692-2500 by Monday, Sept. 12.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldog volleyball team dropped its two matches last week and now faces its longest homestand of the season.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, Moran (4-10) hosted Woodson. Results will be reported next week.

The Lady Bulldogs play their third consecutive home match at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 against Trent.

In last week’s matches, Moran lost in four sets at Gustine on Tuesday, Aug. 30 before being swept Saturday, Sept. 3 at home by Rotan.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD students have two upcoming field trips that will focus on college and career opportunities.

On Friday, Sept. 9, eighth and ninth grade students will attend Tarleton State University’s Ag Discovery Day, one of several Academic Discovery Days hosted by the university.