By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany ISD has registered just over 500 students for the 2022-23 school year for the third time in as many years.

As of Monday, Aug. 22, the district was reporting a total of 502 students, with three more still expected to enroll late.

“Enrollment went very well,” said Leigh Lowe, director of student services. “All but five of our students were preregistered before the first day of classes last Wednesday using our online process.”

This is the second year that the district has conducted registration using the Ascender Parent Portal.

By Sam Waller

Registration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual community garage sale began Monday, Aug. 22, and Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones already has names on her list.

Jones said three local residents registered to participate the first day.

“I feel like it’s like anything else – they’ll watch the weather and sign up at the last minute,” Jones said. “But it’s a good start for the first day.”

The garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10. Registration will close on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show is adding a commercial steer class for the 2023 show in January, with an informational meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 (tonight) at the County Show Barn.

Any 4-H or FFA members interested in the new event are encouraged to attend.

By Sam Waller

The program for the West Texas Mesonet presentation scheduled for next week has been finalized, Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell has announced.

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the Compton Ranch and is expected to last about an hour.

There is no fee to attend and no RSVP is required. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

Presenters include Pantex site meteorologist Steve Kersh, Jeff Fant of the Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit, and Dee Bland of Silver Star Crop Insurance.

By Sidney Bartee

Hundreds of children commute to and from local campuses by school bus, car, bicycle, and on foot.

Drivers should be aware of the increased risks of injury to children that result from speeding or distracted driving.

Although the first full week of classes at both campuses went smoothly, school authorities want to put community focus on school transportation safety.

Flashing Lights

By Sidney Bartee

The 36th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale is set Sept. 10-11 at the Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn.

The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S. benefits Shackelford County youth who participate at the county stock show.

Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association board member Mike Parsons said the sale will have 110 animals from 21 breeders available.

The sale provides animals for agriculture projects to FFA and 4-H members.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store is cele­brating the 10th anniversary of its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 25 (today) but has already begun a full slate of fall programs.

“We will have some acknowledgment throughout the month,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said.

This year’s programs began Tuesday, Aug. 23, with the first Tuesday Lunch for Albany High School juniors and seniors.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store’s Fifth Quarter fellowship following home football games returns for another season Friday, Aug. 26 following the Albany Lions’ game against Lubbock Trinity Christian.

This week’s youth gathering will be hosted by Albany Church of Christ, Maranatha Fellowship, Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said Friday’s event will be separated like last year with high school students meeting at the fieldhouse parking lot, while junior high students meet at The Feed Store.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Friendship Baptist Church is planning to mark the new school year with a kick-off event for their children’s ministry.

According to one of the coordinators, Tanya Petree, Friendship will host a back-to-school bash on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., when local parents can bring their children four years and up to register for Friendship Kids and enjoy hot dogs and a s’mores treat.

“We will also have a water slide, so be sure your kids dress appropriately,” said Petree.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Board members of the Albany Chest will meet to organize the 2022 fund­raising campaign, nominate and elect new directors, and choose officers for the upcoming year during an Aug. 31 meeting

The meeting will be held at the Feed Store at 5:15 p.m.

Four of the 12 directors will complete their current terms, including board chair Jana Kitchens, Melinda Lucas, Clint Chapman, and Austin Sherwood.

Chapman and Sherwood will rotate off the board, with Kitchens and Lucas eligible to serve another term.