By Donnie A. Lucas

Donations of canned and non-perishable food items are currently being collected by students at both the elementary and the secondary schools as part of a competition that will benefit the local food bank.

ResourceCare is hosting the 4th annual food drive contest for the Albany and Cross Plains locations, with a Chick-Fil-A lunch on the line for the winning class in both towns.

The contest will continue through Monday, Oct. 9, with students competing by grade level at both schools.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Band will compete Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Big Country Marching Festival at Wylie High School in Abilene.

The Albany band will take the field at 11:30 a.m., according to director  William Vaughan. The public is invited to attend.

The band will be performing its contest show “Our World,” with music arranged by Luke McMillan and marching drill by Rodney Gurley of Lubbock.

By Sam Waller

Members of Albany Methodist Church are forming teams to assist with the Shackelford County House at Houses for Healing in Abilene.

Church and community members helped build the house in 2021 with volunteers signing their names on studs used in the construction.

“We can use all the help we can get,” team organizer Ellamae Walker said. “The reason why the Methodist Church is doing this is because we are the sponsors for the Shackelford County house. But this is a community-wide endeavor.”

By Sam Waller

Local residents will have the opportunity to purchase pumpkins for fall at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 30 during Bethel Assembly’s The Patch fundraiser at the Bank Park.

In addition to the pumpkin sale, there will be a decorated pumpkin parade for all ages and barbecue lunches served by the Monte Lewis Scholarship Fund.

Organizer Christina Daugherty said seven pallets of pumpkins have been ordered. Among the varieties available will be Fairytale, Cinderella, Ghost White, and Fancy Jacks.

By Sam Waller

The Albany chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes will take part in the Fields of Faith program Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Graham’s Newton Field.

Fields of Faith is an event where students challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ.

Local FCA representative Paul Johnston said he expects between 1,600 and 1,800 attendees representing about 10 schools for the Graham program.

The youth group from First Baptist Church of Albany will attend, along with other local students.

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany will host a Legacy Banquet honoring longtime church members at 6:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 at The Feed Store.

Each honoree will be escorted by a deacon and his wife, FBC interim pastor Stan Alcorn said.

“Fifteen ladies plan to be there, but some of our widows just are not capable of going,” Alcorn said. “It’s a way to say we appreciate these ladies. These ladies are leaving a legacy for us, which is why we wanted to call it the Legacy Banquet.”

Piano Man Mike Schuler will provide musical entertainment.

Anthony Ceder will preach his last sermon as pastor of Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Oct. 1.

Ceder is stepping down to be on staff at Grace Commons Church in Boulder, Colorado.

By Sam Waller

Members of the Shackelford County 4-H Horse Club enjoyed a visit Monday, Sept. 18 with the Six White Horses from Hardin-Simmons University.

Club member Faith Fry organized the program as part of her role as an Equine Ambassador.

“Faith’s role is to show younger kids the different opportunities that are available in the horse industry,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “That was a unique thing most of them haven’t thought about.”

By Sam Waller

Albany FFA members wrapped up participation at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo with steers and another calf scramble winner.

“We are proud of all of our exhibitors and participants in this year’s West Texas Fair,” Albany FFA advisor Chris Beard said.

Kenzie Neve exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Limousin and also claimed the senior showmanship award.

In addition to placing second in her class with the Limousin, Neve placed eighth in AOC.

Kolt Koemel placed fourth with his  Red Angus.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the October distribution of the commodity food program are scheduled next week.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the October food distribution program can pick up their commodity food on Friday, Oct. 6 at the back door of the Justice of the Peace office from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.