By Sam Waller

The Feed Store had an almost identical number of participants from a year ago but an unprecedented result for the 24th annual Running Man event Oct. 29.

Three teams – seventh graders, juniors, and seniors – tied for first place with all three returning 100 percent of their runners without any being caught.

Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said it is believed to be the first time more than one team has scored 100 percent.

“I do not recall more than one,” she said. “That was fun. Everyone was excited about getting back.”

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church sixth graders received a pumpkin-related message and learned to carve pumpkins during the group’s meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Sixth grade adult leader Courtney Milligan said about 18 children participated as group leader Lori Schooler spoke on how being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.

“I want to thank Lori for putting this together,” Milligan said. “She bought the pumpkins and provided carving kits.”

Chad Overton also serves as an adult leader for the group.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of Matthews Memorial Presbyrerian Church resume one of Albany’s longest-running traditions with their annual bazaar.

This year’s event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the MMPC Educational Building.

The bazaar, which is organized by the church’s Sallie Matthews Circle, has been held almost annually for more than a century, with very few exceptions. The most recent interruption was in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Band improved their ranking from last year at the UIL Area Marching Contest, placing 15th out of the 25 Class 2A bands that competed last Saturday in Lubbock.

The top 10 bands in the contest were placed in the finals, performing a second time for the judges and hoping to be selected as one of the five bands to advance to the state marching contest in San Antonio next week.

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.