By Melinda L. Lucas

Work finally began Saturday on the long-awaited rebuilding of the parking lot at the Shackelford County Courthouse, with plans to be finished in the next three weeks.

In the meantime, county employees and visitors to various Courthouse offices will need to park on the street and enter through either the north door facing South 2nd St. where the handicap ramp is located or the east door off Walnut St.

County judge Robert Skelton said this week that the west door is kept locked for security reasons.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Fandangle Association has set its annual membership meeting for next Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Studebaker building (Musselman office), located at 324 South 2nd St.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m., with five positions on the board of directors up for election and the vote on the 2023 show on the agenda.

Members can re-elect board members whose terms are expiring, or decide to elect new board members. The directors can then elect officers for the coming year.

By Melinda L. Lucas

As scheduled, Albany families can pick up their October food commodities this Friday, Oct. 7 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

However, the pickup location has changed slightly. Because the parking lot at the Courthouse is being reconstructed, foods will be delivered at the curb on South 2nd St. in front of the Justice of the Peace office instead of behind, according to JP James Breeden, who oversees the program.

Moran delivery is still set for 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Moran City Hall.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Plans for 2022 Homecoming festivities are mostly set for Friday, Oct. 14 with students and exes gathering for a pep rally, parade, and football game where homecoming royalty will be presented at the half.

The homecoming game is planned for Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Nail Stadium versus the Miles Bulldogs, opening District 6-2A competition.

The game will be preceded by a 5:00 p.m.  homecoming parade down Main Street.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Entries for the 2022 homecoming parade set to roll through downtown Albany next Friday, Oct. 14 are being accepted until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, according to high school principal Glen Hill.

Any individual, organization, or class group that would like to be included in the parade should contact Ann Riley at the high school office, 325-762-3974, to reserve a spot in the lineup.

As of Tuesday, only the Shackelford County Volunteer Fire Department had registered an entry.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 18th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch featuring Jim Sadler and the Jak Creek Band in addition to the meal and both silent and live auctions.

Tickets are currently on sale for the event at $50 per plate and can be purchased by emailing susanftgriffin@aol.com or leaving a message on the group’s Facebook page. Orders or questions can also be sent by text to 325-762-5038.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 mid-term election is next Tuesday, Oct. 11, delayed a day because of Columbus Day.

By Donnie A. Lucas

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

The Albany band will take the field at 2:30 p.m., according to director  Will Vaughan. The public is invited to attend.

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

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany FCCLA Chapter hosted two homecoming mum-making workshops this week for students in fourth through sixth grades.

Members of the organization put together supply kits for students, then held two workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the elementary cafeteria.

High school students walked participants through the process of making their own mum corsage, which each of the participants was able to keep to wear during homecoming.

Albany students will have a holiday on Monday, Oct. 10 in observance of Columbus Day.

The staff will also have a holiday if they have fulfilled the required numbers of workshop hours.

Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the regular time. The bell will ring at 7:55 a.m. at the elementary school and 8:00 a.m. at the secondary campus.

The second six weeks grading period started Sept. 26 and will continue until Nov. 4.