By Donnie A. Lucas

The Exploring Careers Class of eighth graders at Albany Jr./Sr. High recently completed the Texas Friendly Hospitality Program, earning certificates of achievement from Texas A&M and the AgriLife Extension Service.

The class is part of the curriculum taught by Jennifer Marshall, who took the position in August, has half of the eighth grades enrollment currently. The semester course will end in December, with the other half of the class taking the class in the spring.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Ragin’ Red Band earned a Division I rating from judges at the Region 6 UIL Marching Contest held Monday at Wylie High School.

The band was one of two 2A groups in the East Zone to advance to the Area Marching Contest set for Saturday, Oct. 30 in Amarillo.

The band was awarded Division I ratings by two of the three judges, and a Division II by the third.

“The kids are ecstatic,” band director William Vaughan said. “That was our goal for this year, and they worked really hard to get to this point.”

By Sam Waller

Nearly 30 Albany FFA students participated in the Greenhand Camp on Oct. 13 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene with local chapter president Leddie Leech helping lead part of the program.

Leech assisted with a presentation entitled “What Can FFA Do For You.”

“It was about what FFA can do through leadership qualities and friendship, and how being part of the organization can help you grow as a person,” Leech said. “I was helping the state president (Ember Reyes) who came up with the presentation.”

By Sam Waller

Nine members of the Shackelford County 4-H Club qualified for district competition Saturday with their efforts at the county food show held at Friendship Baptist Church.

The 4-Hers competed in appetizer, main dish, side dish and healthy dessert categories. The District 7 food show is scheduled for Nov. 13 in Abilene.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD trustees spent most of Monday night’s regular meeting going over the district’s various required improvement plans, as well as approving the final version of the 2020-2021 financial audit.

CPA Cameron Gulley presented the audit at the September meeting, but no motion was made at that time to approve it, because figures were not yet available from the Community Foundation of Abilene regarding Albany ISD’s investments.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany merchants and others will set up in the downtown block to hand out candy on Saturday, Oct. 30, continuing a tradition of hosting a community trick-or-treat event.

The fun will start at 2:30 p.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m., allowing participants to then go to the annual Fall Fest, which begins at 5:00 p.m.

Organizations or individuals are welcome to join retail merchants in handing out candy.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A new president was elected and four directors were re-elected to another term at the annual membership meeting of the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association held Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Henry Musselman was elected as president for the upcoming year, while former president Branch Bartee stepped down to the office of vice president. Gaye Davis was picked as treasurer and Pam Davis will serve as secretary.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County Hospital board members voted to move forward with a search for a new district administrator during an Oct. 18 meeting.

They had voted on a similar motion in June after the former administrator, Jera Fairley, left the district’s employ in late May, but according to board president Jo Ann Estridge, they opted to “wait until after the audit is finished,” although there hasn’t been further explanation.

District secretary Regina Whitt said Monday that she expects the auditors to be present at the next meeting.

By Sam Waller

There will be plenty to do this Saturday, Oct. 23 at Webb Park for folks attending the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament.

Cookoff categories start with dutch oven bread at 10:00 a.m. and continue with a turn-in time every hour or so with desserts, fish, vegetables, chicken, wild game, pork, and beef. Awards will be presented about 7:15 p.m.

For more information and rules or to sign up, call the Chamber office at 325-762-2525.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Work is underway to make needed repairs and improvements on the exterior of the Aztec Theater, a major renovation project that is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $200,000, according to Aztec of Albany board president John Caldwell.

Board members made the decision earlier this year that a “complete makeover” was needed to prevent further water damage to the theater, which is nearing 100 years old.