By Melinda L. Lucas

Pictures for varsity and JV football players and volleyball players have been set for this week, with cheerleaders tentatively scheduled.

Volleyball players will meet Thursday (today) starting at 5:00 p.m. in the main gym.

Varsity, JV, and junior high cheerleaders are tentatively scheduled to meet for their pictures at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5, with the junior high and JV groups at Robert Nail Stadium, and the location for the varsity to be decided.

By Sidney Bartee

Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6.

On Thursday Aug. 5, Moran recipients should pick up their commodities at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families can pick up their commodity food on Friday Aug. 6 at the back door of the JP office from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Recipients who are unable to pick up their commodities in person can send a signed and dated note with someone to pick up the food for them.

By Sidney Bartee

& Melinda L. Lucas

A new AgriLife Extension Agent for Shackelford was selected by county commissioners during a special meeting last Wednesday morning, July 28.

Big Country native Kelsey Bell, who lives with her family about 20 miles southwest of Albany, should be “on board” by Monday, Aug. 16, according to county judge Robert Skelton.

Before Bell officially takes over her new duties, A&M must perform a routine background check and complete required paperwork. 

For six years now, Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) members’ Operation Round Up change contributions have helped families and service organizations locally. 

Since 2015, the Operation Round Up program has contributed more than $350,000 to our local communities through organizations who provide charitable and educational services, as well as to families with demonstrated financial need. 

By Sidney Bartee

The Albany ISD teachers, staff, and school board will attend a district luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 12:00 p.m. in the Nancy Smith cafeteria.

In the morning, staff members will go to their separate campuses before meeting together at noon for the meal.

After lunch, there will be a presentation of recognitions to honor individuals who retired last year and to acknowledge the service of current staff members, according to superintendent Jonathan Scott.

By Sidney Bartee

The annual orientation for new students and incoming seventh graders will occur on the same day as the secondary campus’ “Meet the Teacher” and open house.

The open house day is scheduled for Aug. 16, with a time to be determined.

“Band director Will Vaughan and I are working together to find a time that works for everyone,” principal Glen Hill said. “We want as many people possible to be able to attend the open house and the band’s Community Night.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

There are still spots available for both the Head Start and Pre-K programs offered at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

New and returning Head Start families need to pick up applications at the Nancy Smith Elementary School front office. 

Required documents for Head Start are income verification (tax return or pay stubs), birth certificate, immunization records, insurance card, CHIPS or Medicaid information, Social Security card, and proof of residency (parent’s driver’s license or identification card).

By Sidney Bartee

Members of the Ragin’ Red Band are hosting a Community Night in a little over a week to which everyone in the community is invited.

The event is scheduled for the last night of summer band practice on Monday, Aug. 16, starting at 8:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The Albany High School musicians will perform what they have been working on during summer rehearsals, including playing and marching the opening of their show, warm-ups and drills, playing some of the other show music, and stand tunes.

By Sidney Bartee

The Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said participants can register to get on the map between Aug. 17 and Sept. 3.

To be registered, included on the map, and receive a sign will cost $10.

“Signs will not need to be returned anymore,” Jones said. “The signs will be metal or plastic, but you cannot use them every year, as they will include your map number.”

By Sam Waller

For the past two decades, ResourceCare’s Adopt-a-Buddy program has helped make sure in-need students in Shackelford County are supplied with the school supplies they are required to have for the start of a new school year.

This year’s supply packages will be distributed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Albany Youth Center, according to ResourceCare case manager Makenzie Marshall.

While ResourceCare has this year’s supplies ready for distribution, Marshall said the program will continue to accept contributions.