By Melinda L. Lucas

The final two Old Jail Art Center sponsored children’s summer camps take place in the next week, with spots still available for both classes at press time.

The traditional Cell Series Teen Workshop originally scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug. 13 has been cancelled, according to Susan Montgomery, the Old Jail’s membership and development coordinator.

Usually planned for eighth graders through high school age, the class didn’t draw enough participants this year, probably because of too many conflicts, said Montgomery.

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its new “Lights of Albany” awards.

“We want people to call in, email, message, or stop by with their nominations,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones. “We want to recognize people for going above and beyond to keep Albany the special place it is.”

Nominations should include information on why the person deserves the recognition.

New teacher bios, along with faculty assignment and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.

There are also articles about vaccination requirements, elementary “meet the teacher” night, and orientation for new junior high and high school students.

See Section C for details.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School senior Alayna Koemel spent part of the hot Texas summer chilling out in a 36 degree cooler studying the basics of meat judging at a camp hosted by Texas Tech, and demonstrated, that like her older brother Newt, she may have what it takes to earn a spot on the Red Raider Meat Judging team.

By Kathy Thomson

The third annual Shifters Truck Show has been scheduled to take place in Albany next Saturday, Aug. 17.

The first local truck show took place three years ago, and the second annual show was in 2017, but last year’s event was cancelled after being repeatedly rained out, and the handcrafted awards were packed away for use in 2019.

“We have some very cool trophies and lots of giveaways,” said organizer Robert Snyder. “Help us spread the word about the show. We hope to see everyone.”

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale will take place on Sept. 14, according to Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

The signup fee to register a garage sale, be included on the map, and receive a sign is $25. 

“The signs will be available for pickup the week of the sale,” said Jones. “Ten dollars of the signup fee will be returned upon request, when returning the sign.”

Free maps showing registered sales will be available on the day of the sale.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Aug. 14, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Sidney Bartee

Members of the Ragin’ Red Band started their summer practices on Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Practice will continue through this week at 6:30 p.m., but rehearsal times for Aug. 12-16 have not yet been planned. Those times will be announced later this week, according to new band director Richard Murrow.

Band members and parents are able to join a “remind group chat” in order to get updates for the band.

“Text @albanyra to 81010 and you will receive a message confirming that you have joined,” said Murrow.

By Melinda L. Lucas

New students at Albany High School and Albany Junior High School, including all incoming seventh graders, are urged to attend a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria/snack bar, which is located in the junior high building.

At least one parent is asked to accompany their student to the brief meeting, if at all possible.

The time slot follows the elementary’s “Meet the Teacher” sessions, which start at 5:00 p.m.

By Kathy Thomson

Staff members from the Kindred Home Health office in Albany are gathering school supplies in conjunction with the company’s 15th Annual Food Drive.

In past years the local Kindred office has joined the national campaign by gathering food items, but this year they decided to try something a little different. 

“We’ve noticed a need for school supplies,” said Tracy Sullivan with Kindred. “I’ve asked both of the schools in town what they needed, and Kleenex and hand sanitizer topped the list for both locations.”