Pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program are Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

On Thursday, Jan. 31, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the February food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Feb. 1, at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Kyle Viertel, who along with his son Mackenzie is a worship leader at First Baptist Church, has invited locals of all faiths to a Worship Night at FBC from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

“Everyone in the community is invited,” said Viertel. “We intend to do this the last Wednesday of every month.”

Kyle and Mackenzie Viertel are members of the FBC Praise Band and lead the youth worship on Wednesday nights, typically playing three or four songs.

Three Albany siblings showed goats at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado last week, and all three placed in both their goat classes on Wednesday, Jan. 16, and in the showmanship finals on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Paisley also completed in the Junior Market Goat Fitting Contest that took place on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

“Connor had been to the National Show in Denver once before, and he wanted to go back,” said their mother Tammy Clark. “The twins had never shown there, and they wanted to go also.”

The city of Albany will receive a sales tax allotment of $51,963 from the state this January. The amount is up 19.81 percent from the $43,371 payment received in January of 2018.

The city of Moran will receive a net payment of $1,475 this period, for a 5.16 percent decrease from the $1,555 received in January 2018.

The Shackelford County Youth Livestock Show starts Thursday, Jan. 31, one week from today. 

“We’ll start clipping pigs sometime toward the end of this week, probably Thursday or Friday, then start work on the lambs and goats over the weekend,” said Albany ag instructor Chris Beard. 

There are 137 exhibitors entered in the show this year, according to Shackelford County agent Michaela Bradford. 

Late registrations are still being accepted for girls who want to play in the Albany Girls Softball Association, but this Friday, Jan. 25 is the final deadline, according to Beth Roysdon.

“Even though they were due Monday, we will still accept registration forms up until Friday,” said Roysdon. “Please get those turned in!”

Forms can be turned in to the school, or applicants can contact Roysdon at 325-721-9023.

Registration fees are $35 for the first player in a family, and $20 more for each additional sibling.

Moran students do not have class this Friday, Jan. 25. Staff members will have a professional development day.

The Moran Independent School District will also have a student holiday on Feb. 1, coupled with a staff comp day.

Several Moran students will be showing projects at the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association show that runs from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.

The next scheduled holiday for MISD is spring break, March 11-15.

Moran will also be off for Easter weekend April 19-22, and Memorial Day weekend May 24-27.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hosting two Weekend of Champions camps at Solid Rock Christian Camp in Eastland this month, and FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston would like to see all interested high school youth attend.

“God will change lives at these events,” said Johnston. “If you are in high school you should come. If you know a high schooler, you should send them.”

All Shackelford County senior adults (50 and up) are invited to attend the Shackelford County Resource Center’s January senior luncheon to be held on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Youth Center beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Members of Friendship Baptist are hosting the meal and will provide shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocados, tortilla chips, and desserts to compliment the taco soup provided by the Resource Center. 

The theme for the January luncheon is “Game Night.”

A pancake supper benefit is planned this Saturday evening, Jan. 19 at the Albany Volunteer Fire Department’s station house at 609 Railroad St.

According to AVFD fire chief Kyle Tischler, the event will help with expenses incurred by the family of J.D. Dukes, who is a veteran member of the department and has served as chaplain for a number of years.

The meal will be available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and everyone from individuals to entire families are invited to dine in or get a to-go tray.