Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Texas have new online options to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Through USDA’s new streamlined process producers can now register, track and manage their applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and 2017 Wildfires Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP) on the secure and convenient https://www.farmers.gov/sign-in.
The next regular test of the local emergency siren is scheduled for 12:00 noon, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, depending on the weather.
The regular trial is scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable.
The siren should sound one or more of the three emergency tones during the test.
SEVERE WEATHER
WARNING
Constant wail
3 minutes
FIRE DANGER
10 seconds up
10 seconds down
2 minutes
FLOOD DANGER
Twenty-six of the 29 Albany High seniors qualified to attend the upcoming annual College Pie Party that counselor Dee Dee Waggoner arranges every year to reward students that submit a college application early in their graduating year.
“Our goal is for students to apply and plan early, so that they get into the colleges of their choice, have early access to financial aid and housing, and can then enjoy all the activities of the last semester of their senior year with the stress of applying behind them,” said Waggoner.
Twenty-one sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from the Albany Independent School District are competing at a UIL contest in Stamford on Thursday, Dec. 6, along with youth from Haskell, Hawley, Cross Plains, and Roscoe.
Results from the District 8 UIL Junior High Speech Contest were not available at press time, and will be reported next week.
Elementary and junior high students need to sign up by Friday, Dec. 7, if they wish to compete in the upcoming UIL contest at Hawley on Thursday, Dec. 13.
The youth of Beltway East Student Ministry hosted its annual Legacy Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Beltway East Student Ministry building.
The invited guests were treated to a full holiday spread including turkey, ham, and the works, according to sponsor Lorna Ayers.
The food is prepared by the youth group’s sponsors and served by the students.
A group of local youth is planning a ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado and participants are hoping to raise some funds with a Christmas Fiesta dinner.
The meal will be served at The Feed Store this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. and will include fajitas from Ernie’s and desserts prepared by local volunteers.
The meal is free for those still in elementary school, and $20 each for those from seventh grade through adult.
Tickets can be purchased from any of the youth going on the ski trip.
For names of participants, contact Spencer Newsom at MMPC.
The adult choir for the Albany Nativity can still use a few more voices, according to choir director Sandy Abel.
“We could use some more people,” Abel. “It is not too late! There are not that many pieces to learn, and some of them are carols that most people are familiar with.”
The adult choir sings from the balcony, so they do not have to worry about costumes.
The next rehearsal will be Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:00 p.m., at the Aztec Theater, and the director invited new participants to just show up for practice.
Only three weeks remain before the end of the annual Albany Chest campaign and the amount raised as of Monday, Dec. 3 was $25,107, according to treasurer Paige Adair, leaving the drive still $16,893 short of the $42,000 goal set by the directors for the 2018 campaign.
Chest amounts rose quickly at the start of the campaign, but less than $4,000 has been added over the last three weeks.
Twenty-six different organizations, including two new applicants, submitted requests for this year’s funding.
Albany’s Cause for Paws’ mission is to give an affordable option to pet owners to get their cats and dogs fixed, according to the non-profit’s president Lacey Anderson, but that mission comes at a price.
“Our last fundraiser was a bake sale last spring, and although the funds we raised then were nice, we average spending about $1,000 a month, so it goes pretty quick,” said treasurer Buford Salters. “We had vet bills of over $1,200 this November. We want to get our balance back up because it is easier to ‘operate’ with funds.”
Members of the local community have worked together to organize a special event and everyone is invited to gather around the big tree in downtown Moran for lighting of the tree and Christmas caroling at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, and then head to the Community Center to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
