The Patch, hosted by Bethel Albany, returns for its eighth year this Saturday, Sept. 27, bringing fall fun to Clear Fork Bank Park for the entire community. This year’s event also coincides with Bethel Albany’s 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day.

The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the opening of the pumpkin market, followed by a wide array of family-friendly activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music, games, bounce houses, train rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and free family photo opportunities.

Albany High School will celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, Sept. 19, with traditional festivities that include a downtown parade and the presentation of royalty during halftime of the football game against Coahoma. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

Homecoming Parade

This year’s parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel through downtown Albany before returning to the stadium parking lot. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany City Council members heard from one local citizen related to the ongoing controversy over the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, while also approving the city’s 2025 tax rate and authorizing the fire chief to pursue a used fire engine through a state grant program.

The Albany ISD Board of Trustees received a detailed preliminary audit report during its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, presented by Cameron L. Gulley of Eastland. No action was taken on the audit, with formal acceptance expected during the October board meeting

Gulley praised district staff, particularly business manager Angelyn Faith, for closing the books by Sept. 1—just one day after the end of the financial year on Aug. 31. He noted that such a rapid turnaround is “unheard of” in most districts and reflects highly on the district’s internal processes.