By Sam WallerAlbany Volunteer Fire Department is continuing its fundraising effort to upgrade facilities and equipment, not the least of which is this week’s delivery of a brand new 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 rescue truck.

Albany News readers and advertisers are asked to be aware that no newspaper will be published, either in print or online, during the week of July 17.“There will not be an edition on Thursday, July 20,” said News editor Melinda Lucas.

By Sam WallerAlbany has drawn the attention of the syndicated television program Texas Country Reporter.Hosts Bob and Kelli Phillips were recently in town for a segment on Jim Nobles, who handcrafts wooden caskets under the Noblex Pine Boxes banner.

By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County residents recorded significant rainfall over the weekend and have had more rain in general over last year at this time.

By Melinda L. LucasThe deadline to register for this year’s summer workshops at the Old Jail Art Center has been pushed back to Friday, July 21, according to the OJAC’s director of education Erin Whitmore.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany’s municipal swimming pool at Webb Park will close for the season at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 30.The popular “cooling off” spot is still open for another three-plus weeks on Tuesdays through Sundays unless scheduling conflicts with lifeguards force more closures.

By Sam WallerNew officers for the Albany Athletic Booster Club are gearing up for another school year with a kickoff meeting scheduled for later this month.The Booster Club is in the process of beginning ad sales for football programs for the 2023 season.

By Sam WallerPreregistration for Albany Community Vacation Bible School is underway.The event, sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, is for children age 4 through those who have completed sixth grade and is scheduled for Sunday-Wednesday, July 30-Aug.. 2.

By Sam WallerA mission team from First Baptist Church of Albany returned home Saturday, July 1, after spending a week helping install a bathroom being added to a home in Del Rio.

By Melinda L. LucasPick-up dates for the July distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are July 6-7.Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6.