By Sam Waller

Twenty-eight organizations have applied for funding from the Albany Chest.

Groups ranging from pre-school to senior citizens have submitted requests totaling more than $56,000. The goal, however, has been set at $46,000, with a little over $10,000 contributed so far.

In each issue during the next few weeks, a brief look at two or three benefitting organizations will give prospective donors an idea of their activities.

First Love Day Care

First Love Day Care is a self-contained organization located at First Baptist Church.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany High School band will travel to Amarillo on Saturday to compete in the area UIL Marching Contest with a chance to advance to the state contest.

Albany is one of 21 Class 2A bands vying for four spots advancing to the sate marching contest.

The local musicians will take the field at Dick Bevins Stadium at 4:00 p.m. for the preliminaries.

The top 10 bands will compete again starting at 6:45 p.m. to determine the state qualifiers.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to trend downward slightly last week, according to a report issued by county judge Bob Skelton, with booster doses now available locally for eligible residents.

A combined total of 41 tests were conducted locally during the week of Oct. 18-22, with 13 positive results. That is two fewer positive cases than the week before which was 15 positive out of 38 persons tested.

By Sam Waller

More than a dozen game booths as well as several other activities and plenty of food options will be among the attractions Saturday evening for the Albany Parent-Teacher Organization’s Fall Fest at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

The event, which is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., benefits several educational endeavors for Albany schools and is expected to draw hundreds of students and their parents.

By Melinda L. Lucas

During Monday’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners, county judge Robert Skelton formally announced that he will retire at the end of his current four-year term.

Observing the regular session, held at the Aztec Theater because of district court that day, were 10 local 4-H officers, along with county extension agent Kelsey Bell.

Bell explained that the 4-Hers were attending in order to learn more about parliamentary procedure.

By Sam Waller

Moran students spent the week building up spirit for homecoming weekend with a series of dress-up days.

The week started with the patriotic ’Merica Monday, followed by the Hawaiian-themed Tiki Tuesday and Pajama Day on Wednesday. Thursday (today) is Hippie Day, and Friday is Spirit Day, with students sporting Moran’s school colors of purple and gold.

The weekend will honor classes from 1946 and 1947 (75th anniversary), 1971 and 1972 (50th) and 1996 and 1997 (25th).

By Sam Waller

Spots are still available for the Albany Masonic Lodge Scholarship Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 at Albany Golf Course.

Entries will be accepted until the start of play.

Entry fee for the four-person scramble is $300 per team. Hole sponsorships are available for $500. A sponsorship combined with a team entry is $700.

Entries are limited to the first 12 paid teams.

Proceeds benefit the Albany Masonic Wisdom Foundation, which awards college scholarships to Albany High School graduates each year.

By Sam Waller

Bucky Nail and Charles Barrett were reelected to three-year terms on the board of directors of the Albany Golf Club.

The elections were held Oct. 9 as part of the club’s annual business meeting and club championship.

Club president Randy Walker said the focus now turns to preparing for 2022.

Six greens at the Albany Golf Course were resodded over the summer because of damage inflicted by last February’s winter storm.

“We have purchased covers to protect them in cold weather,” Walker said. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus dropped a little last week, with 15 positive cases reported by the local testing facilities.

According to an update from Shackelford County Judge Robert Skelton, 38 tests were administered Oct. 11-15, resulting in four fewer positive cases than the week before.

Likewise, the number of cases reported to the state last week by Albany ISD nurse Lisa Russell dwindled to just two, both at the elementary campus.

By Sam Waller

Contests, prizes and themed days will be featured throughout next week as Albany ISD students participate in the 2021 Red Ribbon Campaign.

The campaign educates students and the general public about drug and alcohol abuse. This year’s program will run Oct. 25-29.

Nancy Smith Elementary School will have a poster contest as well as well as dress-up themes for each day.