By Sam WallerBig Sexy Smokers claimed titles in three categories, and Lesley Jones won two Saturday at the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament at Webb Park.

By Donnie A. LucasRunning Man, which has become an Albany tradition, is set for Saturday night, Oct. 30 starting and ending at The Feed Store.

By Sam WallerNeighbors in Need will soon be known as the Local Exchange as the ministry looks to streamline operations.“For now, the name change is just for Neighbors in Need,” Lori Reames, director of Closet Angels, said. “However, the new phone number we have is also for Closet Angels.

By Donnie A. LucasLocal senior citizens might get the “warm and fuzzies” more easily this winter thanks to a blanket drive organized by a local resident and being facilitated by First Baptist Church.

By Donnie A. LucasMixed in with traditional trick or treat youngsters on Sunday evening will be the Albany Jr./Sr. High Student Council members seeking donations to the Albany Chest with their annual Trick-or-Treat For Change Project.

By Donnie A. LucasThe final Fifth Quarter after-game fellowship will be hosted by First Baptist Church on Friday following the Albany vs. Santo football game, but where it will be held depends on the wind.

By Melinda L. LucasWith the 2021 “Red Ribbon Week” campaign winding down, organizers still have quite a bit more planned for local students on Thursday and Friday.Red Ribbon Week in Albany this year began on Monday, Oct. 25. The annual campaign is recognized not only locally but across the nation.

By Sam WallerAlbany FFA member Kenzie Neve placed third with her Class 2 Market Steer earlier this month at the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, Missouri.

By Donnie A. LucasWhile traditional trick-or-treating will be held on Sunday evening, Oct. 31, local merchants and businesses will once again be handing out candy to local youth on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 30.Participating businesses will be set up mostly in the main block of downtown from 2:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasAbout 25,000 tax statements are being mailed this week, as local property owners find out what they will owe in taxes for this year.