By Melinda L. Lucas

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Oct. 12.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals.

Blood center officials said that there is always a need for blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Band will compete Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Big Country Marching Festival at Wylie High School in Abilene.

The Albany band will take the field at 11:30 a.m., according to director  Will Vaughan, and the public is invited to attend.

The band will be performing its contest show “Our World,” with music arranged by Luke McMillan and marching drill by Rodney Gurley of Lubbock.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of the National Honor Society recently elected officers and discussed upcoming projects for the school year.

Kiana Roberson was elected as president of the group, while Brooklyn Abbate was named vice president. Jade Bean will serve as secretary, and Robyn Trail was picked as treasurer. Jaci Chapman will serve as reporter and Braylyn Abbate will be the parliamentarian.

All of the officers are seniors and were inducted into the organization last fall during their junior year.

Albany students will have a holiday on Monday, Oct. 9 in observance of Columbus Day.

The staff will also have a holiday if they have fulfilled the required numbers of workshop hours.

Classes will resume for all AISD students on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the regular time. The bell will ring at 7:55 a.m. at the elementary school and 8:00 a.m. at the secondary campus.

The second six weeks grading period started Oct. 2 and will continue until Nov. 10.

By Sam Waller

Bethel Assembly’s The Patch fundraiser provided a morning full of family activities in addition to raising money for community outreach programs.

“We had a great turnout at The Patch this year,” organizer Christina Daugherty said. “Lots of community members brought their families and joined in on all the fun. There were smiles and fellowship all around, and it was just a beautiful time of togetherness.”

A few pumpkins were left after the sale. Anyone who wants to purchase one can contact Daugherty at 254-246-5956.

By Sam Waller

After two road games and an open date, The Feed Store’s Fifth Quarter youth gathering returns Friday, Oct. 6 with its third installment of the 2023 football season.

The program will begin  at The Feed Store following the conclusion of Albany’s District 6-2A Division II opener against Miles at Nail Stadium.

The postgame event is sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and is open to all junior high and high school students. The gathering will run from the end of each game until 11:00 p.m.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store hosted a record crowd for the Saw You at the Pole youth rally Wednesday, Sept. 27 to cap off the See You at the Pole prayer event.

The evening rally, organized by Paul Johnston, drew an estimated 270 to 300 participants. Johnston said that was an increase of about 130 youth over previous years.

“We had kids in from Woodson, Breckenridge, Moran, Cisco, and Albany, and we had quite a few adults there,” Johnston said, “Matt Stapp and Megan Ledbetter led worship.”

By Sam Waller

Trinity Lutheran Church will hold its annual Mission Festival at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 with pastor Keith Reich of Cisco’s Redeemer Lutheran Church speaking.

After the service, a meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

“We will be encouraged to support the mission of the church, both in our actions and with our offerings,” pastor Tom Chandler said. “The offerings all go to the Texas District of the Lutheran Church to support mission efforts.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

& Sam Waller

The deadline to make reservations for the 19th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala is Monday, Oct. 9.

The Gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 at Collins Creek Ranch, featuring Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles, and includes a meal and silent auction.

Tickets are currently on sale at $50 per plate and can be purchased by emailing susanftgriffin@aol.com or leaving a message on the group’s Facebook page. Orders can also be sent by text to 325-762-5038.

By Sam Waller

Eight students from Moran’s dual-credit advanced animal science class visited the 6666 Ranch at Guthrie to tour equine facility and breeding program.

Superintendent John Denson said the group was escorted by Eric Van Reet, the ranch’s stallion manager.

“He gave us a thorough tour,” Denson said. “We got to see the stallions they have in service right now and some of the history of the 6666. We got to see their feeding operation and the way they buy feed.”

The tour included a stop at the ranch’s veterinary lab.