By Donnie A. Lucas

With the beginning of the new school year, Albany students are heading to campuses daily by school bus, car, bicycle, or on foot, prompting the need for caution by drivers.

Although the first full week of classes at both campuses has gone smoothly, school authorities want to put community focus on transportation safety.

Flashing Lights

By Sam Waller

About 55 to 60 Albany High School juniors and seniors attended the first weekly luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 22 at The Feed Store.

Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins said the total exceeded expectations.

“I had 45 plates set out, and I had to go get my extra stash,” she said.

The number surpassed the attendance for last year’s initial gathering.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church will kick off its youth and children’s ministry Wednesday, Sept. 6 with a Back To School Bash.

The event is planned for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to Tanya Petree, one of the coordinators. Local parents can bring their children age 4 and up to register for Friendship Kids and enjoy Coke floats.

“We’re going to have a blowup water slide,” Petree said, “so be sure to have your kids dress appropriately.”

By Sam Waller

Two programs designed for local women are scheduled to start in September.

Thursday, Sept. 14 will be the first session of the Ladies Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). The group will meet 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursdays through May at The Feed Store.

The theme will be “John’s Gospel: The Truth.”

BSF is an international, interdenominational in-depth study of God’s word, chapter by chapter.

For information, contact Ashley Moon at 325-370-4484.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Applications for Albany Chest funding will be available starting next Friday, Sept. 1, with directors expected to set a request deadline of Friday, Sept. 28.

Board members of the Albany Chest will meet to organize the 2023 fund-raising campaign, nominate and elect new directors, and choose officers for the upcoming year during a Sept. 13 meeting, according to board president Jana Kitchens.

The meeting will be held at the Feed Store at 5:15 p.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the August distribution of the commodity food program  provided by Shackelford County are Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

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, Aug. 31.

Albany families who have been certified as eligible may pick up their food on Friday, Sept. 1 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Livestock Show Barn will host its first event since being renovated with the 37th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale.

The longest-running livestock sale in the U.S., which benefits Shackelford County youth who participate in the county stock show, is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 9-10. At 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, a ribbon cutting will be held to reopen the show barn following its extensive renovation earlier this summer.

By Sam Waller

Registration for the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s community-wide garage sale is underway and receiving good response, according to Chamber manager Brandi Lehew.

Registration began Tuesday, Aug. 22.

“I had people coming by the first day,” Lehew said. “Registration is going, and I’ve got the signs ready and out. Anyone who’s interested, come on in.”

Registration will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 6. The garage sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 9.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions wrapped up preseason Thursday, Aug. 17 with a solid showing in its scrimmage at Early.

Now the focus shifts from getting ready for the season to actually preparing for specific opponents.

Albany opens the 2023 football season at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 against the Lubbock Trinity Christian Lions at Archie Warwick Memorial Stadium.

Lions head coach Denney Faith said practices took on a different tenor this week with a game to play.

By Sam Waller

Season tickets for the Albany Lions 2023 football season are now available through the Albany Junior/Senior High office.

Adult season tickets are $30 for five games. Returning ticketholders have the right to claim the same seats they had last season. Season tickets cover only varsity home games.

Senior citizen passes are available from the superintendent’s office.

Albany’s first home date will be Friday, Sept. 1  against Dublin. Other home games are Sept. 8, Oct. 7, Oct. 20 (homecoming), and Oct. 27.