By Melinda L. Lucas

The regular Chamber of Commerce noon luncheon this Friday has been cancelled, with members and others encouraged to support the Albany Kiwanis Club fajita lunch at noon that day.

Current Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said this week that conflicts with the Kiwanis fundraiser and other homecoming activities resulted in the decision.

Position Open

Chamber directors have started the process of seeking a replacement for Jones, who has taken another job and will only be in the office until the end of this month.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The call has gone out for volunteers of all types to assist with the annual Fall Fest at Nancy Smith Elementary sponsored by the Albany PTO.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 – a week earlier than usual – and organizers need parents, teachers, and community volunteers to sign to help.

“We are still lacking the number of volunteers needed to run a successful Fall Fest this year,” organizer Ragan Riley said this week. “We need help with set-up, operating booths, and helping in the cafeteria.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Updating the five-year plan for capital improvements, reviewing current finances, and discussing the waste contract were the primary topics on the agenda of an Albany city council meeting held Monday evening, Oct. 10.

After reaching the fiscal year mid-point Sept. 30, city manager Billy Holson went through the city’s capital improvements budget.

The plan includes future expenditures for the water plant, distribution system, wastewater department, streets, and other infrastructure.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners discussed how to distribute $27,422 in Capital Credits recently awarded to the county, but tabled the issue with the intention of making a decision at the next meeting.

The funds, which accumulate as part of unclaimed property reported to the state by electric cooperatives, were requested by the county earlier this year. County judge Robert Skelton stated that the amount was more than usual.

By Sam Waller

A new event for the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Show is officially underway following initial weigh-in for commercial steers.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said five entries of two steers were weighed and registered on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Nail Ranch.

“We’re pleased with that number for our first year,” Bell said. “The kids learned a lot. Bucky Nail gave a talk on his feeding management program.”

Entrants received weigh tickets as a starting place for their record books for the project.

By Sam Waller

Four Albany FFA members exhibited animals this week at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Kenzie Neve placed third with her steer in All Other Crosses.

In the swine show, Callan Edgar placed seventh with a Crossbred, Tatum Grady placed eighth with a Spot, and Colter Edgar was 10th with a Yorkshire.

Neve also showed steers last week at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Waco, placing in both the scholarship and premium shows.

By Donnie A. Lucas In preparation for the UIL marching contest on Oct. 17, the AHS band competed in the Big Country Marching Festival last Saturday, earning a Division I rating. The event was held at Wylie High School in Abilene, with the band marching at 2:30 p.m. “We started out a little timidly but were playing strong by the end,” director William Vaughan said. “We received good comments from the judges that will help us prepare for the UIL Marching Contest that is coming up.” The band will compete in the regional marching contest on Monday, Oct. 17, again at Wylie.

By Donnie A. Lucas

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

Presley Green was elected as president of the group, while Ashley Richards was named vice president. Cole Chapman will serve as secretary, and Ella Webb was picked as treasurer. Leddie Leech will serve as reporter.

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

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church will serve its annual Chili Supper Friday, Oct. 14 before the Albany
Lions’ homecoming football game against Cross Plains.

Serving will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall following the homecoming parade.

There is no set price, but donations will be accepted.

“Donations will go to sending kids to summer camp this next year,” church secretary Becky Presley said.

The menu will include chili, beans, cornbread, Fritos, a variety of desserts and tea or water to drink.

By Sam Waller

The congregation of Albany Methodist Church has voted to pursue affiliation with the Global Methodist Church.

Lance Thomas, president of Albany Methodist’s board of trustees, said the motion passed unanimously in a vote taken following services Sunday, Oct. 9.

In July, the congregation voted to leave the United Methodist Church. The next step in the process, Thomas said, is to have the move approved by the Northwest Texas Conference.