By Sam Waller

The Albany Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Burgers & Birds cookout from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at the fire station to celebrate the opening of dove season.

For a $10 donation, donors will receive a fresh-cooked burger, choice of chips, a drink, and a cookie. Meals will be available for dine-in at the Tischler Hall conference room or drive-through in the bays.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Four 2022 graduates have been named to the 2021-2022 All-State Journalism Staff, which is awarded by the Interscholastic League Press Conference.

May graduates Ty Everitt, Susie Cormack, Sarah Cotter, and Luke Ivy each tallied the points required to earn a position on the statewide honorary staff that is recognized by the journalism branch of the University Interscholastic League.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Nancy Smith Elementary School is looking for members of the community who would like to serve as mentors to local students.

The goal of the program is to increase confidence and self-esteem, along with helping students make positive choices through one-on-one support, friendship, and fun, according to school officials.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD students and staff get a day off for the first holiday of the 2022-2023 school year on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.

Classes will resume as scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the normal time of 7:55 a.m. for Nancy Smith Elementary and 8:00 a.m. at Albany Junior/Senior High School.

Classes started at both campuses on Aug. 17, with the first six-week grading period ending on Friday, Sept. 23.

By Sam Waller

Albany churches and organizations have already begun fall youth groups, with children’s ministries about to start.

Albany Church of Christ Youth in Action meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at The Feed Store.

First Baptist Church’s sixth grade group will meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at The Feed Store.

Friendship Baptist

Friendship Baptist will begin regular Wednesday activities on Sept. 7.

By Sam Waller

Several Bible study groups are forming for local residents, ranging from women’s groups to those open to the general public.

One group has already started, while another is planning to start a new course after wrapping up its summer online program.

MMPC Women

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s Women’s Bible Study is already underway.

The group meets 9:30-11:00 a.m. each Wednesday in the Church Parlor.

Senior Citizens Center

An Albany High School student has earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs.

Albany High School senior Mayson Garcia has been awarded the National Hispanic Recognition Award.   

“We’re thrilled that Mayson has earned this recognition. We are very proud of her for her achievements in the classroom and on College Board assessments,” said AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott.

By Sam Waller

Preparations are in full swing for the 36th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Shackelford County Show Barn.

Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association board member Mike Parsons said up to 250 buyers are expected to bid on the 125 animals that will be auctioned.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The number of new ­COVID-19 cases reported last week jumped to 18 positive tests, compared to five the previous week based information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Robert Skelton issued Tuesday reported 18 positive test results out of 27 tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Aug. 22-26.

The use of home testing has also increased after tests were made more readily available, making it unclear as to the actual number of local cases.

By Sam Waller

Ben Richey Boys Ranch will celebrate its 75th anniversary this fall with the Albany campus taking part in the festivities.

A reception is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Abilene campus located at 501 Ben Richey Drive in Abilene.

The ranch opened in August 1947 as a project of the Abilene Optimist Club to help young men get a second chance in life.