By Sandy Morris

The Albany High School marching band competed in the University Interscholastic League East Zone marching contest this past Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Abilene Wylie stadium.

The Ragin’ Red Band earned straight 2’s from all three judges, which band director Will Vaughan said is a big improvement from last year when the band received two 3’s and a 4.

“The band had a very good performance of the show,” said Vaughan. “The positive comments from the judges show us that the band is on the right track.” 

By Sandy Morris

For many students of the graduating class of 2021, the most difficult part of applying for college is the financial aid process. 

Students can apply for federal financial aid, which includes Pell and other other grants, as well as student loans. 

The process can be intimidating, especially if a student is the first graduate to apply for financial aid in their family. 

In order to help AISD seniors, a FAFSA meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 16, at 6:00 p.m. in the AHS auditorium. 

By Sandy Morris

AHS students who have not taken the SAT or wish to retake the test will have an opportunity to do so on Saturday, Dec. 5. 

Albany High School will be the test site for the administration of the SAT on that date, offering students a chance to test at their own school rather than driving to another town to test. 

Any AHS student wishing to take the SAT on this date may register at www.collegeboard.org

For more information on the test or testing fees, contact Jenny Scott at 325-762-3974, ext. 108.

By Sandy Morris

The classes at Nancy Smith Elementary School are engaged in a battle – a canned food battle.

This past Monday, Nov. 9, NSES students began the “Battle of the Classes Canned Food Drive.”

Students will be collecting canned food items through Friday, Nov. 13 with all proceeds going to help senior citizens of Shackelford County. 

By Sandy Morris

The 2020 Believe Tree for Teens applications are now available for Shackelford County junior high and high school students. 

The Albany Ministerial Alliance is the sponsor for the tree which provides gift assistance for local teens. 

Applications and wish lists are available at ResourceCare in Albany or from any church in the Ministerial Alliance. 

By Sandy Morris

Members of the community and all local church congregations are invited to join in the traditional community-wide Thanksgiving service on Sunday, Nov. 22 at First Christian Church.  

The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Brad McBee leading the attendees in song. 

Jeff Turner, pastor of First Baptist Church, will deliver the message. 

The community service is sponsored annually by the Albany Ministerial Alliance. 

By Sandy Morris

The First United Methodist Women are hosting a chili fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., with sales already underway.

One-quart bags of chili are $10.50 and quart bags of beans are $1.50. Items will be pre-packaged and frozen.

Tickets may be purchased from UMW members. Orders also may be placed by phone by calling Annette Harris at 325-338-5478 or Helon Norman at 325-762-4691, and will be accepted through Dec. 1.

The food can be picked up at the FUMC Fellowship Hall, located at 200 N. Jacobs Street.

By Sandy Morris

“Break A Leg” is a phrase the Albany Junior High one act play cast and crew has probably heard all week as students have gotten ready for district competition today in Stamford. 

Director Melanie Turner said she and her students have felt more and more prepared every day.

“Sunday night we had a great rehearsal, and I think it really helped everyone feel more prepared for the public show Monday night and for competition on Thursday,” said Turner.  

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Ministerial Alliance is accepting dozens of applications from Shackelford County residents who wish to be included in the annual Christmas basket drive. 

The Christmas baskets include various food items for a healthy traditional holiday meal. 

Baskets offer a choice of a whole uncooked turkey, a pre-cooked turkey breast, or a pre-cooked ham, in addition to vegetables and other holiday side dishes. 

By Sandy Morris

Members of Friendship Baptist Church welcome everyone to their annual “Harvest Acres” event planned for Saturday, Nov. 21. 

The event will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. 

No dinner meal will be served this year, but soup and chili will be available for a take-out lunch starting at 11:00 a.m. 

The gift and food bazaar will offer baked and craft items for sale, with larger items being offered in a silent auction.

People may place bids on items in the silent auction until 2:30 p.m.