By Melinda L. LucasA large turnout of Shackelford County voters, very close to the 2018 record for a midterm election and representing more than 53 percent of registered voters, showed overwhelming support for Republican candidates in state offices.

By Melinda L. LucasAn early deadline has been set for the Nov. 24 edition of The Albany News due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and print schedule.All advertising, including classified ads, and news copy must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21.

By Melinda L. LucasThe final blood drive of the year is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Nov. 17.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Chest is moving steadily toward its fundraising goal of $47,000.As of Monday, Nov. 7, $13,678 had been raised, more than doubling the total of the week before.The Albany High School Student Council contributed $1,702.

By Donnie A. LucasThe annual lighted Christmas Parade won’t be led throughout downtown Albany on Saturday, Nov. 26 by Rudolf or any of the other reindeer this year. Instead, officials have announced that “Larry the UPS Guy” will head up the event as the official parade marshal.

By Melinda L. LucasRestructuring of the Albany PTO, complete with the election of new officers, was the focus of a meeting held Monday, Nov. 7.

Albany Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief Jeff Hill (r) accepts a check from Cody Fry (l), ranch manager of the Clear Fork Ranch. On behalf of the ranch owner, Fry thanked the VFD for taking care of Albany and the surrounding area.

By Donnie A. LucasAn induction ceremony for 12 new members of the Albany chapter of the National Honor Society is set for Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.Teachers, staff, parents, and family members are invited to attend.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Junior High theater class will present the comedy “Once Upon a Clothesline” by Aurand Harris for the public on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany FCCLA chapter is seeking to dub one Albany secondary teacher or staff member a real turkey by the end of next week.