Bobby Ray Smith was born on Dec. 8, 1953 to Carrol and Ruth Smith in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was an only child.Bobby is a sixth generation Texan. His ancestors held four original land grants, written in Spanish, for the Republic of Texas.

By Donnie A. LucasHundreds of local students and parents are expected to crowd the Nancy Smith Elementary campus Saturday for the annual Fall Fest featuring game booths, food, bingo, and a costume contest.Booths will open at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasWhile traditional trick-or-treating will be held later, local merchants and businesses will once again be handing out candy to local children next Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 26, corresponding with Friendship Baptist Church’s Trunk or Treat event that evening.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany High School seniors Koy Cauble and Leddie Leech were crowned 2022 Homecoming King and Queen in front of a homecoming crowd Friday night at the halftime of the Albany vs. Cross Plains game.

By Melinda L. LucasThe pharmacy techs at Sanders Drug were given a four percent raise after a fairly brief meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District’s board of directors on Monday, Oct. 17.

By Donnie A. LucasThe Albany Ragin’ Red Band was the lone Class 2A band to earn a Division I rating at the Region 6 UIL Marching Contest held Monday at Wylie High School in Abilene.

By Donnie A. LucasEarly voting for the Nov. 8 General Election that includes federal, state, and county offices starts Monday, Oct. 24 at the Shackelford County Courthouse.In-person early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

By Melinda L. LucasAlbany ISD trustees spent most of Monday night’s regular meeting going over the district’s various required improvement plans, as well as approving the final version of the 2021-2022 financial audit.

By Melinda L. LucasMembers of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department will be presenting fire safety information to local school children this Friday, Oct. 21 as part of its annual fire safety and prevention initiative.

By Melinda L. LucasAbout two dozen Albany ex-students from as far back as seven decades attended the homecoming brunch and business meeting last Saturday morning at the Feed Store, representing classes from 1945 to 2001.