By Sam WallerAlbany FFA members earned high placings with their livestock entries last week at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo. Several more will be entering the show ring this week.Gracie Price placed first in the Other Registered Breeds heifer class with her Maine-Anjou heifer.

By Donnie A. LucasSeveral records were set at the 36th annual First Impressions pig sale benefitting the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association on Sunday, including the largest number of pigs sold, highest price, and the highest gross sales.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H will celebrate the start of a new year with its kickoff party at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 18 at Webb Park.“We’ll have hot dogs and hang out and play games,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said.

By Donnie A. LucasStudents who are needing extra help are now able to attend one of three after-school programs  offered at both Nancy Smith Elementary and the Albany Jr./Sr. High campus.

By Donnie A. LucasOpen registration for GED classes continues weekly on Monday and Tuesday nights at the Shackelford County Library, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild.Classes started last week with three students enrolling; however, students are free to begin the program at any point.

By Melinda L. LucasThe next family festival at the Old Jail Art Center is a little more than a week away on Saturday, Sept. 24, celebrating the harvest moon.The free event will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., with activities mostly in the Marshall R.

By Sam WallerBethel Assembly will hold The Patch fall celebration on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Bank Park.The pumpkin market will open at 10:00 a.m. and last until the pumpkins sell out.“I’ve ordered more pumpkins this year,” organizer Betsy Spraberry said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance will hold its second Fifth Quarter fellowship Friday, Sept. 16, following the Albany Lions home football game against Hawley.The gathering will meet at The Feed Store.

By Melinda L. LucasThe time for a Sunday youth Bible study is changing after the group met for the first time last weekend.Friendship Baptist Church pastor Paul Johnston, who is leading the sessions, said that there was a good turnout for the Sept.

By Melinda L. LucaA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, Sept. 22.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.