By Melinda L. Lucas The filing period for the March 2020 primary elections officially starts this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 9, but since the Shackelford County Courthouse is closed through Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, the first day that candidates can actually sign up is Nov. 12.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Nov. 13, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

By Kathy Thomson A large troupe of local junior high thespians are rehearsing for the upcoming University Interscholastic League one-act play competition that will be held in Albany on Thursday, Nov. 14.

By Kathy Thomson Grandparents and “substitute” grandparents of Nancy Smith Elementary School students are invited to join their family members for special lunch, classroom visits, and entertainment during Grandparents Week Nov. 18-22.

By Kathy Thomson Shackelford County residents who wish to be included in the Albany Ministerial Alliance’s annual Christmas basket drive need to turn in their applications before the Friday, Dec. 6 deadline date.

By Kathy Thomson Congregations at First Christian Church and United Methodist Church are collecting shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse annual Operation Christmas Child, while a group at First Baptist Church is packing shoeboxes for Crossing Borders ministry.

By Kathy Thomson Many local FFA and 4-H members are already busy preparing for the upcoming stock show season by validating, feeding, and training show animals, participating in fundraisers, and making sure that their entry paperwork is turned in.

By Melinda L. Lucas All first graders at Nancy Smith Elementary School were recently given free prevent tooth decay kits through the Fantastic Teeth Fan Club.  Members of Albany Masonic Lodge, led by John Tate and Robert Skelton, assembled and delivered 41 dental hygiene kits to the school.

By Kathy Thomson Workers at area non-profits including ResourceCare, Albany Ministerial Alliance, and Toys for Tots, are asking community members to help them give holiday presents to local children, teens, and seniors who request assistance. Toys for Tots Marine SSgt.

By Kathy Thomson General hunting season for white-tailed deer opened last Saturday, and hunters that harvest more venison than they intend to use are encouraged to donate their extra bounty to Hunters for the Hungry.