Albany ISD trustees spent a long day on Saturday, Nov. 3 interviewing six candidates for the post of AISD superintendent, bringing the total list of interviews so far to nine, according to interim superintendent Doyleen Terrell.

Two other candidates withdrew before their interviews were held.

A total of 41 educators from around the state applied for the position by the Oct. 4 deadline.

The trustees will meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 14 to review the interviews held so far, and they plan to call some of the applicants back for a second interview starting Nov. 17.

General hunting season for white-tailed deer opened Saturday, Nov. 3, and hunters that harvest more venison than they intend to use are encouraged to donate their extra bounty to Hunters for the Hungry.

Locally, field-dressed deer can be dropped off at Rocker B Taxidermy, along with the required $40 to $50 processing fee, during regular business hours.

“Donated deer can be dropped off from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week,” said business owner Russell Braly. “But you must leave money for the processing charges.”

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. 12-16.

The students have been encouraged to invite other relatives, neighbors, friends from church, etc. if they don’t have grandparents, or if their grandparents don’t live nearby.

Recipes are still being accepted for the upcoming holiday recipe section, according to Albany News editor Melinda Lucas, although today is the last opportunity to get something in.

“I know there are lots of great cooks in Albany and Moran, and I’d love to hear from them,” said Lucas, “but I’ve got to get started on Friday, so this is your last chance.”

Several individuals have sent contributions for the Nov. 15 tab, but many more are needed.

Recipes can be brought to the News office, faxed to 325-762-3201, or emailed to news@thealbanynews.net.

A large turnout of Shackelford County voters, believed to be a record for a midterm election and representing more than 56 percent of registered voters, overwhelming supported Republican candidates in state and national offices.

There was a huge gap in all races, with Republicans earning as much as 90 to 93 percent of the local vote in many areas.

Statewide percentages were much closer in most races, but Republican incumbents managed to fend off their Democratic challengers.

An event often called the official start of the Albany holiday season is set to start at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 10, with a new silent auction starring a “promising” German shorthair puppy.

Members of the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church have been decorating and cooking for weeks in preparation for this weekend’s annual church bazaar, which traditionally features home cooking, crafts, and a classic Thanksgiving meal.

The Moran Independent School District will host its annual Veterans Day luncheon on Monday, Nov. 12.

“We are having a hamburger luncheon to honor our veterans beginning at noon on the 12th,” said superintendent Danny Freeman. “All local veterans and their families are invited.”

Although there is not a formal program planned for the event, pictures of several Shackelford County veterans will be on display, and current Moran students will help serve the meal.

World of Work

The Honorable Quay Frederick Parker, Esquire, received his summons from the Great I Am in the early morning hours of Oct. 20, 2018. He was welcomed to Beulah Land by his parents, Fred and Lyna Jewel, brother-in-law Steve Wood, and son-in-law Brian Wilson. Also there to celebrate were extended family and friends.

Local junior high thespians are rehearsing for the upcoming UIL one-act play competition.

“We will be performing Antic Spring by Robert Nail,” said director Jenny Scott. 

Written by Albany native and Fandangle creator Nail, Antic Spring follows the humorous misadventures of a group of young people as they head out on a picnic.

The competition will be held at Albany in the AJHS auditorium on Nov. 15, with Roscoe stepping into the stage lights first, at 12:00 noon.

Local voters have until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, to vote early in person for the upcoming gubernatorial election, with Election Day scheduled for next Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Early in-person voting takes place on the first floor of the Shackelford County Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. today (Thursday), and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.