By Kathy Thomson

Aproximately 120 Nancy Smith Elementary School students in third, fourth, and sixth grades participated in the Kids on the Land (KOL) program at Lambshead Ranch last week, where they were exposed to a variety of hands-on experiences designed to connect them to the land and spark a love of science.

By Kathy Thomson

November Meredith and Harley Schafer were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the Moran and Chillicothe football game at Bulldog Stadium last Friday night, Oct. 4.

Included in the homecoming court were queen nominee Raygan Mendez and king candidates Jonas Sotelo, Cody Rucker, J.T. Holland, and Andrew Farner.

By Kathy Thomson

In spite of a homecoming crowd in the stands to help cheer them on, Moran fell prey to the visiting Eagles 26-48 last Friday, Oct. 4.

The Bulldogs’ record now stands at 3-2 on the season, with two more non-district games scheduled before the battle for District 6 begins on Oct. 25.

On Friday, the Moran high school team will travel to Woodson for a 7:30 p.m. game with the 3-2 Cowboys.

Coach John Hughes expressed disappointment with the loss, but not with his players.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran’s varsity and junior high volleyball teams both played last week, with the middle school girls falling to Abilene Christian in two sets, while the Lady Bulldogs and Woodson battled back and forth for five sets before the Cowgirls tied down the win.

Varsity Match

The Lady Bulldogs hosted Woodson on Saturday, Oct. 5, losing in five sets 15-25, 25-17, 25-10, 14-25, 12-15.  

By Kathy Thomson

Staff members at Fort Griffin State Historic Site are setting up additional outdoor displays in preparation for the fort’s annual Living History Days, scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12.

Friday is geared primarily toward students from the Big Country area, while Saturday is designed more for the general public. On both days dozens of reenactors will portray day-to-day life in the real Old West.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany local medical professionals are advising Shackelford County residents to get vaccinated for influenza soon, following several cases of flu already appearing in one local clinic as well as the announcement on Sept. 26 by national public health and medical groups that kicked off the 2019-2020 flu vaccine campaign.

Kristy Brinegar, age 44 of Breckenridge, passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10 at Gunsight Baptist Church with Patrick Frishe officiating. Services have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.

Kristy Dene Smith was born Nov. 7, 1974 in Temple, Texas to Rickey Eugene Smith and Dorothy “Lou” Boyle Smith. 

On July 25, 2009, Kristy married Larry Brinegar. She worked as a manager at Chicken Express and was a member at Gunsight Baptist Church. 

Frances Wheeler, age 68 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. Graveside funeral services were held Sunday, October 6 at the Albany Cemetery Pavilion with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Frances Gazelle Alexander was born June 20, 1951 in Gorman, Texas to Hiram Franklin “Frank” Alexander and Juanita Gazelle Beck Alexander. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1969. On June 6, 1969, she married Jimmie Wheeler. 

Bobby Key, age 84 of Albany, passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10 at Bethel Assembly with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment will follow in the Albany Ceme-tery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. 

Bobby Linn Key was born Feb. 16, 1935 in Throckmorton, Texas to Delmon Wortham Key and Letha Bell Robinson Key. 

Following graduation from Throckmorton High School, Bobby started his own tile business. He owned and operated Key Tile for 37 years. 

Lifelong Albany resident, Priscilla Gates, age 84, entered her Heavenly Home on Oct. 4, 2019.  Services were held at the First Christian Church on the morning of Tuesday, Oct, 8 with Pastor Brad McBee officiating. Interment followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Born in the Stamford Hospital on March 21, 1935, to George Robert Howsley and Lucy Duncan Howsley, Priscilla Ann was a member of a longtime Shackelford County pioneering family.