By Kathy Thomson

Members of local Cub Scout Troup 225 recently collected mittens, hats/toboggans, and scarfs to donate to Closet Angels.

“The entire pack was involved in gathering the items,” said new Cubmaster Jacey Shack. “We have 15 Cub Scouts, including both boys and girls, and ranging in age from kindergarten to fifth grade.”

According to the Cubmaster, the Cub Scouts asked friends and family members for donations, and most of the items were brand new.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas Eve is only a dozen days away, and along with all of the shopping, baking, and family events scheduled for the season, local churches have set aside times for believers to pause and remember the real reason for the season: the celebration of God coming into the world as a helpless infant, all so that He could eventually sacrifice Himself on a cross to pay for all sins and allow his followers to once again join in fellowship with their Creator.

By Kathy Thomson

The 11th annual Christmas Feast will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Serving will end around 1:00 p.m.

According to one of the organizers, Tamara Trail, the dinner is free to the public, and anyone is welcome. 

The menu for the feast includes beef tenderloin, turkey, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and dessert.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members. 

Toys for Tots provides gifts to underprivileged children ages newborn to sixth grade. 

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign. He is assisted by Albany High National Honor Society members and local merchants.

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth.

4-H Christmas Party

There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

“Come join us for games, fun, and lots of food,” said Painter. “Bring your friends. We will be collecting new blankets to donate to the Resource Community Center, so bring a blanket to donate if you can.”

Hunter Education

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions were busy last week at the Winters Tournament, winning three games out of five and improving to 8-3 for the season.

The team was open this week as they prepare for tournament action in Breckenridge on Friday and Saturday. The varsity will play Dublin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, then will start bracket play that afternoon at 4:00 p.m.. Bracket games will continue on Saturday.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion varsity basketball team took the floor for the first time last week, falling to Munday in their opener.

The team hosted Early on Tuesday, coming back from an early deficit to play a close game against the 3A Longhorns but eventually losing 48-41.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Cubs won all three games against the visiting Hawley junior high teams on Monday.

The Cubs will travel to Roscoe on Monday, Dec. 16 for the last set of games before the holiday break. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.

The boys will return to the court on Jan. 9 in Cross Plains.

The 8A team beat Hawley 41-24 on Monday.

“This was a good win for us,” coach David Fairchild said. “We still have some things we have to shore up, but the boys showed a lot of hustle.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The junior high girls basketball teams played in the Breckenridge Tournament last week and were on the road Monday in Hawley.

The three local teams made a clean sweep of games in Hawley, providing excitement for fans with close scores.

The girls will host Roscoe next Monday starting at 5:30 p.m. for the final set of games prior to the Christmas break. Action will resume on Jan. 9 with the eighth grade team in Cross Plains.

Hawley Results

The 8A girls held on for a 33-32 win in Hawley to improve to 3-1 in district.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran elementary and junior high school students recently participated in the District 20 1-A University Interscholastic League elementary academic meet, which took place over several days.

Second through fifth graders are in the elementary division, and their contests took place on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Strawn.

Middle school students from sixth through eighth grade did ready writing at their home campus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and traveled to Ranger for the rest of the contests on Thursday, Dec. 12.