By Melinda L. Lucas

A contract for the county’s quarterly pest control, as well as a provider for fuel and mowing, was decided at Monday’s regular meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners on Sept. 14.

Liberty Pest Control was the only local submission out of three bids, and at $319.97, was just a few dollars higher than the low bid of $310 per quarter.

“I’d rather give the contract to someone local if we can,” said Precinct 1 commissioner Steve Riley.

The one-year contract was unanimously approved on a motion by Lanham Martin.

By Lynsi Musselman

The 34th annual pig sale that benefits the Shackelford County Youth Livestock Association held Sunday, Sept. 13 set a record on average price, gross sales, and registered buyers, according to organizer Mike Parsons.

Sales totaled $75,900 with an average price of $774.49 per head.

Parsons said 98 pigs were sold with one “no sale.”

“Our consignors brought a strong set, and our volunteers did a super job of accommodating the buyers and consignors,” Parsons reported. “Albany laid out the ‘red carpet’ for our buyers.”

“Do not adorn yourselves outwardly….rather let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.” 1 Peter:3-4

If a gentle woman will be considered great in the Kingdom, Patricia Ann Bales has found greatness. Born in Clarksville, Texas, on Feb. 10, 1940, she was the oldest child and only daughter of Hawk and Lois Bales, sister to Frank, Kenneth and David. 

Directors of the Albany Chest met on Wednesday, Sept. 2, to organize the 2020 fundraising drive, elect four board members, and vote on officers.

The deadline for organizations to turn in funding requests was set for Friday, Oct. 2, and the board’s next meeting will be held at The Feed Store on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 5:15 p.m. to evaluate the applications and decide on the fundraising target for the 2020 Chest drive.

A 2019 goal of $42,000 was set, with $39,816 raised and $44,000 distributed using surplus funds.

By Lynsi Musselman

A high school night is planned Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The Feed Store.

Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said new games that have been replaced or added will be introduced, with plans for a three on three basketball tournament and a corn hole tournament.

Food will be served, and door prizes and free T-shirts will be given.

By Lynsi Musselman

The City of Albany Volunteer Fire Department has a new Suburban to add to its fleet of emergency vehicles.

AVFD Fire Chief Kyle Tischler said the Suburban purchased two weeks ago was paid for with donated funds accumulated over several years.

“The department’s old Suburban from the 90s broke down three years ago,” Tischler reported. “We have been without this important versatile utility vehicle ever since.”

The Suburban called ‘Rescue 1’ will be used to haul personnel to fires and trainings.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion football team overcame a slow start to thrash the visiting Dublin Lions 64-27 and pick up their second win of the season.

The undefeated Lions will host the Hamlin Pied Pipers, also 2-0, this Friday at Robert Nail Stadium in a highly touted game that will pit the state-ranked rivals. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

“It is going to be a battle,” head coach Denney Faith said. “It will be a rivalry game that I think the kids are looking forward to and will enjoy. Both teams will be better when it’s over.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions picked up a pair of easy wins last week, continuing to play District 6-2A teams  including the Moran Lady Bulldogs at home on Tuesday.

Albany came out on top in the battle against the Bulldogs 25-7, 25-9, 25-17. Details will be reported next week.

Head coach M.J. Reneau added a game to the schedule this Friday against Snyder. The varsity and JV will play here at 5:00 p.m., utilizing both gyms.

The Lady Lions will be on the road Saturday in Newcastle for a varsity-only bout starting at 10:00 a.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The cross country team ran in two meets over the last week, including the season opener in Haskell and a second meet this week in Eula.

The girls competed in Eula on Tuesday, improving both times and placings.

The team will travel to Hamlin on Wednesday, Sept. 23 for their next contest. The junior high runners will also go to Hamlin, but a day earlier on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

All four Albany runners competed in the two-mile varsity girls race, with one runner medaling in the top 10 places.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The JV Lions posted a 40-0 win in Dublin last Thursday, improving to 2-0 for the season.

The Lions will travel to Hamlin on Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. game against the JV Pipers.

Tickets will be available at the gate in Hamlin, but fans will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing.

Adam Hill, London Fuentes, and Caden Price scored two times each in Dublin, as the Lion offense dominated the game.

Hill scored on a pair of passes from quarterback Lute Wheeler from four yards and nine yards out to score.