David Phillip Hardaway was born in Imperial, Texas in October of 1947 to Carl Ernest Hardaway and Nina Slack Hardaway. He died in November of 2020 in Minden, Louisiana. 

He is survived by his wife, Martha Lenamon; two sons – Mackenzie Clark Hardaway and David Jones (Jay) Hardaway (Lindsay); four grandchildren – Lucy, Claire, Nellie Cate and Henry Hardaway; a brother, Lieutenant Colonel John A. Hardaway (Virginia); and a niece and nephew, Carl Hardaway and Julie Hardaway Galea. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother Donny Hardaway. 

By Sandy Morris

Two more Nancy Smith Elementary School events have fallen victim to COVID, but Camp Grady Spruce is moving forward with safety precautions. 

NSES principal John Gallagher stated that plans are still in place for local fifth graders to travel to the Possum Kingdom science camp Nov. 16-18. 

“With COVID-19, the camp has changed its attendance to only allow one school district at the camp at a time,” said Gallagher. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

The next meeting of the Shackelford County 4-H Horse Club program clinic will be held today, Nov. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Shackelford County Show Barn. 

Dr. Katie Fisher, the new Albany equine veterinarian from Salt Creek Veterinary Hospital, will be the speaker at the November clinic.

Shackelford County Extension Agent Kloey Painter said the first clinic to go over horse safety was not only well attended, but participants also learned some important basic tips for working with horses.

By Sandy Morris

The 2020 “Red Ribbon Week” wrapped up on Friday, Oct. 29 at both Albany ISD campuses. 

The yearly event is sponsored locally by Albany ISD and the Albany Task Force on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, with support provided by several other state and local agencies. 

Red Ribbon Week began on Monday, Oct. 26, marking the 32nd straight year that the national event has been conducted locally.

NSES Events

By Sandy Morris

The Albany High School marching band is getting ready for the University Interscholastic League East Zone marching contest this Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Abilene Wylie stadium.

Originally, the contest was scheduled for Oct. 17, but UIL delayed the contest due to COVID-19 precautions.

Albany band director William Vaughn took advantage of the extra time and scheduled a clinician to come in and work with local students.

By Sandy Morris

Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program will be today, Thursday, Nov. 5 and tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. this morning. 

Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the November food distribution program may pick up their food tomorrow, Nov. 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany Junior High  one act play cast members have been rehearsing daily in preparation for their upcoming district competition on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Stamford.  

“The Magic Well” will be performed for the public on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

Director Melanie Turner said rehearsals are going well with daily rehearsals during the theater class period and extra rehearsals outside of school when necessary. 

Turner also said her cast is getting more prepared for contest every day.

By Lynsi Musselman

Earlier this year, Albany High School senior and lifelong Albany resident Sidney Bartee was named Lions Club Sweetheart for 2020-2021.

Lions Club member Myra Hise said the Lions were proud to name Sidney as the sweetheart for the year.

“She was chosen for her outstanding grades and participation in school,” Hise added. “She has pride in her community and an amazing work ethic.”

Sidney works two part-time jobs even while going to school, and is still involved in a big part of the Lions Club activities.

By Donnie A. Lucas

In a five-set game that saw several momentum swings, the Lady Lions defeated Miles in a Class 2A Region I area bout, breaking an eight-year drought of advancing past the second round of the volleyball playoffs.

The Lady Lions (20-4) were scheduled to face the Coleman Lady Bluecats today, but Coleman was forced to forfeit the game on Wednesday morning. According to Coleman school officials, a spike in COVID cases forced cancellation of extracurricular activities for two weeks.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion football team ended the regular season with a 35-0 win over the visiting Cross Plains Buffaloes in a game to determine the district champion.

The Lions sewed up the District 8-2A Div. II crown with their fourth shutout against a district foe, ending the regular part of their schedule with an 8-1 record, including 5-0 in district.

Albany is open this week, the final week in regular season action, but will be paired against Chico in the bi-district round of the playoffs to be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 in Graham.