By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions softball team had a full week of games last week, playing six bouts including five at the Clifton tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Albany opened district competition this week, with a Tuesday game against Gorman. The Lady Lions won the contest 18-1. Details will be reported next week.

The local team is off this weekend but will host Baird on Monday, March 15 at 12:00 p.m.

Albany lost to Cooper’s JV on March 2, 13-8. 

ALBANY LIONS vs Cooper JV

SCORE BY INNING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R/H/E

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion and Lady Lion track teams competed in the Anson Tiger Relays last Thursday, earning a number of ribbons and medals.

The Albany track teams will be on the road this week to a meet in Hamlin on Saturday, March 13.

The Albany boys racked up a total of 108 points in Anson last week for third place, while Breckenridge won the meet with 153 points, and Hawley took second with 148 points.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Multiple sirens and the response of several emergency vehicles got the attention of local residents Friday evening, March 5 after a 911 call came in that a single vehicle had crashed through a fence along Hwy. 6 south of Albany and started a small fire.

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller said Tuesday that the deputy who first answered the call asked for immediate backup because the driver appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

By Sandy Morris

Warmer, spring-like temperatures, along with the upcoming time change, have many local residents ready to get out and enjoy the pleasant weather. However, the month of March is also the time to get prepared for severe weather.

SkyWarn Training

The National Weather Service (NWS), with the help of local organizations, conducts SkyWarn classes each spring. 

According to Albany Volunteer Fire Department chief Kyle Tischler, an upcoming class will be offered locally.

By Sandy Morris

Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2021 North Texas Express Nationals at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland on Sunday, March 7.

The Level 3 team members were named National Champions in their division and brought home a banner for the gym and a hoodie for each girl on the team. 

Coach Kourtnee Waters said the team did very well, despite several obstacles.

By Sandy Morris

Local resident Elsie ­Byrne recently celebrated her 104th birthday on Monday, Feb. 22. 

Byrne was surprised with a party organized by close family friend Catherine Burton of Abilene. 

Friends celebrated at Los Cazadores with Byrne, who still lives on her own.

By Sandy Morris

A raffle and a brisket plate fundraiser have been arranged at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 21 to benefit local resident Kristi Brooker. 

Brooker, who is fighting Stage Four breast cancer, has been a long-time supporter of the community and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter. 

The brisket plate fundraiser will be held at the Bank Park and will include brisket, beans, and potato salad.

The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per plate and all meals will be served ‘to-go’ starting at 11:00 a.m.

By Sandy Morris

During the season of Lent, Catholics and other denominations often abstain from eating meat on Fridays.

In holding true to this tenet of faith and obedience, members of the Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church will host a fish fry fundraiser from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, following the Stations of the Cross at 5:15 p.m.

Organizer Jeff Bezner said while the money raised will be used for church needs and local mission work, the fundraiser is more about bringing back a sense of community.

By Sandy Morris

Albany ISD students, faculty, and staff are scheduled to dismiss for the spring break holiday at the regular time on Friday, March 12.

Cheerleader try-outs will be held on Friday prior to the break, with the sixth graders bused over to the Albany High School gym for the competition.

Spring break will take place March 15-19. 

Classes will resume at the normal time on Monday, March 22.

By Sandy Morris

Members of the Albany High School Band took a trip last week to prepare for contest and to have some fun.

AHS band director Will Vaughan said the group went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5 and had fun in the water both days.