Lady Lions keep district tied up with big wins

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion softball team earned a pair of wins last week in Cisco and Gorman, maintaining a three-way tie for first place in district with a 4-1 record.

Albany finished the first round of district with an 11-4 win over Cisco, then started the second round with a 19-4 blowout in Gorman.

Track teams take 17 athletes to area meet

By Donnie A. Lucas

A total of 17 members of the Lion and Lady Lion track teams qualified to advance to the area track meet next week in 16 events, including four relays.

Albany hosted the District 10-2A meet on March 31, with the varsity boys team taking third place with 100 points and the girls team finishing fourth with 81 points. The JV boys also finished fourth as a team with 52 points.

The Hawley boys topped the boys varsity division with 157 points, while the Haskell girls won their division with 166 points.

Children hunt 5,000 eggs

By Sandy Morris

The Easter Bunny delivered in a big way, and local children were the recipients of a bounty of eggs this past Saturday at Webb Park.

The Albany Volunteer Fire Department hosted the community egg hunt and had about 150 people attend the event. 

Albany VFD secretary Alison Gardenhire said while the attendance was  down, the hunt went well.

“We had 10 firemen help set up and hide 5,000 eggs,” said Gardenhire. “Both banks in town donated $50 worth of gold and silver coins totaling $100.”

Senior Center nears long-awaited launch

By Sandy Morris

After a year’s delay, the doors of the Albany Senior Citizens Activity Center are finally about to be opened.

Board president Tracy Sullivan said board members met on Monday, April 5 to discuss details about getting the facility into operation.

The board was gearing up to launch last year when the pandemic hit. Senior adults were among those most at risk, and plans were put on hold.

High school worship night set

The Feed Store will host another high school worship night on Wednesday, April 14, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins invites all high school students to attend. 

Paul Johnston, who serves as representative for the Big Country East FCA, will speak briefly, and a meal will be served.

“It will end by 7:00 p.m. so the kids can go on to their regular Wednesday night church group.

Albany News

Closet Angels volunteers needed

By Sandy Morris

Organizers of the local Closet Angels clothing ministry are looking to expand the number of volunteers at the organization in preparation of expected new growth.

Closet Angels director Lori Reames said extra help is needed in several different areas, including social media.

“This volunteer would help with promotions on Facebook and Instagram,” said Reames. “Some photography work may be needed as well. This could turn into a two-person team and would be a great opportunity for a college resume.”

Albany News

Free concert slated at Bank Park

By Sandy Morris

Albany residents are invited to spend an evening enjoying live music at an upcoming free community concert at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 18 at the Bank Park. 

First Baptist Church pastor and Albany Ministerial Alliance president Jeff Turner said the featured band will be Dawson Hollow.

“I have a ministry friend who contacted me to see if we wanted one of the bands he works with to perform here” said Turner. “We decided it could be a good thing for our community.”

Albany News

FCA feeds coaches, workers

By Sandy Morris

The Big Country East Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted lunch for all the coaches and workers at the recent District 10-2A track meet held at Albany High School.

Local FCA representative Paul Johnston said the meal was a show of appreciation for those who were fed.

“I have a relationship with every one of those coaches in this district,” said Johnston. “This meal was a way for FCA to bless them for the work they do.”

Prairie Star catered the meal of brisket, sausage, beans, corn, coleslaw, and bread.

FFA judging teams prepare for competition

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members have been competing in area Career Development Events (CDEs) to prepare for district and area meets. 

AHS ag teacher and FFA sponsor Chris Beard said students competed at Tarleton on Thursday, March 25 and at Weatherford College on Thursday, April 1.

Students competed in Horse Judging, Land, and Livestock.

“The kids are doing a great job at these meets,” said Beard. “We are going against a large number of other teams, and I’m pleased with the results I’m seeing.”

Albany News

County 4-Hers enter state archery contest

By Sandy Morris

Local 4-H Club members recently participated in the state archery competition at the Young County Arena in Graham on Friday and Saturday, April 2-3, according to Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter. 

Archery team members who competed include Johnnie Hise, Ellis Hise, James Hise, Emmie Hise, and Carly Kreitler. 

4-H Sewing Clinic

Local 4-H members will meet at the Shackelford County Courthouse at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 11 for a sewing clinic. 

Albany News