By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions were looking to clean up the mistakes that hampered them in their season opener against Dublin when they made their second outing of the season last Friday.

While there were still a couple of bumps along the way, the Lions took care of business well enough to defeat the Hamlin Pied Pipers 50-0 at Hamlin’s Piper Stadium.

First Home Game

After scheduling three road games to open the season, Albany finally gets to play its home opener at 7:00 p.m. this Friday when the Haskell Indians visit Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

By Sam Waller

The 14th annual John Rose & Jim Law Memorial Albany Kiwanis Charity Golf Touurnament and Fajita Fiesta has been scheduled for Oct. 1 at the Albany Golf Course.

The event raises funds for the Albany K Charity Scholarship Fund as well as a number of other local projects.

“We basically fund scholarships every year,” Kiwanian Steve Waller said. “We fund a lot of youth projects like the Quail Brigade and Deer Brigade. We try to help out Ben Richey Boys Ranch, and we contribute to the livestock show.”

By Sam Waller

The 35th annual First Impressions Invitational Pig Sale, which benefits the Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association, brought in more than $65,000 in sales Sunday, according to Mike Parsons, one of the organizers.

“We averaged $707 on 92 head,” Parsons said. “We had about 260 registered buyers. We anticipate that the Association will make $3,000 to $5,000 off the sale to put in for the kids.”

Parsons said the two-day event drew a good crowd.

By Sam Waller

Open registration for the Albany General Education Development (GED) classes will continue on Monday nights at the Shackelford County Library, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild. 

The program began last week with three students registering, Fairchild said.

Students must bring an acceptable form of identification to register. Students must be 17 years old or older and not be enrolled in school. Students who are 17 must have parental consent to enroll.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 31st annual See You at the Pole is set for Wednesday, Sept. 22 with gatherings at both local campuses.

High school and junior high participants will gather at 7:30 a.m. at the high school flag pole for a time of student-led prayer. Prior to prayer time at the school, all students in grades 7-12 are invited to eat breakfast at the front of the school starting at 7:00 a.m., according to Tisha Wilkins, executive director at the Feed Store.

Students will gather in the gym foyer in case of rain.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Ministerial Alliance will host Fifth Quarter fellowships following the varsity football game of Albany vs. Haskell on Friday, Sept. 17.

A major change this year in the traditional event will be hosting the high school and junior high fellowships at separate locations.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Sweethearts from both Albany and Moran were presented at the local Lions Club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Johnnie Hise of Moran High School and Caitlan Lee of Albany High School will repesent the club during the 2021-2022 school year, attending weekly luncheons and appearing at other activities.

Lee is the daughter of Loree and Quinton Lee. She serves as a junior docent at the Old Jail Art Center.

Hise is a state 4-H ambassador and is involved in many activities at Moran. She is the daughter of Matthew and Jo Hise.

By Sam Waller

Bethel Assembly wil hold The Patch fall cele­bration on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Bank Park.

The pumpkin market will start at 10:00 a.m. and last until 2:00 p.m. or until the pumpkins sell out.

This year’s event will feature a decorated pumpkin parade that will begin at 11:00 a.m. Three cash prizes will be awarded. To enter, contestants can simply bring their completed pumpkins and walk the designated parade route. All pumpkins will compete in one division.

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels will reopen for business on Monday, Sept. 20, while Neighbors in Need will be operating on an appointment-only basis for the foreseeable future, according to Closet Angels director Lori Reames.

Reames said Closet Angels will be open from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday.

“We’ll be open, but with limited help,” she said. “We’’re understaffed, but if someone really needs something, come on in.”

Reames said the staffing problems could cause delays in providing service.

By Sam Waller

Two Albany students caught calves Saturday at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo calf scramble in Abilene, earning money to put toward the purchase of future agriculture projects.

Judson Rogers finished second, earning $950, while Donald McCullough earned $550 with a 10th place finish.

“With the money they won in the calf scramble, they will be able to purchase animals and show them in the 2022 West Texas Fair and Rodeo,” Albany High School agriculture teacher Chris Beard said. “They’ll have to turn in monthly reports on their projects.”