By Sam Waller

4-Her Grace Fry quickly found a cause she could get behind after her family moved to Shackelford County.

The 13-year-old donated 10 percent of the proceeds she received last year from the sale of her show ewe to Closet Angels. The choice of charitable cause was unusual in that the ewe was exhibited and sold at the Kleberg-Kenedy County show in South Texas before the family’s move.

Dawn Fry, Grace’s mother, was drawn to the Closet Angels mission, as was Grace.

By Sam Waller

Albany High School’s senior class will sponsor a bake sale Friday, Jan. 14, in the foyer of the gym during the varsity basketball games against Stamford.

The sale is one of three Project Graduation fundraisers going on this month.

Orders are being taken through Jan. 31 for the Project Graduation Valentine sale.

On Jan. 30, chicken spaghetti lunches will be served to go from 11:30 a.m. until sold out at The Feed Store. There is no set charge for the meals, but donations will be accepted.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County Senior Citizens Center has suspended all organized activities for the foreseeable future because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Among the programs out on hold is a monthly lunch that was held for the first time in December. Others include Tuesday Bible study and Friday Bingo and games.

“We’ll make a decision every week about what we’re going to do regarding activities,” center volunteer Lynne Simon said. “The big one is Bingo on Friday. We just won’t be having that until things settle down.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

Members of the Albany Chest’s board of directors originally planned to meet Wednesday, Jan. 12 to distribute funds collected during the 2021 campaign, but with the number of positive COVID cases rising rapidly, the decision was made on Monday to postpone.

According to board president Jana Kitchens, the directors are tentatively scheduled to meet at the Feed Store on Jan. 26.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A pair of Albany sophomores will travel to Big Spring on Friday to prepare for the All-Region Band Concert on Saturday.

Ashley Sanchez and Trinity McBee both earned seats in the All-Region Band during tryouts held in December at Midland Greenwood High School. Sanchez took 17th chair clarinet and McBee placed as 26th chair on the flute.

The pair, who will be accompanied by band director William Vaughan, will rehearse during the day on Friday in Big Spring and again on Saturday morning to prepare for the concert at 3:00 p.m.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions boys basketball team returned from the holiday break with a big road win and a disappointing home loss last week in District 10-2A competition.

On Tuesday, Jan. 4, the Lions defeated Hamlin 52-12 at Hamlin. That was followed by a 55-50 loss to state-ranked Cisco on Friday, Jan. 7.

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, Albany (4-3 overall, 1-2 district) played at Anson, losing 48-37.  Details will be reported next week. 

On Friday, Jan. 14, the Lions return home to host Stamford.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions basketball team made significant strides in its two games last week despite battling foul trouble and a state-ranked opponent.

The Lady Lions lost 48-44 in overtime at Hamlin on Tuesday, Jan. 4, as three players fouled out in the extra period. On Friday, Jan. 7, Albany fell 62-21 to Cisco at home.

The Lady Lions (2-12 overall, 0-4 District 10-2A) visited Anson on Tuesday, Jan. 11, losing 66-28. Details will be reported next week. 

By Sam Waller

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will conduct its Weekend of Champions girls camp Jan. 29-30 at Solid Rock Encampment near Eastland. The overnight camp is for girls in grades 8-12.

“It’s going to be a weekend of equipping young ladies with truth, encouragement, and fellowship,” said Betsy Spraberry, who helps with local FCA events. “We’ll have a great speaker and testimonies along with worship and fun activities.”

Spraberry said FCA membership is not a requirement to attend the program.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs opened District 13-1A competition on Friday, Jan. 7, with a 51-24 loss to May.

Moran trailed 17-6 at the end of the first quarter and 30-12 at halftime. Hannah Noble scored a team-high eight points with Hannah Rogers adding six points. Emily Murk and Johnnie Hise scored four points each, and Alli Scott had two.

The Lady Bulldogs made their second district outing Tuesday, Jan. 11 with a road game to Baird. Results will be reported next week.

By Sam Waller

Three Moran High School seniors were honored by bigcountrypreps.com for their efforts in fall sports.

Arren Hawley was an honorable mention selection to the football team at receiver, linebacker, punter and kicker in addition to earning aspot on the website’s True Grit team.