By Sam Waller

Area churches are participating in the Open Door Pregnancy and Family Resource Center current fundraiser.

Baby Bottle Boomerang is an annual fundraiser during which baby bottles are distributed to area residents to be filled with coins, bills, or checks which will be donated to the Open Door. The program concludes on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Breckenridge Open Door center director Marlina Cowan said churches in Albany, Breckenridge, and Cisco are participating in this year’s fundraiser.

Tyler Beard

Tyler Beard, son of Chris and Susie Beard of Albany, was named to the President’s List at Tarleton State University with a 4.0 GPA for the fall 2021 term.

The President’s List is one of the highest honors Tarleton confers on full-time students.

Jaleigh Morales

Jaleigh Morales of Albany was named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List of McMurry University. She is majoring in biomedical science.

A 2020 graduate of Albany High School, she is the daughter of Melissa and Edward Morales.

The Callahan-Shackelford County Farm Bureau has begun the new year with several new members on its board of directors.

When directors retire or move from the county during their terms on the board, new directors are appointed to fill the vacancy until the term expires.

During 2021, the positions held by H.T. Gleason and Shane Lee of Callahan County and Rocky Vinson of Shackelford County were filled respectively by Rustin Williams, Clay Smith, and Ace Reames.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A couple of local organizations got some much-needed funding recently as the result of a county ranch owner’s generosity.

The Shackelford County 4-H program and the Albany High School FFA chapter each received $5,000 from the Clear Fork Ranch in the Lueders area, formerly known as the Hendrick Ranch.

Ranch manager Cody Fry presented checks to county extension agent Kelsey Bell and FFA sponsor Chris Beard several weeks ago, noting that the ranch owners want to promote youth agriculture programs.

By Sam Waller

The Fort Griffin Fandangle Association has begun preparations for another season with the start of its membership drive, with letters mailed last week.

Memberships are available at seven levels ranging from Pioneer at $25 to platinum at $5,000. The Pioneer membership is open only to those age 65 and up.

Memberships may be purchased online at www.fortgriffinfandangle.org or by calling the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.

By Sam Waller

Nancy Smith Elementary School counselor Susie Beard has been named Counselor of the Year by the Region 14 Education Service Center.

Beard, in her third year as NSES counselor, has been employed by the Albany ISD for 23 years and involved in education for 31 years. In addition to teaching at Albany Junior/Senior High School, she has also held faculty positions at Clyde and Moran.

Beard, who is married to Albany agriculture teacher Chris Beard, said the honor came as a complete surprise.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions basketball team closed out District 10-2A play last week with a pair of road victories, beating Stamford 57-38 on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and Haskell 50-14 on Friday, Feb. 11.

“These games gave us a chance to get a lot of guys time on the floor, get some experience as we go into the playoffs, and hopefully go in on a high note in terms of scoring,” Lions coach Ryder Peacock said. “We were able to rest some guys at the same time, so it was good on both ends.”

By Sam Waller

The postseason honors keep coming for the Albany Lions football team with six players selected to the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A state team for their performances in the 2021 season.

Offensive lineman Zane Waggoner and wide receiver Cooper Fairchild were named to the first team, with running back Jaheim Newton and defensive end Taren Farmer earning spots on the second team. Linebacker Brooks Neece was voted to the third team with quarterback Cole Chapman receiving honorable mention.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions wrapped up their basketball season on Tuesday, Feb. 8 with an 81-16 loss at Stamford.

The Lady Lions finished the season 3-18 overall and 1-9 in District 10-2A.

Stamford, ranked No. 13 in Class 2A by the Texas Association of basketball Coaches, won the district title and played Quanah on Monday in a bi-district playoff.

Lady Lions coach Tate Thompson said the Albany team, which included four sophomores and three freshmen, made progress during the season despite the lack of success in games.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions baseball team gets its first test against outside competition this Friday with a scrimmage at Merkel.

“We’re going to take the kids we have, the ones who aren’t in basketball, and go have a good practice,” Lions coach David Fair­child said.

Albany opens regular season play by hosting a JV tournament Feb. 24-26. The first varsity competition will be March 3-6 at the Eastland tournament.

Fairchild said Friday’s outing will allow the Lions to face game situations.