By Sam Waller

First Christian Church of Albany has begun its Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection for 2022.

Shoeboxes are available at the church and may be picked up during regular business hours or on Sunday morning.

The last collection day is Monday, Nov. 14.

The shoebox gifts are filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to share God’s love with millions of boys and girls around the world through the Samaritan’s Purse project. Donors are also asked to contribute $9 per box to cover the costs of shipping.

First Baptist Church of Albany youth will conduct a silent auction fundraiser following services on Sunday, Oct. 23 in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Items to be auctioned will include baked goods, frozen casseroles, and desserts.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to help pay for local youth to attend camp next summer.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several dozen cast members of the Fort Griffin Fandangle are gearing up for a special Sampler to be performed during the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The show will be staged in the Stampede Room at 2:00 p.m. that day, according to Fandangle creative director Lorna Ayers.

A group with Red Steagall himself at the helm organized the event for three decades, but even though he is still involved, the 83-year-old Steagall has stepped back somewhat.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Jr./Sr. High Student Council will be out combing the streets seeking donations to the Albany Chest during the annual Trick-or-Treat For Change project on Sunday, Oct. 23.

The council will be divided into five groups and canvass the town dressed in their Halloween best, hoping for donations to assist the Albany Chest in raising their goal of $47,000 this year.

In the past, the council has typically collected about $1,000 through the event, which is all turned over to the Albany Chest.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County 4-H Food Show is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at Bethel Assembly.

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said club members may prepare appetizers, main dish, side dish, or desserts.

4-Hers will compete in three separate parts of the contest, Bell said.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs football team spent last week’s open date preparing for district play, and coach John Hughes is optimistic about the team’s chances to extend its season.

The Bulldogs (0-7) open District 14-1A Division II at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 against Valera Panther Creek at Bulldog Field after facing a nondistrict schedule that included four teams that have been ranked in the top 25 of Division II and a pair of Division I opponents.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs volleyball team split a pair of matches last week, falling to Rising Star in four sets before sweeping Trent.

The Lady Bulldogs began the second round of District 14-1A play Tuesday, Oct. 18 against Strawn at home. Details will be reported next week.

Moran has two district matches remaining and will play a warmup match against Gustine at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at home. Details for the team’s bi-district game will be finalized once pairings are announced.

By Sam Waller

Eight-time PRCA world champion bullrider Don Gay spoke to students and faculty at Moran ISD on Monday, Oct. 17.

“We had a special meeting with the teachers for about three hours,” Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson said. “Don spoke about winning, relating winning in rodeo to winning on the STAAR tests.”

Gay also spoke to an assembly of sixth through 12th grades.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Lady Cubs played twice in five days because of the Columbus Day holiday with the eighth grade splitting, while the seventh grade lost twice.

The junior high will close out the schedule Monday, Oct. 24 at Ranger. The eighth grade will play at 5:00 p.m. The seventh grade will not play because Ranger does not have two junior high teams.

Eighth Grade

The eighth grade Lady Cubs rallied to win 20-25, 25-19, 18-16 at Bangs.

By Sam Waller

Ronnie Anderson and Tommie Tierney were elected to board positions Saturday, Oct. 15 during the Albany Golf Club’s annual business meeting.

The two were selected to fill openings created by the expiring terms of Randy Walker and James Waters.

“The club and board would like to thank Randy Walker and James Waters for all of their years of dedicated service to the club and board,” board member Charles Barrett said.

Barrett said a meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 25 to determine officers.