By Donnie A. Lucas

No new COVID-19 cases were reported last week for the first time in several months, based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Monday reported eight tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Nov. 14 through Nov. 18, with no positive results.

There were four positive cases out of nine tests for the week of Nov. 7-11.

Testing continues to be available locally at the Shackelford County Health Clinic and ResourceCare Community Health Center.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions faced their first serious challenge of the postseason and responded in an overwhelming manner.

Trailing by three late in the second quarter of their Class 2A Division II area playoff against the Muenster Hornets, the ­Lions quickly regained the lead and rolled to a 56-10 victory on Thursday, Nov. 17, at Graham’s Newton Field.

Albany (10-2) advances to the regional round to take on the fourth-ranked Wink Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25 at San Angelo Stadium.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions dropped a pair of games last week in their first  road outings of the basketball season, and they had two more games this week before the Thanksgiving break.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Albany lost 61-12 at Gordon. That was followed Friday, Nov. 18, by a 35-29 loss at Roby in a game that was a late addition to the schedule.

On Monday, Nov. 21, the Lady Lions hosted Seymour, followed Tuesday, Nov. 22 by a road game at Gorman. Because of early deadlines, those results will be reported next week.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs played Cisco on Monday with the girls at home and the boys on the road.

Because of early deadlines, those results will be reported next week.

The junior high teams return from Thanksgiving break Monday, Nov. 28 to take on Hawley. The Lady Cubs will again be at home with the Cubs on the road. Games start at 5:30 p.m. at both locations.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County 4-H member Gage Burton placed first in Junior Division Main Dish on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the District 7 Food Show held at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

Shackelford County 4-H had five club members qualify from the county level, four of them in the Junior Division. Maggie Spraberry was fifth in Appetizer, with Kimberly Howe fifth in Healthy Dessert. Also competing were Artie Bell in Side Dish and James Hise in Intermediate Healthy Dessert.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs split their two outings last week, while the Bulldogs boys team tipped off its basketball season.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 30-24 decision to Blanket, but bounced back to beat Mullin 43-13 on Friday, Nov. 18, for their first win of the season.

Also on Friday, the boys lost to Mullin 37-27.

All games were played at Moran.

By Sam Waller

Albany Lions fans will want to avoid loading up on too much Thanksgiving turkey in order to attend this week’s community pep rally.

The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 (tonight) at the Bank Park.

The Lions will play Wink at 5:00 p.m. Friday in a Class 2A Division II regional playoff at San Angelo Stadium.

Booster Club member Amanda Tabor said attendance has been good for the first two rounds of the playoffs, which saw Albany defeat Eldorado and Muenster.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany city council members approved a petition from the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to purchase just under 14 acres of property on the east side of the community during an hour-long monthly session on Monday, Nov. 14.

The council also agreed to lease the last existing space for a hangar at the airport and set new speed limit restrictions for the Clarke Estates and the east end of South First Street.

Property Purchase

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Aztec Theater is hosting a night of music performed by local residents entitled “Seasons of Love” on Saturday, Nov. 19, with all proceeds benefiting the venue.

Tickets will only be available at the door for $15, payable by cash or check. Credit cards will not be accepted.

The show will start at 7:30 p.m. with Pam Davis narrating.

Organizer Sandy Abel said about a dozen local singers – most of whom have participated in previous fundraising events – will sing a variety of songs with a love theme.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A Monday, Nov. 21 deadline has been set for the Nov. 24 edition of The Albany News due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

All news articles and advertising, including classi­fied ads, must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21.

The usual copy deadline for the weekly paper is Tuesday at 12:00 noon. It is being moved up a day in order to adjust the printing and mailing schedule.