By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of positive COVID-19 test results rose last week to 27, according to a report issued by Shackelford County judge Bob Skelton.
A total of 66 tests were administered at the three local testing sites, with a combined total of 27 positive results during Nov. 29 through the Dec. 3 window.
The Shackelford County Health Clinic also reported giving an additional 12 positive results on Monday of this week alone.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Ministerial Alliance’s Christmas Basket food drive will receive its first delivery of food items Monday before preparing to deliver the baskets the next weekend.
With 100-plus families and individuals on the list, donations are still needed to cover costs, and volunteers are being sought to help with delivery.
“We’re just in a waiting phase right now,” Ministerial Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said on Tuesday. “We will sort and bag next week, and the baskets will be delivered Dec. 19.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
Lion fans can continue showing their belief in the 2021 Albany football team by joining the community send-off on Thursday (today), Dec. 9, at 12:15 p.m. in the downtown area and along Main Street.
The Lions are headed for Lubbock to battle the Stratford Elks in the semifinals of the UIL 2-A division II football playoffs. The game kicks off at Lowrey Field at 6:00 p.m.
By Sam Waller
The Shackelford County 4-H Club service projects scheduled for next week will take place as planned on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
After that, it depends on the Albany Lions football team.
Local 4-Hers had planned three days of leaf raking to take advantage of early-release days from school.
If the Lions win tonight’s Class 2A Division II state semifinal, they will play in the championship game on Thursday, Dec. 16 in Arlington. Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said that puts the project in limbo.
By Sam Waller
Toys from the local Toys for Tots campaign may be picked up Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Youth Center.
Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who heads the campaign in Shackelford and Stephens counties, works with ResourceCare to provide gifts for Albany children from infants to 11 years old.
Adopt A Senior
Gift baskets for the Adopt-a-Senior program will be delivered with Vittles by Vehicle meals on Dec. 15. Approximately 40 senior citizens were adopted in the program.
Additional Needs
By Sam Waller
The Old Jail Art Center has been promoting Christmas spirit with an artistic flair this month, starting with free marionette shows earlier this week and continuing with the family festival on Saturday, Dec. 18.
Family Festival
“Posadas” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Mexico on Saturday, Dec. 18.
The event, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., is the last of several special family festivals held during the year.
By Sam Waller
Albany FFA competed in the Big Country District Leadership Development Event on Nov. 15 at Cisco College, winning a Sweepstakes award.
The FFA program received a banner commemorating the achievement Monday at the Area IV FFA banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
At the district competition, Albany competed in Senior Radio (Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Robyn Trail), Junior Radio (Kenzie Neve, Madelynn Daugherty, Abi Hale) and Junior Quiz (Jake Hale, Brody Brown, Abi Hale, Kenzie Neve).
The Big Country District includes 23 schools.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The link to the Christmas Wish List for Albany school teachers and staff is now available to be accessed on three different sites.
The Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff by fulfilling one or more entries on the Christmas Wish List.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The traditional Christmas concert that was scheduled for Thursday featuring the three Albany school bands has been postponed until Sunday, Dec. 12.
The concert was changed due to a conflict with the Albany Lions semifinal football playoff also now set for Thursday (today) in Lubbock.
The concert is divided into three sessions so students and parents don’t have to stay for all the bands unless they want to.
The Sixth Grade Band will perform first at 2:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany eighth grader Cheyenne Hebel earned a seat on the All-Region Junior High Band last Saturday.
Hebel competed at San Angelo’s Lakeview High School, taking 11th chair among the 80 trumpet players who tried out.
Three Albany students are traveling to Midland Greenwood High School this Saturday, Dec. 11 to try out for the All-Region High School Band.
Those registered to compete are Ashley Sanchez – clarinet, Chey’Anne Weaver – flute, and Trinity McBee – flute.
