By Donnie A. Lucas
The student and teacher of the six-weeks for the second grading period were announced recently.
Seventh grader Mimi Ivy was selected by fellow students and teachers as the student of the six weeks, receiving a pair of Apple air pods.
The students and teachers at the junior high and high school campus also picked special education teacher Missy Dutchover as the teacher of the six weeks. She received a $50 cash prize.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Albany Academic Booster Club is once again inviting the community to “adopt” a member of the school staff through its Christmas Wish List program.
Sponsored by the “Rise and Shine” committee, the event enables local residents who want to participate to access a wish list teachers and staff have been asked to make of items they would like to have for their classrooms or offices.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Local residents are invited to come catch the Christmas spirit at the annual Albany Bands Christmas Concert set for Thursday, Dec. 9 in the high school auditorium.
The concert is again being divided into three parts so students and parents don’t have to stay for all the bands unless they want to.
The Sixth Grade Band performs first at 6:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.
The Seventh Grade Band will play two songs starting at 7:15 p.m., including March of the Toy Soldier and Carole of the Bells.
By Sam Waller
Albany churches are getting ready for Christmas with several planning special events and services leading up to the holiday.
Some pastors and congregations have not yet finalized plans for Christmas events. Any changes or additions will be publicized in future issues if requested.
First Baptist
First Baptist Church will hold a JAM Christmas party for the 100+ children in the Wednesday night program at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15.
Details were still pending at press time, but several special activities are being planned.
By Sam Waller
There is less than a month left in the annual Albany Chest campaign, and many more contributions are needed in order to meet the 2021 fundraising goal of $46,000.
This year, more than two dozen groups ranging from pre-school to senior citizens have submitted requests totaling more than $56,000.
However, the goal was set at a more reasonable $46,000, with collections of $21,566 as of Monday afternoon’s deadline time.
Local residents are reminded that everyone is asked to give what they can, even if they cannot contribute large amounts.
By Sam Waller
Shackelford County 4-H will be slowing down for a bit this month, but not coming to a complete stop.
Local 4-Hers will take advantage of early-release days from school on Dec. 15-17 to conduct their next service projects.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An Albany blood drive is set for today, Dec. 2, coinciding with an announcement that there is a critical need for blood in the Big Country.
According to Kelsey Caprio with the blood center, the holidays have led to a critical shortage of blood A and O blood types, but all types are needed.
By Melinda L. Lucas
In addition to looking for people to purchase hamburgers this next Sunday, the Ministerial Alliance is also looking for volunteers from each church to help sack and serve the meals.
The event benefitting the Lee Hail family, will be held at Friendship Baptist Church at noon on Sunday, Dec. 5, with hamburgers, chips, cookie, and a drink available for donations.
Hail, who pastored the United Pentecostal Church, died recently after contracting COVID.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Ministerial Alliance’s Christmas Basket food drive is moving forward with the food order being placed earlier this week.
“Brookshire’s has always been very gracious in helping us get food ordered in the past,” Ministerial Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said.
The annual program strives to provide a box filled with ingredients needed for a traditional holiday meal to families in need of assistance.
The drive received 101 applicants this year with 41 in Albany, 35 in Moran and 25 through Vittles by Vehicles.
By Sam Waller
Among its other qualities, Shackelford County has become something of a magnet for law enforcement.
In addition to local agencies, Albany has attracted a number of state troopers who either live or work in the county.
There are currently nine active or former Department of Public Safety officers living or working in the county.
Former troopers are Shackelford County Judge Robert Skelton, Constable Xavier Perez, and Brian Waggoner of the Fort Griffin Special Utility District.
