A five-year-old Albany student is fighting cancer with the help of a group of Cub Scouts not much older than she is.

What started as a headache for kindergartner Adalyn Kirby quickly turned into something much more. After complaining of headaches, Kirby’s parents took her to a physician, and she was initially diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.

Later tests, however, showed Kirby’s tumor was malignant. Only 10 days before their daughter’s sixth birthday, Alan and Joanna Kirby of Albany got the news they feared most.

By Donnie A. Lucas

One new positive test for COVID-19 was reported last week based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported one positive test result out of 8 tests administered at the two local clinics for the shortened period of Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.

There were 7 positive results out of 13 tests for the previous week.

A number of cases of the flu were also reported during the period.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A total of 560 fresh evergreen wreaths will be placed on the graves of local veterans as part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Organized locally by Melinda and Henry Musselman, along with Saundra Nobles, the effort will utilize a number of local volunteers to distribute the wreaths.

By Sam Waller

Thursday playoff games mean the Albany Athletic Booster Club has to move up the schedule of events, and they could be happily forced to move them up even earlier if the Albany Lions extend their season another week.

The community pep rally for Albany’s Class 2A Division II state semifinal against New Home was held Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The send-off at the Bank Park is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 (today), as the Lions travel to Sweetwater for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at the Mustang Bowl.

By Sam Waller

Moran FFA was recognized for finishing fifth in sweepstakes last spring on Monday, Dec. 5 at the Big Country District Banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

“All the students enjoyed attending the banquet, which was a nice way to end the LDE season for 2022,” FFA adviser Minnie Denson said. “Now we’re switching gears to think about springtime teams.”

PTO Holiday Meal

The Moran PTO will hold its annual Holiday Meal at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Moran Event Center.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners gave the go-ahead to get internet access secured at the county library and discussed the parking lot repaving project, which is nearing completion.

A special meeting has been called for 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 to conduct a “walk-through” of the parking lot with CM3 Services owner Chris Ary to  “identify any punch list items in need of completion.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Thanks to a lot of hard working by volunteers and some cooperation from the weather, the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and drawings associated with the Small Town Saturday came off without a hitch, according to Chamber of Commerce officials.

A total of $2,500 in Albany bucks was given out to local shoppers in a series of three drawings prior to the parade.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Starting today, the Old Jail Art Center is hosting a two-week Christmas DIY Drop-In Gift Workshop, with extended evening hours and featuring several different kinds of projects that can be made by ages from elementary to adult.

According to the OJAC’s director of education, Erin Whitmore, the gift-making stations will be open from 11:00 a.m. all the way to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until Dec. 15 to accommodate those who can’t come during the day.

Saturday hours on Dec. 3 and again Dec. 10 are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A blood drive conducted by the Hendrick Regional Blood Center will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Albany High School.

The event is sponsored by the AHS Student Council as a way to gain donations from students who meet the requirements, as well as the general public.

The drive is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Drop-ins by the public are allowed, with students signing up for specific slots on the schedule.

The sign-up sheet is posted outside of the library at the high school.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany’s senior adults will have a chance to let Santa know what they want for Christmas when he makes a planned stop Friday morning at the Shackelford County Senior Citizen Center.

St. Nick will arrive at the local center at 9:30 a.m. to visit with participants and pose for pictures. He will play bingo with the regulars, and lunch (taco soup) will be served at noon, followed by senior games at 1:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to stop by, especially those 55 and above.