Class experiences outdoor camp

By Sandy Morris

The fifth grade class from Nancy Smith Elementary School attended Camp Grady Spruce, an outdoor educational camp on Possum Kingdom Lake, last week.

Accompanying the 33 local students were NSES principal John Gallagher, and four teachers including Leslie Neve, Candy Balliew, AISD nurse Lisa Russell, and William Vaughan.

The group left the local campus on Monday, Nov. 16 and returned from camp on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Greenhand team qualifies for area contest

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School FFA members competed in the Big Country District Leadership Development Events (LDE) on Monday, Nov. 14 in Cisco.

A total of 20 schools, including the Albany FFA teams, participated in the contest, which is held in the fall. 

LDE focus on creating situations for members to demonstrate their abilities in public speaking, decision making, communication, and their knowledge of agriculture and the FFA organization. 

In each event, the top two teams from each contest advance to area from district. 

Albany News

Winter Formal set Dec. 12

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School’s annual Winter Formal, normally held in January, has been moved up to Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 8:00 p.m. at the Whitney Theatre.

The Winter Formal is sponsored each year by members of the Albany High School student council.

Winter Formal Court

Three boy and three girl nominees will be selected for the Winter Formal Court for each class, with freshmen through juniors being nominated for Winter Formal Prince and Princess for their individual classes.

Albany News

Event raises missions funding

By Sandy Morris

Friendship Baptist Church members held their fifth annual Harvest Acres on Saturday, Nov. 21. 

“The frozen casseroles were the first thing to fly out the door” said pastor Paul Johnston. “We also quickly sold out of our soups, stew, and pulled pork.”

Johnston said there was a steady stream of people during the day who were purchasing the assorted baked goods, crafts, and homemade jams and jellies. 

More than $4,800 was raised for the account that provides funds for local mission projects and needs.

Chili, beans order deadline Dec. 1

By Sandy Morris

The First United Methodist Women are hosting a chili fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

The chili fundraiser will be take-out orders only with no indoor dining allowed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Offerings of both chili and beans will be frozen when picked up. 

A one-quart bag of chili is $10.50 and a one-quart bag of beans is $1.50. 

Tickets may be purchased from any UMW member.

Albany News

High speed chase results in arrest

By Sandy Morris

A routine traffic stop turned into a high speed, two-county chase on Wednesday, Nov. 18, according to the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 5:52 p.m., Shackelford County Deputy Mike Henry attempted to make a traffic stop with a vehicle for driving 98 miles per hour (MPH) in a 75 MPH zone. 

The stop was initiated on US Hwy. 180 East, two miles west of FM 2482. 

The 2017 Chevrolet truck with graphics failed to pull over, but continued to gain in speed.

Remembrance service set Dec. 6

By Sandy Morris

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will host its fourth annual Cele-bration of Remembrance on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4:00 p.m.

Because of the pandemic, the service will be held outside in the backyard area of MMPC, where Sunday services are currently being held. 

Albany News

Thanksgiving pep rally set Thursday

By Sandy Morris

The traditional playoff drum beating, preceded by a community pep rally at the Bank Park, will kick off the Athletic Booster Club’s special activities this week as the Albany Lions prepare for the regional semifinal match-up with Windthorst.

Albany will travel the short distance to Breckenridge for this week’s game, with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. 

The -Lions will face the Windthorst Trojans, who defeated Archer City last week at the area level. 

Albany Chest collections still very slow

By Sandy Morris

There is one month left in the annual Albany Chest campaign and many more contributions are needed in order to meet the 2020 fundraising goal of $41,000. 

The goal was set by the directors at the start of the campaign after they reviewed the submitted funding requests from 25 organizations. 

Local residents are reminded that everyone is asked to give what they can, even if they cannot contribute large amounts.

Albany News

Commodities to be distributed

By Sandy Morris

Pick-up dates for the December distribution of the commodity food program are Dec. 3 and 4.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Albany families who have been certified eligible for the December food distribution program can pick up their commodity food Friday, Dec. 4 at the rear door of the JP office (the former county jail) from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Albany News