The youth basketball league boys played at home last Saturday.

The sixth grade team lost to Hawley 41-14 in their first game. Scoring were Connor Smith 6, Colter Edgar 4, Zane Green 2, and Levi New 2.

The team won their second game against Jim Ned Red, 25-13. Scoring were Green 9, Edgar 8, Smith 6, and Jayden Green 2.

The fifth grade team won both games Saturday, defeating Jim Ned 37-8 in the first round. Scoring were Clay Chapman 18, Aiden Vickers 14, Graham Ceder 3 and Senio Togia 2.

In the second game, Albany picked up a 31-4 win over Eula White.

By Sandy Morris

For the sixth year in a row, trainers, owners, and highly skilled hunting dogs from across Texas and surrounding states are expected to travel to the Crooked Tree Ranch in Shackelford County for the Region 7 American Field Trial Clubs of America (AFTCA) Amateur All-Age Championship and the M.G. Perkins Amateur All-Age Derby Classic.

The competition will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22. The winner of the championship will receive an original painting of the winning dog by artist Leah Brigham. 

By Sandy Morris

The Albany Band Boosters met on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to discuss a possible high school band trip.  

In order for the band to take a trip, there must be some type of educational component, and AISD band director Will Vaughan shared ideas of what those components might be, such as working with another band or band director or giving a performance. 

The boosters also discussed taking the junior high band on a trip. 

Typically, the junior high band takes a trip as a reward for participating or performing in a contest. 

By Sandy Morris

Specialized subscription boxes are in big demand as many people are limiting their outings and social activities.  

In order to continue to provide patrons with opportunities to participate in some type of workshop, the Old Jail Art Center has created a virtual workshop subscription series. 

The series includes four workshops during the spring semester plus a free summer bonus. 

Two options are available with #StayHomeStudio for teens and adults and #StayHomeStudioKIDS for ages seven to 12. 

By Sandy Morris

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released January state sales tax revenue amounts for counties across the state of Texas, including Shackelford County.

The City of Albany will receive a sales tax allotment of $31,549.36 from the state this month. This amount is down 15.06 percent from the $37,143.45 payment received this time last year.

The City of Moran will receive a net payment of $1,633.48 this period for a 13.13 percent increase from the $1,443.83 received this time last year. 

By Sandy Morris

In addition to preparing for upcoming livestock shows, members of the local 4-H chapter continue to stay busy in other areas of interest. 

Farrier Program

Shackelford County extension agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter announced a special horse program slated for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the show barn.

“A farrier will come show the kids how to shoe a horse,” said Painter. 

Shotgun Practice

By Sandy Morris

Open registration for the next series of General Education Development (GED) classes in Albany is now taking place, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

“Open enrollment will be available on Monday nights,” said Fairchild. 

The Albany GED class meets at the county library on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. throughout the school year, following the AISD holiday schedule. 

By Sandy Morris

Now that the holidays are over, local churches are gearing up weekly programs for the spring semester.

Friendship Baptist

Friendship Baptist Church started its children’s and youth programs back up on Wednesday, Jan. 13.  

The children meet each Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the youth meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p. m.

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church members also kicked off activities for children and youth on Wednesday, Jan. 13. 

By Sandy Morris

While winter seems to have officially hit the Big Country area and the post-holiday COVID surge continues, many people are finding themselves in need of basic items of clothing and furniture.  

Albany is fortunate to have Closet Angels and Neighbors in Need to help  local residents when they need a helping hand.  

Unfortunately, both of these organizations and their volunteers also are affected by the weather and COVID. 

By Sandy Morris

As AISD students have begun their second semester of the 2020-2021 school year, students and parents are being reminded of the importance of school attendance due to the Texas Compulsory Attendance Law which mandates that students attend a minimum number of minutes each semester to receive credit for courses taken.