By Kathy Thomson

Albany Junior High seventh grader Will LeMay competed in the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 11. 

He qualified in the 12-and-under tie down event by accumulating points throughout the year at events in Texas and Oklahoma. 

Along the way, LeMay won four saddles and five buckles at the American Junior Rodeo Association’s National Finals where he earned the year-end championships in tie-down roping, ribbon roping, optional roping, and all-around.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays at noon next Friday, Dec. 20, and student early releases on both Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 should help everyone survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.

Students on both campuses will be released at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19, and at 12:00 noon on Friday, Dec. 20.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members. 

Toys for Tots provides gifts to underprivileged children ages newborn to sixth grade. 

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign. He is assisted by Albany High National Honor Society members and local merchants.

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth.

4-H Christmas Party

There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

“Come join us for games, fun, and lots of food,” said Painter. “Bring your friends. We will be collecting new blankets to donate to the Resource Community Center, so bring a blanket to donate if you can.”

Hunter Education

By Kathy Thomson

Moran elementary and junior high school students recently participated in the District 20 1-A University Interscholastic League elementary academic meet, which took place over several days.

Second through fifth graders are in the elementary division, and their contests took place on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Strawn.

Middle school students from sixth through eighth grade did ready writing at their home campus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and traveled to Ranger for the rest of the contests on Thursday, Dec. 12. 

Sydney Ten Cate of Moran is graduating from Hardin Simmons University on Friday, Dec. 13 with Cum Laude honors. Her major is Criminal Justice and her minor is Psychology. 

She is the daughter of Steven and Delisa Ten Cate and the granddaughter of Bonnie Ten Cate

Ten Cate graduated from Moran High School in 2015. She was a member of the HSU track team as a long distance runner throughout her college career, earning numerous honors.

By Kathy Thomson

Several events are planned in Moran this Saturday, Dec. 14, including the monthly children’s painting party, the annual Moran Parent Teacher Organization holiday meal, and a bimonthly fundraiser.

Children’s 

Painting Party

The monthly kids painting party will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Moran Community Center.

According to organizer Tiffany Waddell, over two dozen children have been coming to the painting parties. 

By Kathy Thomson

The annual Moran holiday craft fair will take place this Saturday, giving Christmas shoppers a chance to find those special gift items without having to fight their way through busy traffic and crowded stores.

A children’s painting party is set for the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 14, and a chili fundraiser, complete with a live band, will take place that night.

Holiday Craft Fair

By Kathy Thomson

Several activities are crowded into the few remaining weeks of the fall semester at Moran including, of course, exams, but also Christmas activities, a visit from Santa Claus, UIL contests, basketball games, the annual PTO holiday meal, and gathering presents for the Angel Tree. 

UIL Contestants

Junior high students remained in Moran for the University Interscholastic League ready writing competition on Tuesday, Dec. 3. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany resident Bobby Williams is expected to challenge incumbent Shackelford County Precinct 1 commissioner Steve Riley after filing paperwork on Monday, Dec. 2.

According to County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins, Williams filed his campaign treasurer’s form late Monday afternoon and picked up documents with the intention of filing by petition, although it had not been turned in as of press time.