The Albany Lions defeated Hamlin 41-28 in the quarterfinals last week, and the Albany Athletic Booster Club invites local fans to continue showing their belief in the 2018 Lion varsity football team by joining the community send-off this Thursday morning, Dec. 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bank Park.

The Lions are headed for Plainview to battle the Gruver Greyhounds in the semifinals of the UIL 2-A division II football playoffs. The game kicks off at Greg Sherwood Field at 6:00 p.m., and the winner of the bout will advance to the state finals. 

The varsity Lady Lions lost two of three games in the Breckenridge Tournament last week last week to go to 8-6 for the season.

Albany was scheduled to host Ranger on Tuesday, but the game was moved back a day due to the sudden death over the weekend of a school coach. Results of the game against the Lady Bulldogs were not available at press time.

Albany will host DeLeon on Friday, with the JV starting the action at 5:00 p.m. followed by the varsity game at 6:00 p.m.

Moran students are expecting a visit from Santa Claus this Friday, Dec. 14, but locals have already given his elves a little help.

“All of the Angels have been picked off of the Angel Tree,” said administrative assistant Jeannie TenCate. 

All Angel Tree gifts should be returned by Dec. 17 so they can be delivered on Dec. 18.

Those still needing that special Christmas gift might want to consider purchasing a copy of the upcoming Moran Bulldog Family Recipe Collection, Class of 2019 Edition. 

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their December commodity food this Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.

Delivery to Moran, originally scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6, was postponed due to wet weather.

“They called from Albany and said that it was raining, and they couldn’t deliver,” said Moran city manager Jackie Wallace. “I was surprised, because it wasn’t raining in Moran. But about that time we started getting some rain also.”

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Texas have new online options to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Through USDA’s new streamlined process producers can now register, track and manage their applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and 2017 Wildfires Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP) on the secure and convenient https://www.farmers.gov/sign-in.

The next regular test of the local emergency siren is scheduled for 12:00 noon, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, depending on the weather. 

The regular trial is scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable.

The siren should sound one or more of the three emergency tones during the test. 

SEVERE WEATHER

WARNING

Constant wail

3 minutes

FIRE DANGER

10 seconds up

10 seconds down

2 minutes 

FLOOD DANGER

Twenty-six of the 29 Albany High seniors qualified to attend the upcoming annual College Pie Party that counselor Dee Dee Waggoner arranges every year to reward students that submit a college application early in their graduating year. 

“Our goal is for students to apply and plan early, so that they get into the colleges of their choice, have early access to financial aid and housing, and can then enjoy all the activities of the last semester of their senior year with the stress of applying behind them,” said Waggoner. 

Twenty-one sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from the Albany Independent School District are competing at a UIL contest in Stamford on Thursday, Dec. 6, along with youth from Haskell, Hawley, Cross Plains, and Roscoe.

Results from the District 8 UIL Junior High Speech Contest were not available at press time, and will be reported next week.

Elementary and junior high students need to sign up by Friday, Dec. 7, if they wish to compete in the upcoming UIL contest at Hawley on Thursday, Dec. 13.  

The youth of Beltway East Student Ministry hosted its annual Legacy Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Beltway East Student Ministry building. 

The invited guests were treated to a full holiday spread including turkey, ham, and the works, according to sponsor Lorna Ayers. 

The food is prepared by the youth group’s sponsors and served by the students.

A group of local youth is planning a ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado and participants are hoping to raise some funds with a Christmas Fiesta dinner.

The meal will be served at The Feed Store this Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. and will include fajitas from Ernie’s and desserts prepared by local volunteers.

The meal is free for those still in elementary school, and $20 each for those from seventh grade through adult.

Tickets can be purchased from any of the youth going on the ski trip.

For names of participants, contact Spencer Newsom at MMPC.