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

The No. 6 Albany Lions showed the No. 7 Collinsville Pirates that it takes more than a high-powered offense to win in the playoffs.

Despite giving up season highs for points and yards allowed, the Lions dominated the Pirates in a 66-34 victory Friday, Dec. 2, in their Class 2A Division II state quarterfinal at Ram Stadium in Mineral Wells.

The Lions (12-2) advance to the state semifinals for the second year in a row to take on a fast-rising New Home team at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 (tonight) at the Mustang Bowl in Sweetwater.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions basketball team surpassed their win total from last season in a busy, productive week, winning five of seven games.

The Lady Lions (6-5) began this week with a 50-17 win against Abilene TLCA on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at home.

In an addition to the original schedule, Albany will host Clyde at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

The Lady Lions got last week started on a positive note on Tuesday, Nov. 29 by winning 37-29 at Archer City.

By Sam Waller

Two Albany Lions basketball teams took part in the Albany JV Tournament last week with the JV winning two and the freshmen losing two.

Coach Ryder Peacock said the next basketball outings will probably not come until after Albany finishes its football season. The Lions are scheduled to open District 10-2A play Tuesday, Dec. 20 at home against Haskell.

Peacock said being able to field two teams allowed more players to get court time.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs basketball teams won four of five games against Hamlin on Monday, Dec. 5, with the girls sweeping at home and the boys winning two of three at Hamlin.

The junior high teams wrap up the first half of their season Monday, Dec. 12 against Anson. The boys teams will play at home starting at 5:30 p.m. The girls will play at Anson with start times to be determined.

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 Sam Waller

If the Lions advance past their Class 2A Division II state semifinal playoff, the team and its fans face a quick turnaround for the state championship game.

The winners of the Albany-New Home and Mart-Burton semifinals will meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. The Class 2A Division II title game will follow the Class 1A state finals earlier in the day.

All details can be found at www.uiltexas.org/football/state/football-state-championships-spectator-information

Tickets

Olivia Reames, age 85 of Albany, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Albany Cemetery pavilion with Jeff Pleasant officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Olivia Mae Salters was born July 19, 1937 in Olney, Texas to Gordon Salters and Nancy Catherine Sides Salters. She graduated in May of 1955 from Albany High School. She met John Douglas Reames in October of 1954 on a blind date. They were soon married on June 14, 1955.

Melanie Dawn Mitchell, 54, of Albany, TX passed away on Nov. 30, 2022.

Melanie was born on Jan. 28, 1968, to Eugene Edward Mitchell and Sharon Midkiff Mitchell in Gorman, TX. Melanie was baptized at Moran First Baptist Church.

She attended Moran School and graduated from Albany Jr./Sr. High School. She went on to study at Texas A&M University where she majored in pre-veterinary science and minored in “social studies” also known as “partying.”