By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions softball team returned from spring break needing to fill a lineup hole, but have four weeks to work things out before the postseason starts.

As one of just two Class 2A teams in District 8-2A, the Lady Lions are assured a spot in the playoffs.

After a week off, Albany resumed district play Tuesday, March 22 with a 15-0 victory over May at Webb Park. Details will be reported next week.

The Lady Lions, who hold a 5-11-1 record, visit Eula at 5:00 p.m. Friday in their first district road game.

Color photo packets of the youth basketball and Little Dribbler teams, taken by The Albany News, are ready for pickup this week at the News office.

High school softball packets should arrive within the next week.

In addition, a number of packages from previous sports have not yet been claimed.

The Albany High School baseball team and individual pictures are scheduled to be taken in the next couple of weeks and should be ready by mid-April.

Youth packages are priced at $20 plus tax, while the cost of school sports packages is $25 plus tax.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs track and field teams both finished sixth in the team standings Thursday, March 10 at Cisco.

The girls team scored 35 points, while the boys totaled eight.

“We were the only 1A school at this meet and did well,” coach John Hughes said. “We had a lot of other coaches compliment the kids on their efforts.”

Hannah Noble posted Moran’s top finish, winning the 200 in addition to placing second in the 100.

Alli Scott was second in the high jump, third in the long jump and fifth in the 100 hurdles.

By Sam Waller

Moran seniors Johnnie Hise and Hannah Rogers were recently named to the Texas High School Coaches Association girls basketball Academic All-State team.

The THSCA Academic All-State teams recognize high school athletes who excel in grade point average, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores. To qualify, students must be seniors who maintain an overall grade point of at least 92. Honors are divided into elite, first team, second team, and honorable mention.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD has organized a new chapter of the National Honor Society. The chapter held an organizational meeting March 22, to vote on bylaws and a constitution, along with electing two interim officers.

Johnnie Hise will serve as president and Hannah Rogers as secretary for the remainder of the 2021-2022 year.

By Sam Waller

Kirk House will return to Albany Sunday, March 27 for a Praise & Worship Night at The Feed Store.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

“We had Kirk in November of last year and are really glad he was able to come back and join us,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said. “We had a really good crowd last time and are hoping for just as many people this time.”

House has gained popularity as a performer in Abilene.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Shackelford County residents who haven’t yet registered to vote have until April 7 to sign up if they want to participate in the special statewide amendment election and the county-wide hospital district election on May 7.

Voter registration applications can be found online at votetexas.gov or filled out in person at the Voter Registration/Tax Assessor-Collector’s office at the Shackelford County Courthouse.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church is taking donations to help with relief efforts for tornado victims in Jacksboro, according to pastor Paul Johnston.

Jacksboro was struck Monday by a line of storms that left a two-mile wide strip of damage. National Weather Service surveyors confirmed that 10 tornados touched down in the area.

The City of Jacksboro Animal Shelter was destroyed, and the Jacksboro High School gym was heavily damaged.

Friendship Baptist is accepting water and nonperishable items through this week with plans to deliver supplies soon.

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford County 4-H Club enjoyed a busy spring break week with a wide variety of activities.

On Thursday, March 17 the club took a field trip to the Old Zoo Nature Trail in Cisco.

“We did that just for fun,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “We wanted to get the kids who didn’t travel for spring break out and do something.”

On Saturday, March 19 the horse club conducted a clinic on working cattle at the LeMay family arena. Bell said about 25 participants from Shackelford, Callahan, and Coleman counties attended.