By Sam Waller
The reopening of the Landreth Dam bridge was delayed after an incident caused more damage to the historic structure, according to Tanya Brown, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation Abilene District.
Brown said that early on the morning of Friday, Jan. 14, a vehicle went through the barricades, striking a piece of equipment and pushing it into the concrete railing, causing damage.
By Melinda L. Lucas
An Albany blood drive is set for today, Jan. 27.
Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Blood center officials said that there is an urgent need of blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.
This is the first blood drive of 2022, with the next collection date scheduled for Thursday, March 24, eight weeks from now.
Donors with questions can call 325-670-2880.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A small contingent of just eight students kicked off the 2022 UIL academic season last Saturday in Haskell, with three journalism competitors bringing home awards.
Seniors Sarah Cotter and Ty Everitt both picked up a pair of medals at the contest, while junior Ashley Richards earned a first place.
“We actually had only eight kids attend the meet, which is a rough way to start the season,” UIL coordinator Rick Davis said. “There were conflicts with the local stock show on Saturday that kept several of our regular competitors from attending.”
By Sam Waller
General Education Development (GED) classes have resumed with the start of the spring semester and are being held on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Shackelford County Library.
Instructor Kenzie Fairchild said anyone interested in registering for classes may still do so. Registrants will need to bring an acceptable form of identification such as drivers license and Social Security card. The classes are open to students age 17 or older. Students who are 17 must have parental consent to register.
By Sam Waller
Project Graduation has two fundraising projects going through the end of January.
Organizer Kenzie Fairchild said orders for the Valentine’s Sale should be turned in on Monday, Jan. 31. Orders may be place with any Albany senior.
A chicken spaghetti takeout lunch is still planned for Sunday, Jan. 30. Lunches will be served to go from 11:30 a.m. until sold out at The Feed Store. There is no set charge for the meals, but donations will be accepted.
Fairchild said a decision on more projects will be made after the end of the month.
By Sam Waller
Moran ISD officials are taking a visual approach in helping students prepare for state-mandated testing.
Superintendent Dr. John Denson said a data room has been established to better chart student progress.
“We’ve got a secure room where we can put all our students’ progress on the walls to help them prepare for the STAAR tests,” Denson said. “It helps us figure out the individual needs of each student. We can determine if a student needs more help in reading, while another might need extra time in math.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
Pick-up dates for the February distribution of the commodity food program will be Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4.
Eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3.
Albany families can pick up on Friday, Feb. 4, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office.
Families are reminded to complete a 2022 application to apply for the 2022 program when they pick up their food.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions basketball team put together another solid performance in its only outing last week to get back to .500 in District 10-2A play, at least temporarily.
On Tuesday, Jan. 18, Albany defeated Haskell 54-26 to wrap up the first half of district before taking an open date.
“I thought we were more aggressive and wanted to play a little bit harder,” Lions coach Ryder Peacock said. “We got some more offensive rebounds.”
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lady Lions opened the second half of District 10-2A play with 71-29 home loss to Haskell on Tuesday, Jan. 18, before taking its second bye of the district schedule.
Albany visited Hawley on Tuesday, Jan. 25, to start the closing stretch of the season. The girls lost 45-36, with complete results to be reported next week.
The Lady Lions host Hamlin on Friday, Jan. 28.
Against Haskell, Lady Lions coach Tate Thompson said Albany showed improvement from its first meeting with the Maidens, an 89-21 loss at Haskell on Dec. 14.
By Sam Waller
Seven members of the Albany Lions football team received recognition on the All-Big Country Preps football team after helping Albany advance to the Class 2A Division II state semifinals.
Running back Jaheim Newton, offensive lineman Zane Waggoner, and defensive lineman Taren Farmer were all named to the website’s second team. Quarterback Cole Chapman, offensive lineman Monte Cauble, and linebacker Brooks Neece were honorable mention.
