By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Jr./Sr. High Student Council was busy collecting money for a community-wide cause on Sunday, and members are also planning a blood drive for next Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the high school. 

About 20 members of the council gathered to go trick or treating on Sunday, but instead of just candy, they were collecting donations for the Albany Chest.

The group raised what is thought to be a record amount of $1,423, going door to door dressed in their Halloween finery.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Band traveled to Amarillo Saturday to compete in what is thought to be the first time in school history at the UIL Area Marching Contest.

While the band did not make the finals of the top 10 bands, the experience is considered very important.

“It was a good trip and a great learning experience for everyone,” director William Vaughan said. “The kids got to see the best bands in 2A in the state, and now they understand what it takes for the next level of competition.”

By Sam Waller

Albany Junior High School students will perform a production of “The Trial of Goldilocks” on Tuesday, Nov. 16 for the public in advance of their presentation at UIL contest.

The one-act play, written by Joseph Robinette, involves 16 cast members, two technical crew members, and two stagehands.

The public performance is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Albany High School auditorium. 

The students will compete the next week, on Thursday, Nov. 18 at Stamford.

By Sam Waller

Russell Scott has just finished his first month as minister at Albany Church of Christ after nearly four decades in Kansas.

Scott and his wife of 35 years, Colleen, come to Albany after 31 years with the Church of Christ in Mullinville, Kansas, near Dodge City.

“I’ve been a Kansas lifer until here,” Scott said. “Colleen and I raised our family in Mullinville.”

The Scotts have a daughter living in Abilene and a son living in Lubbock, making the move to Texas more attractive, but his focus is on serving his new congregation.

By Sam Waller

Members of Matthews Memorial Presbyrerian Church resume one of Albany’s longest-running events with their annual bazaar after a one-year hiatus.

The event, which is organized by the church’s Sallie Matthews Circle, had been held annually for more than a century before it was cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Sallie Matthews Circle is a group within the church, still called a ‘circle’ like it was decades ago,” coordinator Kalico Leech said. “We’ve been hosting the bazaar for over 100 years.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

A large crowd was on hand Saturday at Nancy Smith Elementary for the annual Fall Fest, with organizers calling the event a big success.

Several changes were made this year in an attempt to draw more interest, including larger prizes that were “purchased” with points earned at the various booths.

Exact figures of the success of the project, which is sponsored by the Albany PTO, were not available at deadline time.

By Donnie Lucas

The number of positive COVID-19 cases fell last week to the lowest number in weeks, with only five new cases reported.

A total of 19 tests were administered during the period of Oct. 25-29 at the three local testing locations.

Likewise, Lisa Russell, the Albany ISD nurse, said that there was just one positive case reported to her, which was a student at the junior/senior high campus.

The Shackelford County Medical Clinic conducted six tests on Monday with no positive cases for Shackelford County residents.

By Sam Waller

Moran Independent School District invites the public to a Veterans Day program on Thursday, Nov. 11.

The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Moran High School gymnasium.

A hamburger luncheon will follow the Veterans Day presentation.

To RSVP, call the Moran ISD office at 325-945-3101.

Thanksgiving Lunch

The faculty and staff of Moran ISD also invites community members for the school’s Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 18.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions expected their toughest test of the season from the Santo Wildcats.

They got it and passed with flying colors.

Jaheim Newton and Brooks Neece each rushed for two touchdowns last Friday as the Lions defeated Santo 33-6 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium, clinching the District 8-2A Division II championship – Albany’s 13th district title in 14 years.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions wrapped up the regular season and began preparing for the playoffs with a pair of warmup matches over the past week.

The Lady Lions (30-5)had a bye through bi-district and will open postseason play in the area round against Colorado City at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at Jim Ned High School in Tuscola. 

The winner of that match will play the winner between Coleman and Quanah in the regional quarterfinals on Nov. 8 or 9 at a time and place to be determined.