By Sandy Morris

The Big Country chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted the second event in their annual Weekend of Champions this past Saturday, Jan. 30. 

This year, the Weekend of Champions camps were designed to be one day only with the boys’ event being held at Beltway South in Abilene. 

FCA Big Country East representative Paul Johnston said the day was equally as amazing as the girls’ event the previous weekend on Jan. 23 in Eastland.

“We had a great turnout,” said Johnston. “Lots of positives came out of this gathering.”

By Sandy Morris

Riley Israel will be the featured speaker at the upcoming high school worship night scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 at The Feed Store. 

Israel grew up in Americus, Georgia, and his parents and grandparents made sure he was at church every time the doors were opened.

Growing up, Israel was very involved in all sports-playing baseball, football, and basketball.  

Baseball was his first love, and his father, Renza Israel, who was a baseball coach, shared his knowledge about the sport with his son over the years. 

By Sandy Morris

The Albany High School One Act Play (OAP) has been cast, and students have been rehearsing since Jan. 11, according to director Jenny Scott.

“The play we chose this year is ‘The Love of Three Oranges,’ by Hillary DePaino,” said Scott. “The setting is a fairy-tale kingdom in the imaginary present.”

The cast and crew will be attending the yearly OAP festival in Clyde on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

District competition is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3 in Haskell at the new performing arts center. 

By Sandy Morris

Project Graduation organizers wrapped up their first fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 1 to prepare for the annual celebration following graduation. 

Order forms for Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles have been collected, and now the seniors and their parents will get ready to roll up their sleeves and start baking.

“The seniors will help prepare them, and the truffles and other treats will be delivered to the high school and to Nancy Smith Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 12.” said class parent Tisha Wilkins

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 10, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday afternoon, Feb. 11.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center (formerly Meek Blood Center) will park its bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center offers ­COVID-19 antibody testing at no charge for donors who successfully donate.

The blood center depends on volunteer blood donors to supply 100 percent of the blood that is used for patient care at 17 area hospitals. 

By Sandy Morris

Closet Angels will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit Kristi Brooker from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8.

According to Closet Angels director and fundraiser organizer Lori Reames, Brooker is currently battling stage 4A breast cancer and is trying to keep her health insurance. 

“All donations for clothes, bedding, and accessories will go towards helping Kristi keep her insurance,” Reames said. “Her insurance premium is currently around $1,000 each month.”

By Sandy Morris

Many people are limiting their outings and social activities and looking for new ways to have fun and spend quality time together at home.

In order to continue to provide patrons an opportunity to participate in some type of workshop, The Old Jail Art Center has created a virtual workshop subscription series. 

The series includes four workshops during the spring semester plus a free summer bonus. 

Two options are available with #StayHomeStudio for teens and adults and #StayHomeStudioKIDS for ages seven to 12. 

By Sandy Morris

Local 4-H members participated in a special farrier program on Thursday, Jan. 28, according to Shackelford County Extension Agent and 4-H sponsor Kloey Painter.

Local county commissioner Lanham Martin presented the program to about 20 4-H members. 

“He talked to the kids about different types of horseshoes and why horses have shoes,” said Painter. “He also talked about the confirmation of horses and a little bit about the anatomy of a horse in their feet and legs. 

Photography Clinic

By Sandy Morris

The month of February is typically the peak month for flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

A quick search of the Texas Department of State Health Services reports that the flu season began on Sept. 22, 2020 this year and that influenza activity is low across the state of Texas.