By Sandy Morris

When local hero, William Edwin Dyess, was tragically lost in a plane crash in 1943, arrangements were made for a military trumpet player to play “Taps” at the service.

Fast forward 77 years and the lone trumpet player, along with his fellow World War II Army Air Force Band members, is about to have a posthumous album released of their original recordings. 

Richard Burt was the lead trumpet player of the 746th Army Air Force band stationed in the Philippines during WWII. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

A lengthy discussion about what to do with $25,000 in CARES Act funding and an update about the city’s rolloff program for abandoned houses took a good part of Monday night’s Albany city council meeting on Nov. 9. 

The resignation of Carolyn Waller, who has served on the council for the past nine years, was accepted “with regrets” and appreciation was expressed by mayor Susan Montgomery for Waller’s dedication to the community of Albany.

Waller is stepping down because of health reasons.

House Demolition

Jimmy Brooks, Sr., age 72 of Moran, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 19 at Moran Cemetery Pavilion. Interment will follow under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Jimmy T. Brooks was born Feb. 16, 1948 in Cisco, Texas to parents Jim Tom Brooks and Ray Nell Williams Brooks. He grew up in Moran and was very active in FFA, stock shows, and all sports for the Moran Bulldogs. 

David Phillip Hardaway was born in Imperial, Texas in October of 1947 to Carl Ernest Hardaway and Nina Slack Hardaway. He died in November of 2020 in Minden, Louisiana. 

He is survived by his wife, Martha Lenamon; two sons – Mackenzie Clark Hardaway and David Jones (Jay) Hardaway (Lindsay); four grandchildren – Lucy, Claire, Nellie Cate and Henry Hardaway; a brother, Lieutenant Colonel John A. Hardaway (Virginia); and a niece and nephew, Carl Hardaway and Julie Hardaway Galea. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother Donny Hardaway. 

By Sandy Morris

Two more Nancy Smith Elementary School events have fallen victim to COVID, but Camp Grady Spruce is moving forward with safety precautions. 

NSES principal John Gallagher stated that plans are still in place for local fifth graders to travel to the Possum Kingdom science camp Nov. 16-18. 

“With COVID-19, the camp has changed its attendance to only allow one school district at the camp at a time,” said Gallagher. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

The next meeting of the Shackelford County 4-H Horse Club program clinic will be held today, Nov. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Shackelford County Show Barn. 

Dr. Katie Fisher, the new Albany equine veterinarian from Salt Creek Veterinary Hospital, will be the speaker at the November clinic.

Shackelford County Extension Agent Kloey Painter said the first clinic to go over horse safety was not only well attended, but participants also learned some important basic tips for working with horses.

By Sandy Morris

The 2020 “Red Ribbon Week” wrapped up on Friday, Oct. 29 at both Albany ISD campuses. 

The yearly event is sponsored locally by Albany ISD and the Albany Task Force on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, with support provided by several other state and local agencies. 

Red Ribbon Week began on Monday, Oct. 26, marking the 32nd straight year that the national event has been conducted locally.

NSES Events

By Sandy Morris

The Albany High School marching band is getting ready for the University Interscholastic League East Zone marching contest this Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Abilene Wylie stadium.

Originally, the contest was scheduled for Oct. 17, but UIL delayed the contest due to COVID-19 precautions.

Albany band director William Vaughn took advantage of the extra time and scheduled a clinician to come in and work with local students.

By Sandy Morris

Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program will be today, Thursday, Nov. 5 and tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity food at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. this morning. 

Albany families who have been certified as eligible for the November food distribution program may pick up their food tomorrow, Nov. 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the rear door of the JP office. 

By Sandy Morris

Albany Junior High  one act play cast members have been rehearsing daily in preparation for their upcoming district competition on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Stamford.  

“The Magic Well” will be performed for the public on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

Director Melanie Turner said rehearsals are going well with daily rehearsals during the theater class period and extra rehearsals outside of school when necessary. 

Turner also said her cast is getting more prepared for contest every day.