By Sam WallerThe Albany youth basketball teams tipped off their season Saturday, Jan. 7, winning five of eight games.The boys teams played at Jim Ned with the girls at Hawley. The sixth grade boys won both their games, while the other teams each split their two outings.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Parker Henry made his first foray into strongman competition a successful one, winning his weight class in the Big Country Showdown.The event was held Saturday, Dec. 17 in Abilene, hosted by Riley Rodriguez of Heathen Training.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs resume their seasons following the Christmas break this week with the girls teams hosting a tournament in addition to their regular games.On Thursday, Jan. 12 (tonight), Albany takes on Cisco with the boys at home and the Lady Cubs on the road.

By Sam WallerRegistration for Albany’s Little Dribblers youth basketball program is wrapping up this week.Organizer Joe Tidwell requests that registration forms and fees be returned by Friday, Jan. 13 if possible with a final deadline of Monday, Jan. 16.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs’ first basketball outings of 2023 resulted in a pair of lopsided road losses last week, including their district opener.The Lady Bulldogs returned to action Tuesday, Jan. 10 when they hosted Rising Star for their first district home game.

By Sam WallerMoran Independent School District began its spring semester Tuesday, Jan. 10, with 117 students for all grades.The enrollment figure has increased by more than 20 students since the first day of class back in August.

Mary Marie Woolaver Cotton, 92, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Abilene, Texas.Marie was born January 24, 1930, to Thomas Sim and Nora Stamford Weir in Hamilton. She was the youngest of five children.

By Melinda L. LucasThe filing period for local elections to  various entities such as the school board, city council, and hospital board will begin Wednesday, Jan. 18.The election date set by the state for all local elections is Saturday, May 6.

By Melinda L. LucasSeveral Shackelford County elected officials, including first-time county judge John Viertel, took the oath of office during a brief ceremony in the second floor courtroom of the Shackelford County Courthouse on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

By Sam WallerShackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell will host a continuing education program Friday, Jan. 13, at the Shackelford County Courthouse.Registration for Managing Wildlife as a Beef Producer begins at 8:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom.