By Donnie A. LucasFour members of the cast and crew of the junior high One-Act Play, “Once Upon a Clothesline” were recognized at the district contest held last week in Stamford.The play did not finish in the top three, but the four Albany students were honored individually.

By Sam WallerFourth grade students from Nancy Smith Elementary School attended a special performance of “The Nutcracker” put on by Abilene Ballet Theatre on Friday, Nov. 18 at Abilene’s historic Paramount Theater.

By Sam WallerEight students from the Nancy Smith Elementary School gifted and talented program got a view of the world and beyond on Thursday, Nov. 10 during a field trip to the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field.

By Melinda L. LucasTrash collection for the City of Albany will run on a slightly different schedule for the week of Thanksgiving.Residential trash containers and business and industrial containers normally picked up on Thursday will change to Friday this week.

By Donnie A. LucasNo new COVID-19 cases were reported last week for the first time in several months, based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions faced their first serious challenge of the postseason and responded in an overwhelming manner.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions dropped a pair of games last week in their first  road outings of the basketball season, and they had two more games this week before the Thanksgiving break.On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Albany lost 61-12 at Gordon. That was followed Friday, Nov.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs played Cisco on Monday with the girls at home and the boys on the road.Because of early deadlines, those results will be reported next week.The junior high teams return from Thanksgiving break Monday, Nov. 28 to take on Hawley.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H member Gage Burton placed first in Junior Division Main Dish on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the District 7 Food Show held at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs split their two outings last week, while the Bulldogs boys team tipped off its basketball season.On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 30-24 decision to Blanket, but bounced back to beat Mullin 43-13 on Friday, Nov.