By Melinda L. LucasAn Albany blood drive is set for today, Dec. 2, coinciding with an announcement that there is a critical need for blood in the Big Country.

By Melinda L. LucasIn addition to looking for people to purchase hamburgers this next Sunday, the Ministerial Alliance is also looking for volunteers from each church to help sack and serve the meals.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance’s Christmas Basket food drive is moving forward with the food order being placed earlier this week.“Brookshire’s has always been very gracious in helping us get food ordered in the past,” Ministerial Alliance secretary Tisha Wilkins said.

By Sam WallerAmong its other qualities, Shackelford County has become something of a magnet for law enforcement.In addition to local agencies, Albany has attracted a number of state troopers who either live or work in the county.

By Sam WallerThe next step in the Albany Ministerial Alliance’s Believe Tree for Teens program begins Saturday with trees distributed to local churches.

By Donnie A. LucasDespite the shortened holiday work schedule last week, the number of ­COVID-19 tests administered continued to rise, according to a report issued by Shackelford County judge Bob Skelton.

By Sam WallerFacing a higher-ranked opponent for the first time this season, the Albany Lions knew they’d have to raise their level of play last Friday against the Muenster Hornets in their Class 2A Division II regional final.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions basketball team dropped its second outing of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 23, losing 54-26 at Comanche before taking off for Thanksgiving.Albany (0-2) played Tuesday at Ballinger. Details will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High basketball teams split four games Monday against Hawley, winning one girls and one boys contest.At home, the Lady Cubs Red team won  44-17, while the White team lost 30-12.

By Melinda L. LucasTickets for Friday’s state quarterfinal football playoff against Windthorst, to be played at 7:00 p.m.  in Graham’s Newton Field, must be purchased online by going to grahamisd.