By Sam Waller

For the second time during the spring semester, Moran ISD encountered a security situation.

According to the Shackelford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch report, shots were reported to have been heard near the Moran City Park on Tuesday, April 11, with the school going into a “soft lockdown” until given clearance.

Moran superintendent Dr. John Denson termed the situation at the school as a “hold” with students remaining in their classrooms.

By Sam Waller

Moran’s Alli Scott advanced to the Region II-1A track meet by winning three events Thursday, April 20, at the area meet between Districts 13-1A and 14-1A at Hermleigh.

Scott, who won state in the 100 hurdles and earned a silver medal in the 300 hurdles last year, overcame a rough start to the day to win both hurdles races and the high jump. She also finished fifth in the long jump.

In the long jump, Scott landed at 16 feet, 2½ inches – nearly a foot off the personal best she set at the District 13-1A meet.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High tennis program’s intrasquad tournament was pushed back a week to Thursday, April 27 (today), as coach M.J. Reneau prepared for the state tournament.

The junior high program will play its district tournament Thursday-Friday, May 4-5, at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.

“Girls will be one day and boys will be the other, but we don’t really know which is which yet,” Reneau said. “And we’ll probably just stick to doubles.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Ministerial Alliance will conduct local observance of the National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday, May 4 at Bank Park.

The theme for this year’s event, chosen by the NDP task force, is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much,” based on James 5:16.

Pastor Brad McBee of Albany’s First Christian Church said the local program will be much the same as past years.

“Anybody who wants to show up can offer a prayer for our nation and our leaders,” McBee said. “We need much prayer right now.”

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store will host an evening of praise and worship at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30 to cele­brate the fifth Sunday of the month.

Organizer Kyle Viertel said the the program will include a number of songs, a spoken word message, and possibly a time to share testimony.

“The plan is that musicians – instrumentalists, singers, sound technicians and technical people – are invited to participate in a community worship,” Viertel said.

By Sam Waller

For nearly four decades, Polo on the Prairie has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and patient programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Research Center.

The 37th edition of the annual event, which will be held Saturday, April 29 at the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch, has already sold out with more than $1 million raised.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Anyone who would like to add a veteran’s name to the veterans memorial marker located on the Shackelford County Courthouse square needs to contact Mary Kay O’Connor by Monday, May 15.

O’Connor said she has not had anyone contact her about additions to the marker this year, but she will take information until the deadline to give to the engraver.

She added that she hopes to have any new names listed in time for Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.

By Sam Waller

With prom season in full swing, Sweet Repeats Ministry  is again offering free use of formal attire for people in Shackelford County and the surrounding area.

An offshoot of Closet Angels, Sweet Repeats is operated by Tammy McBee out of First Christian Church, 201 S. Walnut St.

McBee said the variety of dresses and menswear covers a wide range.

“Dresses go from extra small to 4X,” McBee said. “For men, we have tuxedoes, two-piece and three-piece suits, slacks, and jackets.”

By Sam Waller

Albany will have 16 athletes in individual events and two relays competing for trips to state this weekend at the Region II-2A track and field meet at Springtown.

The top two finishers in each event at the regional meet automatically qualify for state. In addition, the best third-place result from the four regional meets will earn a wild-card berth.

The Class 2A state meet is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at Mike A. Meyers Stadium in Austin.

By Sam Waller

For the third year in a row, Albany had a finalist at the Class 2A state tennis tournament as Luke Marshal advanced in boys singles.

Marshall played Mason Hatfield of Mason for the championship Wednesday, April 26 at Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio, losing 4-6, 0-6.

A year ago, Marshall’s title bid was derailed by severe cramping, which forced him to retire in the semifinals while leading.