By Sam Waller

Moran ISD officials are taking a visual approach in helping students prepare for state-mandated testing.

Superintendent Dr. John Denson said a data room has been established to better chart student progress.

“We’ve got a secure room where we can put all our students’ progress on the walls to help them prepare for the STAAR tests,” Denson said. “It helps us figure out the individual needs of each student. We can determine if a student needs more help in reading, while another might need extra time in math.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Pinewood Derby competition for local Cub Scouts has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 31 at the Scout Hut.

Originally set for this past Monday, the event was moved to next week due to a schedule conflict.

Several Scouts are expected to participate in the event.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m. with races starting at 6:00 p.m.

For more information about the derby, contact Cubmaster Jacey Shack at 325-762-0006.

By Sam Waller

Nearly 70 players have registered to participate in Albany Little Dribblers, showing significant growth in the girls division.

League organizer Joe Tidwell said 42 girls and 24 boys are registered for the program, which is open to boys and girls age eight through fourth grade.

The number of girls signed up led to the formation of six teams, leaving Tidwell to figure out a workable schedule.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions football team will be presented bronze medals for reaching the 2021 state semifinals of the Class 2A Division II playoffs in a cere­mony at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the high school gym. The brief ceremony will take place prior to the varsity basketball games against Hamlin.

The University Interscholastic League presents gold and silver medals to members of the state champion and runner-up teams on the field at the state final in December. Both teams that lose in the semifinals receive bronze medals.

By Sam Waller

Registration is ongoing for the upcoming youth baseball and softball seasons season with information available at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Albany Little League

Albany Little League organizer Paul Hamilton said the baseball program is shifting to online registration this year, but information on how to register will be available through the school.

Registration deadline for Little League Majors and Minors, Intermediate, and Junior leagues will be Feb. 11.

Competition is also offered in T-Ball and Coach Pitch age groups.

By Sam Waller

Project Graduation has two fundraising projects going through the end of January.

Organizer Kenzie Fairchild said orders for the Valentine’s Sale should be turned in on Monday, Jan. 31. Orders may be place with any Albany senior.

A chicken spaghetti takeout lunch is still planned for Sunday, Jan. 30. Lunches will be served to go from 11:30 a.m. until sold out at The Feed Store. There is no set charge for the meals, but donations will be accepted.

Fairchild said a decision on more projects will be made after the end of the month.

By Sam Waller

General Education Development  (GED) classes have resumed with the start of the spring semester and are being held on  Mondays and Tuesdays at the Shackelford County Library.

Instructor Kenzie Fairchild said anyone interested in registering for classes may still do so. Registrants will need to bring an acceptable form of identification such as drivers license and Social Security card. The classes are open to students age 17 or older. Students who are 17 must have parental consent to register.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A small contingent of just eight students kicked off the 2022 UIL academic season last Saturday in Haskell, with three journalism competitors bringing home awards.

Seniors Sarah Cotter and Ty Everitt both picked up a pair of medals at the contest, while junior Ashley Richards earned a first place.

“We actually had only eight kids attend the meet, which is a rough way to start the season,” UIL coordinator Rick Davis said. “There were conflicts with the local stock show on Saturday that kept several of our regular competitors from attending.”

By Melinda L. Lucas

An Albany blood drive is set for today, Jan. 27.

Hendrick Regional Blood Center will park the bloodmobile at First Baptist Church at the usual time from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Blood center officials said that there is an urgent need of blood donors of all types. In particular, officials said those who have O+ and O- are needed.

This is the first blood drive of 2022, with the next collection date scheduled for Thursday, March 24, eight weeks from now.

Donors with questions can call 325-670-2880.

By Sam Waller

The reopening of the Landreth Dam bridge was delayed after an incident caused more damage to the historic structure, according to Tanya Brown, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation Abilene District.

Brown said that early on the morning of Friday, Jan. 14, a vehicle went through the barricades, striking a piece of equipment and pushing it into the concrete railing, causing damage.