By Sam Waller

A grass fire on the Stasney Ranch was contained to 190 acres on Friday, Dec. 10, as firefighters battled windy, dry conditions.

Chief Brad Henry of the Shackelford County Rural Volunteer Fire Department said the cause of the fire was undetermined, but firefighters were able to get it under control quickly despite the wind.

“It wasn’t as bad as some we’ve dealt with,” Henry said.

An October fire burned more than 18,600 acres across four ranches in Shackelford and Throckmorton counties.

By Sam Waller

Moran FFA students received four awards banners Monday at the Area IV FFA banquet at Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

Moran earned awards for a first place in Junior Creed Speaking and third in Junior Ag Skills at the Big Country District contest in November, as well as for Sweepstakes and eighth in Junior Creed Speaking at the Area IV contest.

It was the first time Moran FFA received such recognition since 2016.

Moran also received a plaque for finishing third in Junior Ag Skills at the Snyder LDE contest.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Christmas could come early for all Albany students if the Lion football team advances to the state championship game next week in Arlington.

Currently, students are scheduled to be in class next week, with early release days planned for Wednesday, Dec. 15 through Friday, Dec. 17 at 12:30 p.m. each day.

However, if the Lions win tonight and move to the championship game set for next Thursday in Arlington, the holiday release will move to Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Veterans in the Albany Cemetery will once again be honored during the National Wreaths Across America Day scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18, with local volunteers meeting for a brief ceremony prior to placing the 525 wreaths out across the cemetery.

The ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. at the pavilion at the Albany Cemetery, followed by volunteers and family members laying the wreaths.

By Sam Waller

There are three weeks  left in the annual Albany Chest campaign and contributions are badly  needed in order to meet the 2021 fundraising goal of $46,000. 

The goal was set by the directors at the start of the campaign after they reviewed the submitted funding requests from 26 organizations. 

The total donated as of Tuesday, Dec. 7 was $23,464. 

This year, more than two dozen groups covering pre-school to senior citizens and youth sports to community service have submitted requests.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The year is underway for local Cub Scouts, who have had several meetings since organizing in September.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack said that about nine members are finishing up the annual popcorn sales and other projects planned by Den Leaders of the Lion, Wolf, Bear, and Tiger dens.

The Scouts will also be participating in upcoming camping trips designed to “get them back outdoors,” and they provided a Color Guard for the school’s Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11.

By Sam Waller

The 13th annual Christmas Feast will be held Saturday, Dec. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Tamara Trail, one of the event organizers, said there is no charge for the meal, and anyone is welcome to receive food.

“It’s intended to provide  Christmas Day fellowship for those who may not have family in town this year,” Trail said. “It’s an opportunity to let people know how much the Lord loves them and to celebrate this day and not be alone.”

By Sam Waller

Closet Angels and The Local Exchange) formerly Neighbors in Need) will be closed over the school Christmas break so volunteers can have time with their families.

The last day Closet Angels will be open is Wednesday, Dec. 15. The ministry will reopen Jan. 5.

“We close whenever the schools do,” Closet Angels director Lori Reames said. “This is going to be the long­est break we’ve ever had. That’ll be three Mondays that we’re off.”

Reames said there will be plenty to keep volunteers busy through the break.

By Sam Waller

The Christmas season is being celebrated with a wide range of special activities and services at Albany churches.

Some pastors and congregations have not yet finalized plans for Christmas events. Any changes or additions will be publicized in future issues if requested.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church will host a family hayride on Sunday, Dec. 19.

All 41 ornaments that were part of the Believe Tree for Teens program were claimed from local churches last weekend. Now contributors have until Monday to fill the wish list they selected.

Believe Tree for Teens typically provides gifts for about 40 junior high and high school students in Shackelford County. The program received 41 requests this year.

Unwrapped gifts should be taken to a participating church or The Feed Store by Monday, Dec. 13. They will be picked up by family members on Dec. 19.