By Kathy Thomson

Albany Sports Center took three cheer teams to the Varsity Spirit Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders National Championship in Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 1, and along with the team awards, one Albany participant was named for an individual honor.

Albany High School freshman Haily Cox won a “WOW” award.

ASC coach Kandi Ray explained that the judges give the special recognition WOW awards to the team members that most impress them during the competitions. 

Next Friday, Feb. 14, is an optional/required fifth day at Moran. Monday, Feb. 17 MISD will be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day.

MISD will be closed for spring break on the week of March 9-13.

By Kathy Thomson

The last day to register to vote in the upcoming March 3 primary election is next Monday, Feb. 3.

According to Belinda Perez, who is in charge of voter registration in Shackelford County, everything is going well. 

“We mailed voter registration cards in December, and we sent out reminder letters to everyone whose voter registration card was returned to us by the Post Office,” Perez said. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District (SCAD) office accelerated just before the end of the year, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“December was steady to higher than the previous year at plus 4.41 percent when compared,” he said Tuesday. “And January so far has picked up the pace traffic wise.”

By Kathy Thomson

Albany High School students competed at the Haskell Pow Wow, a University Interscholastic League academic invitational meet, on Saturday, Jan. 25, and several Albany students brought home individual medals. In addition, Albany students won second place in journalism. 

“I was very pleased with how our students did for their first tournament of the year,” Rick Davis, UIL coordinator said. “Overall, we finished fifth out of 11 schools that were there. That’s not bad considering we only had six students who were able to attend!”

By Kathy Thomson

Literacy Night is taking place at Nancy Smith Elementary School this evening, Jan. 30, starting at 6:00 p.m. 

“We will have three readers from our community come in and read stories to our students,” said principal John Gallagher. “All students and parents are welcome. We are also inviting children that do not yet attend school in hopes of encouraging reading both at school and at home.”

After the three readers complete their stories, the activities will move outside.

Members of Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a benefit lunch this Sunday, Feb. 2 to help the family of Rodney Alexander.

The meal of pulled pork, sausage, and all the fixings will be available either to eat in or take out, following morning services.

Donations will be accepted. Checks can be made out either to Friendship Baptist Church or to Lori Alexander.

For more information or to order take-out, call 325-660-2347.

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A second meeting for those interested in starting a Birding/Conservation Club in Albany and Shackelford County is planned for Monday, Feb. 3.

The meeting will held at First Christian Church, starting at 7:00 p.m.

FCC pastor Brad McBee is heading up the effort to form the group.

“Since 1970, there has been a loss of 2.9 billion birds in North America, that is one in four birds gone,” said McBee. “The aim of this group will be not only to promote and institute bird friendly conservation efforts, but also to enjoy birding together.”

By Kathy Thomson

Parents of girls who want to play in the Albany Girls Softball Association this spring only have one more week to sign up their child before the Friday, Feb. 8 deadline.

Age levels for Albany players this year will include under-6, under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 as of Jan. 1. Games will be played in Albany, Breckenridge, and possibly other nearby towns.

Registration fees are $45 for the first player in a family, and $30 more for each additional sibling entered in the league. Scholarships are available.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran High School senior Harley Schafer was recently named as one of the Lee’s Legion Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 2020 DAR Good Citizen award winners.

Four area high schools were each invited to submit the name of one member of their senior class to Lee’s Legion for the honor. 

The student should be one who has demonstrated the good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in his or her home, school, and community.