By Melinda L. Lucas

After a lengthy discussion, Albany volunteer firemen were given permission to spend $30,000 in designated funds for an auxiliary vehicle. The action came during a regular monthly session on Monday night, Dec. 9 at City Hall.

Fire chief Kyle Tischler and assistant chief Travis Gardenhire presented five bids for pre-owned vehicles – four Suburbans and one crew cab pickup with a camper cover – to replace a 1987 Suburban that is no longer reliable.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners approved a bid to repair a bridge on County Road 179 in Precinct 2 during a regular meeting on Monday morning, Dec. 9.

Shahan Concrete of Breckenridge agreed to replace the “cracked skirting” on the Caldwell Lane bridge for a total cost of $12,000. Owner Randy Shahan expects to finish the job by mid-February.

By Kathy Thomson

This year the Albany Chamber of Commerce sponsored a children’s coloring contest for first through sixth grade students at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

Students colored a Christmas scene selected by their teacher from among the options submitted by the Chamber.

“We awarded one $10 gift certificate to the winner from each of the participating grades at the elementary school,” said Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones.

Winners are listed below:

FIRST GRADE

Lori Warren’s class – Anna Alexander

By Melinda L. Lucas

The public is invited to the Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday to go fishing for rainbow trout in what is expected to be sunny weather, tour the fort, and then stay to view the night sky through the high powered telescopes of several astronomers.

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the AJSH Academic Booster Club have formed a “Rise and Shine” committee to bless, encourage, and uplift the faculty and staff of the Albany Independent School District, and this holiday season they are inviting everyone to assist them in their efforts by “adopting” a local teacher.

“The committee has created a teacher/staff Christmas wish list event,” said co-chair Heather Brown. “This is a great opportunity to encourage the teachers/staff who love, care for, and educate our students each and every day.”

By Kathy Thomson

Albany Junior High seventh grader Will LeMay competed in the Tuf Cooper Jr. World Finals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Dec. 11. 

He qualified in the 12-and-under tie down event by accumulating points throughout the year at events in Texas and Oklahoma. 

Along the way, LeMay won four saddles and five buckles at the American Junior Rodeo Association’s National Finals where he earned the year-end championships in tie-down roping, ribbon roping, optional roping, and all-around.

By Kathy Thomson

Albany Independent School District will break for the Christmas holidays at noon next Friday, Dec. 20, and student early releases on both Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19 should help everyone survive the five-day-long week and make it to the anticipated vacation.

Students on both campuses will be released at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 18 and 19, and at 12:00 noon on Friday, Dec. 20.

By Kathy Thomson

Christmas is fast approaching, and several programs designed to help make the season bright for everyone in Shackelford County are almost ready to distribute the holiday gifts and food donated by generous community members. 

Toys for Tots provides gifts to underprivileged children ages newborn to sixth grade. 

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign. He is assisted by Albany High National Honor Society members and local merchants.

By Kathy Thomson

Shackelford County extension agent Kloey Painter has two events scheduled this weekend for 4-H members and other area youth.

4-H Christmas Party

There will be a 4-H Christmas party at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

“Come join us for games, fun, and lots of food,” said Painter. “Bring your friends. We will be collecting new blankets to donate to the Resource Community Center, so bring a blanket to donate if you can.”

Hunter Education

By Kathy Thomson

Moran elementary and junior high school students recently participated in the District 20 1-A University Interscholastic League elementary academic meet, which took place over several days.

Second through fifth graders are in the elementary division, and their contests took place on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Strawn.

Middle school students from sixth through eighth grade did ready writing at their home campus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and traveled to Ranger for the rest of the contests on Thursday, Dec. 12.