The Albany Lions defeated Hamlin 41-28 in the quarterfinals last week, and the Albany Athletic Booster Club invites local fans to continue showing their belief in the 2018 Lion varsity football team by joining the community send-off this Thursday morning, Dec. 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bank Park.

The varsity Lady Lions lost two of three games in the Breckenridge Tournament last week last week to go to 8-6 for the season. Albany was scheduled to host Ranger on Tuesday, but the game was moved back a day due to the sudden death over the weekend of a school coach.

Moran students are expecting a visit from Santa Claus this Friday, Dec. 14, but locals have already given his elves a little help. “All of the Angels have been picked off of the Angel Tree,” said administrative assistant Jeannie TenCate.

Certified eligible families in Moran should pick up their December commodity food this Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Delivery to Moran, originally scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6, was postponed due to wet weather.

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in Texas have new online options to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

The next regular test of the local emergency siren is scheduled for 12:00 noon, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, depending on the weather.  The regular trial is scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable.

Twenty-six of the 29 Albany High seniors qualified to attend the upcoming annual College Pie Party that counselor Dee Dee Waggoner arranges every year to reward students that submit a college application early in their graduating year.

Twenty-one sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from the Albany Independent School District are competing at a UIL contest in Stamford on Thursday, Dec. 6, along with youth from Haskell, Hawley, Cross Plains, and Roscoe.

The youth of Beltway East Student Ministry hosted its annual Legacy Dinner on Dec. 5 at the Beltway East Student Ministry building.  The invited guests were treated to a full holiday spread including turkey, ham, and the works, according to sponsor Lorna Ayers.

A group of local youth is planning a ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado and participants are hoping to raise some funds with a Christmas Fiesta dinner.