By Donnie A. Lucas

Four new COVID-19 cases were reported last week, as the number of local cases rose slightly but continues to remain low based on information provided by Albany’s two health clinics.

The weekly report by county judge Bob Skelton issued Tuesday reported four positive test results out of nine tests administered at the two local clinics for the period of Nov. 7 through Nov. 11.

There was one positive case out of nine tests for the week of Oct. 31 through Nov. 4.

The News will be printing Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Students at Albany and Moran schools will be writing letters at school, which will be submitted to the News office by their teachers.

Children at several other local facilities, such as First Love Day Care,  will also be assisted by their instructors in writing letters to Santa.

However, parents of any other preschool or home schooled students who would like to submit letters may bring them to the newspaper office by Friday, Dec. 2.

By Sam Waller

Every member of the Moran Lady Bulldogs earned a spot on the All-District 14-1A volleyball team.

Moran made program history this season, winning the school’s first bi-district championship in volleyball. The Lady Bulldogs finished 5-17, beating Rising Star in a district playoff for second place before downing Three Way in the playoffs.

Alli Scott was named Defensive MVP, with Emily Murk and Alyssa Allred earning first-team honors.

By Sam Waller

Moran ISD will be on Thanksgiving break all next week.

The break begins with the end of classes on Thursday, Nov. 17. Classes will resume Monday, Nov. 28.

Moran held its annual Thanksgiving meal Wednesday, Nov. 16, with parents invited to have lunch with their students.

District Contest

Moran FFA students competed at the Big Country District Leadership Development Event on Monday, Nov. 14 at Cisco.

“It was a great contest,” Moran FFA adviser Minnie Denson said. “I’m extremely proud of these kids.”

By Sam Waller

Six players from the Moran Bulldogs earned spots on the All-District 14-1A Division II football team, including four at multiple positions.

While Moran struggled through an 0-10 season, coach John Hughes said district coaches recognized the team’s achievement of making it through the season with no depth.

“All the other coaches were impressed with the fact that we played all season long with six or seven guys,” Hughes said.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs opened their basketball season Saturday, Nov. 12 with a 65-8 loss at Alvord.

The Lady Bulldogs returned to action Tuesday, Nov. 15 at home against Blanket. Results will be reported next week.

On Friday, Nov. 18, the Lady Bulldogs host Mullin before the Moran boys team plays its first game against Mullin. The girls game will tip off at 6:00 p.m.

June 16, 1936 – Nov. 9, 2022

Coach Ken Patterson, age 86, was freed from everything that hinders on Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, 2022, having run the race with perseverance and having fixed his eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

He was born in Roby, Texas to Joseph and Renvie (Floyd) Patterson, grew up in Munday, Texas, and graduated from Howard Payne University, where he met and married Judy Lind Bell of Stephenville on May 12, 1962. She preceded him in death.

Members of the Moran meat judging team stay focused during their first contest of the year. They finished fourth in the team standings, with an individual in the top 10.

By Donnie A. Lucas

All Shackelford County veterans and their guests are invited to join local students for a Veterans Day celebration on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Nancy Smith Elementary cafeteria.

The program will start at 9:00 a.m.

Several patriotic songs will be presented by music students in grades 2-4. according to music teacher Danna Vaughan.

About 100 invitations have been sent to local veterans, but all veterans are urged to attend the celebration even if they did not receive an invitation.

By Melinda L. Lucas

In Albany, mention of the “Bazaar” means the holidays are almost here, and this weekend, members of the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will once again host the annual event.

The Presbyterian Bazaar has a storied history originating in 1900, missing fewer than a handful of years due to wars and pandemics.

The longtime tradition unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Albany.

The doors will open at 10:00 a.m. to the Country Store, with the turkey and dressing lunch starting at 11:00 a.m.

Country Store