By Sandy Morris Albany FFA judging teams are working hard to get ready for upcoming Career Development Event (CDE) contests this month. Local teams will compete in farm business management, horse judging, vet tech science, range and pasture, livestock, and wildlife.

By Sandy Morris Albany eighth graders Jake and Abi Hale recently competed in the Junior Commercial Steer Feeding and Management Contest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

By Sandy Morris Next week, while the majority of Albany Independent School District students are enjoying Spring Break, the Cross Examination Debate team of Leddie Leech and Ella Webb will compete in the state Cross-X meet starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 15.

By Sandy Morris Although Albany High School’s One Act Play did not advance to the next round of competition, three members of the cast and crew won special awards at the district contest held last Wednesday in Haskell.

By Sandy Morris Members of the Albany High School Band took a trip last week to prepare for contest and to have some fun. AHS band director Will Vaughan said the group went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5 and had fun in the water both days.

By Sandy Morris Albany ISD students, faculty, and staff are scheduled to dismiss for the spring break holiday at the regular time on Friday, March 12.

By Sandy Morris During the season of Lent, Catholics and other denominations often abstain from eating meat on Fridays. In holding true to this tenet of faith and obedience, members of the Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church will host a fish fry fundraiser from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.

By Sandy Morris A raffle and a brisket plate fundraiser have been arranged at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 21 to benefit local resident Kristi Brooker.

By Sandy Morris Local resident Elsie ­Byrne recently celebrated her 104th birthday on Monday, Feb. 22.  Byrne was surprised with a party organized by close family friend Catherine Burton of Abilene.  Friends celebrated at Los Cazadores with Byrne, who still lives on her own.

By Sandy Morris Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2021 North Texas Express Nationals at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland on Sunday, March 7.