By Melinda L. Lucas

The 2019 “Red Ribbon Week” campaign wrapped up on Monday with a special secondary assembly about the dangers of vaping and drunk driving, and organizers were pleased with the district-wide participation.

“Red Ribbon Week went very well, with lots of participation,” said Albany elementary school counselor Susie Beard. 

Poster winners were announced at the Nancy Smith Elementary campus on Monday morning.

The results of a new social media competition at the secondary level were announced at the pep rally on Friday.

By Kathy Thomson

A special assembly to honor local veterans will be held at Nancy Smith Elementary School cafeteria on Monday, Nov. 11 at 9:00 a.m. 

“All local veterans and their families are invited,” said school administrative assistant Stephanie Gleitz. “They do not need to RSVP.”

The two Albany ISD campuses alternate hosting the event. This year it will be held at NSES and the elementary children will take part.

First through fourth grade classes will each perform a song under the direction of music teacher Robbin Guinn.

By Kathy Thomson

Several important dates are coming up in the near future for FFA and 4-H youth.

Members of the Albany FFA are currently selling meat, cookies, and fruit as a fundraiser for the local FFA chapter.

The sale will end on Nov. 22, and the items will be delivered in early December.

To purchase the items, contact any FFA member.

FFA Dues 

FFA members need to pay their $20 dues by Friday, Nov. 1.

Junior FFA membership dues are $10 and should be paid before Dec. 1.

Show Registration

By Kathy Thomson

A total of 147 runners, including students and their adult leaders, tried to negotiate the streets and alleys of Albany to reach the Feed Store without being spotlighted by the official volunteers, and according to youth minister Kathryn Hamilton, it was a great year for “Running Man.”

The junior class won the event, with all 10 of 10 returning uncaught, for a 100 percent return, according to Hamilton.

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church have held their annual church bazaar for over a century, and plans are underway for this year’s event, which will be held at the church on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The youth room doors will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. to allow shoppers time to select unique hand-made specialty items from the Country Store and the baked goods area. 

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Ministerial Alliance is accepting applications from Shackelford County residents who wish to be included in the annual Christmas basket drive.

The Christmas baskets include various food items to help insure that everyone in the community has healthy food for the holiday, and typically includes turkey or ham, vegetables and other items for a typical Christmas meal.

By Melinda L. Lucas

An FCA fundraiser is planned prior to the last home football game against Haskell on Friday, Nov. 1, according to Paul Johnston, who works with area schools as an FCA representative.

An FCA tailgate meal will feature sausage wraps, chopped brisket sandwiches, potato salad, chips, water, and a cookie for a free-will donation.

The fundraiser will begin at 5:45 p.m. and will continue “until we run out of food,” said Johnston.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The date has been set for Friendship Baptist Church’s third annual “Harvest Acres” on Saturday, Nov. 23, starting at 9:00 a.m. 

The gift and food bazaar is held in the church’s Activity Center at 600 Greer Street.

Various craft items, Christmas decorations, and tailgate benches, along with silent auction items will be featured.

Members of the congregation will also prepare baked goods,  candies, casseroles, and canned goods for people to stock up on before the holidays. 

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lions posted a 41-13 win in Cross Plains last Friday as District 7-2A DII play continues, scoring 41 by early in the fourth quarter before the Buffaloes came up with a couple of touchdowns late in the game.

Albany will host the Haskell Indians on Friday in the final home game of the season, which will also serve as senior night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Robert Nail Stadium.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion volleyball team closed out the regular season with a couple of district wins over the last week and are now preparing for the playoffs with a practice game next Tuesday.

Albany finished the district race with a 10-2 record for second place, with their only losses coming against Hawley, the District 6-2A champs.

The Lady Lions will be on the road next Tuesday for a practice game against Klondike. The two playoff-bound teams will play in the gym at Loraine ISD. The bout will start at 5:00 p.m.