Local families in need had a sweeter Thanksgiving, thanks to a project organized by Boy Scout Troop 255’s Wolf and Bear Dens.

The troop members and their families packed up Thanksgiving meal baskets as part of what will be an annual campaign to help out families in need in Shackelford County, according to Den Leader Tiffany Waddell.

“This year’s meal baskets benefited nine families,” said Waddell. “Their Thanksgiving dinners were completed with turkey and all the fixings.”

By Sam Waller

The Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs get to spend a weekend at home as they host the Moran Holiday Tournament Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 1-3.

After taking last week off for Thanksgiving break, Moran resumed play Tuesday, Nov. 29, with boys and girls games at Paint Rock. Results will be reported next week.

Both teams will face Trent on Thursday in the first round of the tournament. The girls will start at 6:00 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m.

By Sam Waller

Producers needing to accrue Continuing Education Units can do so Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Big Country CEU Conference in Abilene.

The day-long program will consist of six one-hour classes covering different topics. Five Agriculture CEUs and up to six Structural CEUs will be offered.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get CEUs at the end of the year if anyone needs them,” said Shackelford County Extension agent Kelsey Bell, who will help with the event. “This is an opportunity to get several.”

Dewey Martyn, age 76 of Burleson, passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 26 at Morehart Mortuary of Breckenridge with Pastor Andy Rodgers officiating.  Interment followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Dewey Edward Martyn was born July 5, 1946 in Globe, Arizona to R.E. “Bob” Martyn and Leona Riley Martyn. He graduated from Albany High School and then went on to earn his Associate’s Degree from Cisco Junior College. He also enlisted and served in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge.

By Sam Waller

Registration for the Albany Little Dribblers fifth and sixth grade basketball teams closes Thursday, Dec. 1.

Registration fee is $35 per child and includes a team shirt.

Registration forms are available at Nancy Smith Elementary School. Completed forms  and the fee should be returned to the school or delivered to Clint Chapman by the deadline.

Practices will start after the registration process is complete.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The annual Lighted Christmas Parade will cap a full day of seasonal activities and shopping on Saturday as it rolls through downtown starting immediately following the last of three Christmas drawings starting at 6:00 p.m.

“We have about 20 official entries so far, but I have received several more verbal commitments,” parade organizer Megaen Birdwell said earlier this week. “We really want to get as many people involved as possible.”

She added that several of the entries are new to the parade this year.

By Sam Waller

The local Toys for Tots campaign will again offer barbecue sandwiches during Small Town Saturday on Nov. 26.

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty, who coordinates the toy drive in Shackelford County, will be assisted by members of the Moran National Honor Society. Beaty said serving will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Bank Park before the start of the Lighted Christmas Parade. In case of inclement weather, the serving line will be set up at The Albany News’ covered parking area.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Directors for the Shackelford County Hospital District awarded Christmas bonuses during a very short meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

After a closed session, Jason Price made the motion, with a second by Mary Beth Jones, to approve the bonuses for all district employees.

Specific amounts were not included in the motion, but hospital district administrator Brandi Green said that they were similar to those given last year.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce will not hold a weekly luncheon on Friday because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to Chamber officer Lisa Barton.

In addition, the Shackelford County Library will be closed Thursday and Friday, and senior games on Friday are also cancelled due to the holiday.

It’s almost deadline time for Santa letters and holiday essays if they are going to be included in the Dec. 22 Christmas issue published by The Albany News. The letters should be turned in by Dec. 2.

Students in both Albany and Moran schools will be working on letters and essays in their classes, but home school students and preschool children are welcome to bring their letters by the News office.