By Sam Waller

The division races of the Albany NFL Flag Football League are heating up as the season enters its final two weeks.

Week 5 games start at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Albany High School track infield.

The Cowboys in the Kindergarten-First Grade division and Broncos in the Fourth-Sixth Grade division remained perfect, improving to 4-0 to lead their respective groups.

The Titans moved into sole possession of first place in the Second-Third Grade division.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Chest has a fundraising goal of $47,000 for 2022 to help meet the needs of two dozen local organizations.

Applicants for funds range from youth sports leagues to senior citizens groups.

Here are a look at some of the applicants.

Albany 7-on-7

Albany 7-on-7 prepares teens from sixth grade through high school for competitive football, according to organizer Anthony Ceder.

The group is seeking $1,000 to help cover its operating budget for the coming year.

By Melinda L. Lucas

A new playground for the youngest students at Nancy Smith Elementary School was unveiled last week, with parents of this year’s Head Start class invited to a special opening party.

The three and four year olds got to play on the new equipment, which includes a four-piece slide with a rock climbing wall, for the first time on Oct. 20.

Also added to the playground was a stationary play fire truck and a new swing set.  A sidewalk now extends from the covered pavilion to the gate. The rest of the ground is covered in a soft rubber mulch.

The Albany News’ 17th annual holiday recipe section will be published in one month, with favorite recipes being solicited from all ages of current and former Albany and Moran chefs and bakers.

“We’ve had good response since we started publishing the recipe guides, and we’re looking forward to getting this one underway,” said News editor Melinda Lucas. “I’ve already heard from a couple of people.”

All kinds of recipes from appetizers and beverages to desserts are being requested.

By Sam Waller

Albany High School senior Briley Tabor has been selected to serve as Albany Lions Club Sweetheart for 2022-23, while Samantha Hinkle was chosen as her counterpoint from Moran High School.

“Sweethearts meet with us on Thursday every chance that they get, if their school schedules will permit,” ­Lions Club president Bob Skelton said. “They’re invited to assist us with fundraising or service projects, and if they’re available, they often participate.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s FCCLA chapter will hold a fundraiser lunch Sunday, Nov. 6, at The Feed Store.

The event is to help raise funds for chapter members to attend regional, state and national events next spring and summer.

Homecooked meals of ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls, and dessert will be served from 11:30 a.m. until sold out, FCCLA sponsor Jennifer Marshall said.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The 2022 Red Ribbon Week campaign is winding down, but organizers still have events planned for the final two days on Thursday and Friday.

Students at both the elementary and secondary campuses have been involved in dress-up days, contests, and daily tokens to remind them to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

The nationwide theme for 2022 is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free,” which is being observed locally on Oct. 24-28.

By Sam Waller

Five Shackelford County 4-H members earned spots at district competition with their entries in the county Food Show, held Sunday, Oct. 23 at Bethel Assembly.

Advancing to the District 7 Food Show will be  James Hise in Intermediate Dessert, Maggie Spraberry in Junior Appetizer, Gage Burton in Junior Main Dish, Artie Bell in Junior Side Dish, and Kimberly Howe in Junior Dessert.

By Sam Waller

Continued hot, dry conditions are having a negative impact on the outlook for the upcoming quail season, which starts this weekend.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the bobwhite quail population has dropped for four straight years. The annual roadside survey shows an average of 1.87 birds for 20-mile survey route in the Rolling Plains region from 2020-22. Even during the drought years of 2011-2013, the average was 3.86.

“It’s going to be sub-average because of the dry conditions,” game warden Jacob Mort said.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions officially clinched a playoff berth and took sole possession of first place in the District 6-2A Division II race last week with a 55-0 victory over the Roscoe Plowboys.

The Lions (6-2 overall, 3-0 district), who moved up a spot to No. 7 in the Class 2A Division II state rankings with the win, can clinch the district’s top playoff seed Friday, Oct. 28 when they visit the Hamlin Pied Pipers. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. at Piper Stadium.