By Kathy Thomson

Books, posters, and educational products for next week’s annual Scholastic Book Fair were expected to arrive at Nancy Smith Elementary School this morning and as of press time on Tuesday, volunteers were still wanted to work during a few slots during the book fair, as well as assistants for set-up and take down, according to Parent Teacher Organization president Ginny Ivy.

The Albany PTO’s traditional fundraiser is set for next week, Feb. 10-14 in the grade school cafeteria and is also available online. 

By Kathy Thomson

One Act Play (OAP) co-director Jenny Scott and 18 Albany High School students are preparing for their University Interscholastic League district competition next month.

The 2A District 8 OAP meet will be held in Stamford on Thursday, March 5.

The Albany thespians will be performing scenes from The 39 Steps adapted by Patrick Barlow from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock.

By Kathy Thomson

In response to recent inquiries by readers who were wondering if Albany currently has a food pantry, The Albany News contacted ResourceCare program assistant Ragan Riley for information about the assistance they offer.

According to Riley, the food bank at ResourceCare is open Monday through Friday, and receives part of its food from the food bank in Abilene.

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Feb. 12, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

SEVERE WEATHER

By Kathy Thomson

Albany Sports Center took three cheer teams to the Varsity Spirit Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders National Championship in Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 1, and along with the team awards, one Albany participant was named for an individual honor.

Albany High School freshman Haily Cox won a “WOW” award.

ASC coach Kandi Ray explained that the judges give the special recognition WOW awards to the team members that most impress them during the competitions. 

By Kathy Thomson

Matthew Key was the overall winner in the Albany Cub Scouts’ annual Pinewood Derby race that was held at the Scout Hut on Tuesday, Jan. 28, taking home the top trophy.

Cubmaster Jacey Shack and Den Leaders Dan Key, Crystal Herrell, and Robert Rogers organized the event.

“All the kids did a fantastic job building their cars,” said the Cubmaster. “We presented ribbons to the first through third place winners, and trophies to the grand and reserve.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion basketball team picked up their first district win last week against Cross Plains, then added a second mark in the win column this week over Roscoe.

The Lions hosted the Plowboys on Tuesday, putting up a 47-32 win to start the second round of district.

Albany will be at home again on Friday, hosting the Hawley Bearcats. The JV is on the schedule to follow the JV girls at 5:00 p.m., with the varsity boys taking over the court at about 7:45 p.m. after the varsity girls bout.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions locked up a playoff berth on Tuesday with a victory over Roscoe, improving to 5-3 in district for third place with two district games remaining in the regular season.

Albany hosted Roscoe on Tuesday, sending them home with a 45-43 loss to sew up a place in the playoffs.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The future of competitive sports in Albany was reshuffled somewhat this week when the University Interscholastic League conducted the bi-annual realignment of schools, which forms districts for various sports and academic competition for the next two school years.

The local school has competed with Region I schools for sports and academics for the last six years, with the exception of football, which was already in Region II. However, a shift occurred this time around, with Albany moving east to Region II for most competitions.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Workouts for both baseball and softball have started at the high school, with the softball team to open the season on Feb. 18. The baseball team isn’t on the schedule to play its season opener until Feb. 27 during the local tournament.

Softball coach Jimmy Fuentes reported that he has 18 girls out for softball this season, although a few are still involved in basketball.

“We didn’t have any seniors to lose off of last year’s team,” he said. “So we will have more experience, especially since we played so many freshmen last year.”