By Kathy Thomson

Albany FFA officers attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training in Abilene on Monday, Oct. 7.

Guest speakers at the event included a former Texas FFA state officer, a former national FFA officer, and community and business leaders.

Among those attending from the Albany FFA chapter were officers Tyler Beard, Brayden Sullivan, Blaine Kayga, Mady Connally, Conner Clark, Seth Hale, Cade Neve, Susie Cormack, and Kam Browning, along with local FFA sponsor and ag instructor Chris Beard.

By Kathy Thomson

Moran senior J.T. Holland won the Champion Brahman Prospect steer banner at the Texas State Fair last Wednesday, Oct. 2, and he also claimed seventh place in the lightweight AOB youth market steer class the following day.

Albany junior Hannah Snyder took third place in a very tough class of Hampshire youth market barrows on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The top two pigs in her class were eventually chosen as overall Grand and Reserve Champion barrows of the show. 

By Kathy Thomson

The Parent Teacher Organization sponsored Fall Fest will take place at Nancy Smith Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 26, and parents of students attending Albany schools need to make sure they are signed up to work a shift at the annual fundraiser.

“The sign-up sheets are out,” said coordinator Malarie Sutton. “They are due back on Friday, Oct. 18, so please get signed up.”

Parents who haven’t already signed up or heard from someone about requirements for their child’s class should contact a room mother. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany students and most of the staff will enjoy a break from classes on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14, with a student holiday and staff “comp” day scheduled.

Local administrators expect only a few teachers to be on campus, as most have already fulfilled their continuing education requirements.

The Nancy Smith Ele-mentary School office will be closed all day, but there will be someone at the offices of both the superintendent and Albany Junior/Senior High at least part of the day.

By Kathy Thomson

Reverend Ron Gebauer will preach at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Fall Mission Festival this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14, at 4:30 p.m. and, according to pastor Tom Chandler, the entire community is invited to attend the service and stay for the free-will donation meal that will follow.

The meal will be Mexican salad. Tea and several types of dessert will also be served.

By Kathy Thomson

Members of the Albany Ministerial Alliance will not sponsor Trunk or Treat this year, according to Alliance president Brad McBee.

“Members stated that they would support any other organization that wanted to sponsor it, but they had no desire to do anything with it this year,” said McBee.

Started by members of First Baptist Church as a family-friendly activity that took place during Halloween, the event was more recently sponsored by the local Ministerial Alliance. 

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Mainstreet Players will present three performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this Christmas season, and rehearsals are already underway for the 25  or so members of the cast.

Samuel French’s comedy is a full-length play based on Barbara Robinson’s best-selling book with the same name.

“It’s a very popular little play,” said director Lorna Ayers. “We have done it before, but it was over 10 years ago.”

This year’s production will include one night-time performance and two Sunday matinees.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion football team found their ground game last Friday, rushing for 270 yards during a 50-6 rout of the visiting Menard Yellowjackets in the final non-district game of the season.

The team is open this week as they prepare for the start of the  District 7-2A race against Roscoe next Friday, Oct. 18 at Robert Nail Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. for all district games.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions volleyball team ended the first round of district action last week with a 5-1 record, sitting firmly in second place behind Hawley at the halfway point.

The District 6-2A race started the second round on Tuesday in Strawn, and the local girls brought home a 25-15, 25-17, 25-21 win. Details of the game will be printed next week.

The Lady Lions will be back in action at home on Saturday, hosting Newcastle. The JV starts at 10:00 a.m. followed by the varsity at 11:00 a.m.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Dozens of runners were on the Albany Golf Course last week for an FCA-sponsored cross country event that saw three local athletes earn medals by placing in the top 10.

Albany junior high and high school runners participated in the district meet held Wednesday, Oct. 9 in Haskell, but results weren’t available at press time. 

High school students who medaled in Haskell will begin gearing up for the regional competition in Lubbock on Oct. 28, according to coach Tate Thompson.