By Donnie A. Lucas The Lady Lion softball team is off to a strong start, winning three of the first four games. Albany will play in the Stephenville tournament on Thursday through Saturday, playing two games each day. Albany will play South Hills at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, followed by a 5:45 p.m.

By Kathy Thomson Albany siblings Newt and Alayna Koemel have both developed a passion for meat, not just eating it, but spending hours in cold lockers learning about meat science, competing on meat judging teams, and pursing a college degree and future career in the field.

By Kathy Thomson Boys and girls on Albany Little Dribblers teams played their third set of games last weekend on Saturday, Feb. 22, and will finish out their year this Saturday, Feb. 29. Three girls teams and four boys teams are each playing two games every Saturday throughout the season.

By Kathy Thomson Albany junior Wesley Estridge placed first in the super heavy weight class at the Greenwood Invitational powerlifting meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a total lift of 1570 pounds. The Albany junior has secured a spot at the regional meet, which will be held March 14 in Sundown.

By Kathy Thomson The National Weather Service (NWS), with the help of local organizations, conducts SkyWarn classes each spring all over the nation, including two scheduled in area towns over the next few days. This Saturday, Feb.

By Donnie A. Lucas The 2020 baseball season will open this week with the Albany JV Tournament, set for Thursday through Saturday. The varsity Lions are on the calendar to open the season March 5-7 at the Hamlin tournament.

By Kathy Thomson Students at the Moran Independent School District are celebrating national FFA week, Feb. 22-29 with different themes each day. “Monday was camo day, and Tuesday was dress as a farmer,” said administrative assistant Jeanne TenCate.

Danny Hebel, age 61 of Albany, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Friendship Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment followed in the Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.

Dr. Weldon Ernest Viertel of Tyler, TX was born Dec. 4, 1930 in Stamford, TX to the late Max E. Viertel and Alice Byrd Viertel. He passed away on Feb. 18, 2020 at the age of 89. Funeral services were held at The Woods Baptist Church in Tyler on Saturday, Feb. 22 with Rev. Charles Dodson and Rev.

Thelma Burge Thelma Irene Burge, 98, of Albany TX was called home and embraced by her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. She was born on Feb. 19, 1922 in Quinlan, TX and was the daughter of James and Ethel Henrise, Jr. She married Floyd Cecil Burge in 1938 and the two made Albany their home.