Former Albany resident Eddie Neal Green died July 24, 2020 in Houston, Texas. 

Mr. Green has been dedicated to music education for over 50 years. He was band director at Albany High School from 1962-1964. 

He graduated from Southern Methodist University Summa Cum Laude in 1976 with a Master of Music Degree. 

His university experience includes work at Western Michigan University and the University of Houston. He has many students from these universities who are outstanding music educators today.

Family and friends gathered at the Red Brick Rose in Graham, Texas on May 30, 2020 to celebrate the marriage of Rachel Viertel and Timothy Williams. The bride’s grandfather, Arthur Lee Viertel, officiated the ceremony. Kyle and Mark Viertel, uncles of the bride, along with her father John Viertel, offered prayers during the ceremony, adding a special touch to the service.

The bride is the daughter of John and Ladonna Viertel of Moran. Tim is the son of Rachelle Sanchez of Ballinger.

By Lynsi Musselman

Back to school activities will continue with a Hamburger Supper at the Bank Park on Monday, Aug. 10 at 6:00 p.m.

The traditional Albany Athletic Booster Club event will have pre-bagged burgers with all the fixings and chips.

Booster Club secretary Tisha Wilkins said to reduce personal contact, the meals will be packaged in brown bags and handed to guests along with a bottle of water for $7.

Junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders will make homemade ice cream, to be pre-served in cups with lids.

By Donnie A. Lucas

After weeks of uncertainty, Albany Lion football is on track for a fairly normal beginning to the 2020 season with the start of summer workouts on Monday, Aug. 3.

“There will be a few adjustments,” head coach Denney Faith said. “Everyone will have to wear masks when they aren’t actively engaged in workouts. We will be making every effort to make sure we stay as safe as possible, including disinfecting equipment and indoor spaces.”

Faith said that he is expecting about 50 players in grades 9-12 to show up Monday.

By Donnie A. Lucas

All athletes planning to participate in two-a-day workouts that start Monday must complete a required medical history form that is available online.

Students who do not have a physical exam on file from last season or who answer “yes” to any of the first six questions on the medical record form must have a new physical exam completed by Monday in order to participate in workouts.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Workouts for the 2020 volleyball season start Monday, with scrimmages set for Saturday, Aug. 8 in Breckenridge.

Details for the season were in limbo much of the summer before the University Interscholastic League announced last week that Class 1A through 4A schools could start workouts as originally planned on Aug. 3. The two larger 5A and 6A divisions will be delayed until September.

Head coach M.J. Reneau is expecting around 38 girls to play this season, which will provide enough players for three teams.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A meeting is set Monday for high school runners interested in taking part in cross country track this fall.

The meeting is set for 8:00 a.m. Monday in the foyer of the main gym.

Coach Tate Thompson said he will hand out the required forms for runners to have signed by a parent, with the first actual workout following on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.

Thompson will set up a workout schedule, as well discuss the season.

The coach said he doesn’t know how many runners to expect.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany Little League teams were still playing in the district tournament at press time on Tuesday, with the third group eliminated after their first game on Saturday.

League president Paul Hamilton explained that he and other coaches weren’t notified that there would be a district tournament until a few weeks ago. 

The regular season was shortened and didn’t start until until the second week of June.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany students ages six to 11 are invited to participate in a golf camp Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 10-12, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Albany golf course.

PGA golf professionals from the Abilene Country Club will be in Albany to give instruction during the three-day event.

The camp will be held at the driving range located behind the #8 green and #9 tee box at the course.

By Lynsi Musselman

While there are no back to school events planned, Moran Independent School athletes are gearing up for two-a-days to start Monday, Aug. 3 to 7.

Tuesday, Aug. 4 will be a late practice time starting at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate a staff training day for MISD employees.

Members of Moran First Baptist Church will serve lunch to the volleyball and football players during their lunch break at noon at the church.

Organizer Jo Hise said FBC will serve breakfast burritos, chef salad, super burritos, baked ziti, and pizza.