By Lynsi Musselman

The era of COVID-19 has brought schools, students, and parents many challenges, but it has also cleared the path for new ways of learning that are a solution for some.

Albany Independent School District currently has 16 students participating in the remote learning option the first six weeks of school.

AISD director of student services Leigh Lowe reported 14 of those students were at Nancy Smith Elementary School and two students were at the secondary campus.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion varsity football squad made a good first showing last Thursday during a scrimmage against the Bearcats in Hawley.

The Lions scored three times to one during the controlled portion of the scrimmage, and they outscored the Bearcats 21-6 in the live quarter.

Albany will open the regular season on Friday at Robert Nail Stadium against the visiting Colorado City Wolves. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion volleyball team suffered their first loss of the season last week against Jim Ned but got right back in the win column on Saturday in Eastland.

Albany opened District 6-2A action on Tuesday in Ranger, picking up a 25-17, 25-21, 25-15 win on the road, improving to 5-1 for the season. Details will be reported next week.

Albany scheduled an extra non-district game on Friday against Colorado City starting at 4:00 p.m. with the varsity. The JV I game will follow at 5:30 p.m.

The Abilene Basketball Chapter (ABC) is actively recruiting new officials for the upcoming 2020-2021 junior high and high school basketball season. 

Training is available to all new ABC chapter members and help for uniforms will be provided by current ABC members.

ABC dues are $35 for new members and $70 for veteran officials. All officials are required to register with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association (THSBOA) for $50. 

In the early morning hours of Aug. 22, 2020, Pastor Bob Boyce’s “paint was dry in his room.” (John 14:2-4 ESV)

Funeral Services were Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany, Texas, officiated by Reverend Tom Chandler and Reverend Dick Goodwill of Cedar Park. Burial followed at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Tiel Rector, Alan Archer, Tim Tumulty, Riley West, Justin Hollums, Cody Hollums, Blake Bernstein, and Ethen Bernstein.

New self-service features on farmers.gov will help farmers and ranchers manage their conservation activities online and request assistance from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

By Lynsi Musselman

Every year Shackelford County seems to have an intense wildfire season, and this summer has been no exception.

With 13 consecutive days of 100 degree temperatures this month, and one day reaching 110 degrees, the threat for wildfires has increased.

Shackelford County Volunteer Fire Department secretary Kristy Brooker reported that within the last week, the department has been called to at least 10 fires.

Brooker added that three were put out by rainfall before the SCVFD could get there.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion volleyball team opened its regular season last week with a string of three wins as they prepare for a long district run that begins next Tuesday.

Albany hosted Jim Ned on Tuesday, suffering their first loss in a hard-fought 18-25, 30-32, 14-25 match. Details will be reported next week.

The Lady Lions are on the road Saturday to Eastland for a full set of games slated to start at 10:00 a.m. with the JV II, followed by the JV at 11:00 a.m., and the varsity at 12:00 noon.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Coach Denney Faith is ready to see the 2020 version of the Albany Lions in action, and he certainly isn’t alone.

The Lion football team will make its debut on Thursday (tonight) in a scrimmage match-up against the Hawley Bearcats. The JV will start the action in Hawley at 5:00 p.m., followed by the varsity team.

No admission will be charged but a 50 percent capacity ruling is in effect, so fans should be prepared for changes.

Barrett Beal keeps his eyes on his receiver during a triple digit practice earlier this week. After a summer of wondering if they were going to get to play, the Lions are looking forward to lining up against Hawley today.