By Sidney Bartee
This year’s state sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8.
The law exempts sales tax on qualified items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about eight dollars on every $100 they spend.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, cloth and disposable masks are now listed as a clothing item, making them exempt from sales tax on the weekend.
By Sidney Bartee
The Albany Ministerial Alliance sponsored Vacation Bible School began this summer’s “Destination Dig” on Sunday, July 25 and wrapped up the program on Wednesday, July 28.
The Wednesday night program included a “Family Night,” hot dog supper, and swimming.
Multiple drawings for prizes were done at the pool for both adults and children.
Parents had the opportunity to win one of five $150 Walmart gift cards for back to school shopping.
One student won a free snow cone every day for the rest of the summer.
By Sidney Bartee
Plans are underway at the Feed Store for the upcoming school year.
The Feed Store will first be handing out “goodie bags” during registration for secondary school students on Aug. 2 and 3.
The organization will also hand out “goodies” at the staff lunch.
According to executive director Tisha Wilkins, snacks will be available for football, volleyball, cross country, cheerleaders, and band participants as they begin two-a-days and summer rehearsals.
By Sidney Bartee
The annual Back to School Bash at Closet Angels is scheduled for today, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Multiple drawings will be held during the two-hour event.
Families that would like to enter any drawings can sign up at the front desk, but they do not have to be present to win any prizes.
Applications for school supplies through the Resource Center will also be available.
First Financial Bank is providing hot dogs and gift cards, and Bethel Assembly will give Walmart gift cards for school supplies.
By Sidney Bartee
With the school year officially beginning for Moran students on Aug. 23, student and staff events are in full swing.
Cheer Camp
Moran varsity cheerleaders will begin cheer camp on Monday, Aug. 2.
The cheerleaders will practice from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. until Wednesday, Aug. 4.
According to cheerleader coach Liz Walls, the girls will learn new cheers, chants, stunts, and a new dance at the camp.
Walls commented that the cheerleaders held a bake sale fundraiser to fund this year’s camp.
Fall Sports
Words cannot express the prayers, love and support that we have received during the loss of Papa Hugh. We are so thankful and blessed to live in such a caring community and appreciate the cards, calls, flowers, food, visits and memories shared.
The family of
Hugh Lowe
By Donnie A. Lucas
Summer football workouts for the Albany Lions are slated to start Monday, Aug. 2 at the field house.
All the uncertainty of last August due to the coronavirus has cleared into a “regular” start for the program, including typical August weather.
“After having a fairly mild summer, the forecast calls for 100-degree temperatures next week,” head coach Denney Faith said. “We need the guys to be hydrating well this week in preparation, continuing when workouts start.”
By Donnie A. Lucas
Two-a-day workouts for high school volleyball start Monday, Aug. 2 at 7:00 a.m. at the high school competition gym.
Coach M.J. Reneau is expecting about 40 girls in grades 9-12 to participate this season, with seven seniors off last year’s state semifinal team returning.
“We lost eight seniors from last year, but I have another big group of seniors coming up,” Reneau said. “I am expecting another good year for the Lady Lions with a solid group of returning players.”
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany High School volleyball players, cheerleaders, and football participants will have team and individual photos taken over the next couple of weeks.
The AHS volleyball teams, who start practice this coming Monday, are scheduled Thursday afternoon, Aug. 5 at 5:00 p.m. in the main gym.
Members of the Albany varsity and junior varsity football teams will be in full pads on Friday, Aug. 6 for photos to be taken at Robert Nail Stadium.
The Lions and their coaches will gather at 1:30 p.m. after the morning practice.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A meeting is scheduled Monday, Aug. 2 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 for runners, as well as discuss the season.
