By Jillian Lucas

Members of First Baptist Church will be hosting 4th of July festivities for all to enjoy.

The event will be held at Clint and Ginger Bumguardner’s home on Sunday, July 4. 

“Everyone is invited to enjoy the 4th of July celebrations,” said FBC secretary Becky Presley.

There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob provided and served at 6:00 p.m. 

“We ask that you bring your favorite homemade dessert,” Presley said, “especially those who might want to bring homemade ice cream!”

By Jillian Lucas

This year’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer camp is set for July 11 through July 13.

Any incoming seventh through 12th grade student is welcome to participate in the FCA camp hosted by Solid Rock Camps in Eastland, Texas. 

Free scholarships have been provided and can be utilized during the registration process by choosing ‘Scholarship.’

For more information, contact Paul Johnston at 325-660-2347 or by email at pjohnston@fca.org.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany 7on7 football team competed at the state tournament last week in College Station.

While winning just one out of four games, the local squad was within a touchdown of winning two out of three.

The two-day event on June 24-25 brought teams from across the state to crown champions in the three divisions.

Albany competed in Division III, which includes teams from 3A Div. II and below. The Lions are in Class 2A Div. II.

The Lions lost to Eldorado 33-18 in the first round of pool play on Thursday.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Both Albany Little League All-Star teams moved to the consolation bracket of the All-Stars Tournament for District 5 last week after suffering two losses, but the 12U team fought back to win the consolation title on Sunday.

The 12U team edged out Abilene Northern 8-7 on June 23 to move ahead in the single elimination consolation bracket.

“We were down 7-2 at one point, but battled back to win 8-7,” coach Clint Chapman said. “Blake Britting and Pecos Duke pitched well to get the win.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Several Albany baseball players were placed on the Big Country Preps teams recently.

Senior William Webb was named to the Big Country Preps All-Hustle Team for baseball.

The award was announced Sunday by BCP to “honor players, male and female, who were the hardest-working, best teammates in the area this spring.”

The All-Hustle team includes players who participated in either softball or baseball during the spring.

Webb, who was also first team All-District, was singled out for his “hard work and dedication.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Summer conditioning and limited sport-specific training is continuing next week for the boys, while the girls will take a week off due to the July 4th holiday.

The conditioning and football specific training for boys will continue through July 22, with the exception of  no sport specific training on Monday, July 5. The morning conditioning session will still be held, but the evening session for football is cancelled.

The boys meet for strengthening and conditioning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday through Thursday, continuing through July 22.

By Jillian Lucas

Due to the extensive amounts of rainfall over the last month, wheat producers in the area fell behind schedule in terms of harvesting.

Local farmer Ace Reames stated that a typical harvest begins the last few weeks of May. However, due to recent weather, he and his father, John Ross Reames, were not able to start their harvest until June 11.

By Jillian Lucas

Moran ISD athletic programs are already in full swing to prepare for the upcoming school year. 

“All junior high and high school athletes have been participating in summer conditioning,” said MISD principal Jo Hise. “This helps get the students ready and ahead of the game for when their sports season starts.”

Morning practices have been ongoing throughout the summer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

By Jillian Lucas

The Moran Masonic Lodge #863 held its officer installation ceremony Saturday, June 26.

The event was hosted by the Clyde Masonic Lodge during a joint ceremony with both Clyde and Cisco Masonic Lodges.

Officers installed for the Moran Lodge for the 2021-2022 year were John Adams – Tiler, Earl McFerrin – Senior Warden, Bobby Estes – Worshipful Master, and John Denson – Secretary.

Masonic Lodge officers serve for a term of one year, with annual installations.

Andrew Brown

earns ASU degree

Angelo State University conferred 888 undergraduate and graduate degrees on 884 graduates, including Andrew Brown of Albany, during the 2021 spring commencement exercises on May 15 at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena in San Angelo, Texas.

Brown, who played soccer at ASU, earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He is the son of Cory and Heather Brown of Albany.

Abbigale Beard finishes at TSU