By Melinda L. Lucas In addition to upcoming youth and children’s activities signaling the start of the school year, a couple of events are being planned for local women in the next couple of weeks, one of them a single-night “encouragement” program and the other an in-depth weekly Bible study.

By Sam Waller The Moran Bulldog football team kicks off its regular season at 7:30 p.m. Friday against the Benjamin Mustangs at Benjamin’s Ben Grill Field. “Benjamin is going to be pretty good from what I’ve seen on film,” Moran coach John Hughes said.

By Sam Waller Registration is underway for the Albany Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale, which is scheduled for Sept. 11. “We are getting people signed up,” Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones said.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions football team had its last dress rehearsal for the season on Thursday, Aug. 19, with its second scrimmage against the Hawley Bearcats.Now, the Lions turn their attention to Friday’s season opener at Colorado City.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions volleyball team remained undefeated by sweeping Olney on Aug. 17 and Eastland on Friday.The Lady Lions were scheduled to play Ranger on Tuesday in their District 6-2A opener.

By Sam Waller The Albany Golf Club is still accepting names for a waiting list for its annual Labor Day tournament even though the tournament field is full. “We have not had any cancellations yet,” Golf Club board member James Waters said. “We’ve got several teams on the waiting list.

By Sam Waller The Albany junior high football and volleyball teams began preparing for their seasons with the start of the school year. The Lady Cubs will be the first to compete, starting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, with a combined match at Woodson.

Photo packages that were ordered of high school football and volleyball players, as well as all levels of cheerleaders, are printed and ready for pickup at The Albany News.

By Sam Waller Season tickets for Albany Lions football games are on sale for the 2021 season. The Lions have five home games scheduled at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium, starting Sept. 17 against Haskell. That will be the first of three consecutive home dates, followed by Anson on Sept.

By Melinda L. Lucas Even amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the effect of Winter Storm Uri, hunters are still gearing up for the fall hunting season, which is happening “no matter what.”  Opening day of dove hunting in Texas is Wednesday, Sept.